Page 78 of Taken

The camera’s red light blinks twice, then goes dark.

“Talk fast,” Hargen says, abandoning all pretense.

“I’ve seen something,” I whisper, voice urgent. “Something awakening. Connected to the Heartstone.”

His eyebrows lift. “What kind of something?”

“A woman… emerging from ash.” I grip his hand. “This isn’t ordinary magic, Hargen. This is ancient, something we don’t understand. The visions keep coming stronger each time.”

“Could it be connected to the energy fluctuations they’ve been tracking?”

“It’s more than that. Whatever—whoever—this is, she’s going to change everything.” I lean closer. “The power I’ve sensed… it rivals the Heartstone itself. Stronger even.”

“At least your daughter is safe.” His voice softens.

“Yes. She’s with Caleb Craven.” Relief floods through me. “I can feel her now, stronger than before. The connection between them… it’s formed into something permanent.”

“So it’s true, what they’re saying? A mate bond?” Hargen’s surprise breaks through his composure.

“Yes.” A smile touches my lips, despite everything. “It gives her protection. The Cravens won’t abandon one of their own, especially not the mate of their leader.”

Hargen glances at his watch. “Forty seconds left.”

“Creed’s been pushing me,” I continue, urgency replacing relief. “Each session with the Shard, he wants me controlling dragons from further distances. Testing the limits.”

His face darkens. “I know. He’s planning a Craven infiltration.”

Cold washes through me. “To what end?”

“I don’t know specifics. Only that it’s happening soon.” He hesitates. “Two, maybe three days.”

“I need to fight him,” I say, the words tasting of desperation. “Whatever he’s planning, it can’t be good. Not for Elena, not for anyone.”

“Lila, don’t.” His voice drops lower. “Creed’s patience is gone, especially after your attack on him. If you defy him again—”

“What? He’ll kill me?” I laugh, the sound brittle. “That’s coming, regardless.”

His eyes find mine, anguish bleeding through his professional mask. “I’ve seen the orders, Lila. Once they have Elena,once they’ve finished with this mission, you’re scheduled for termination.”

My world stops spinning for a moment. I’ve always known this was a possibility, even a probability. But hearing it confirmed still steals my breath.

“Twenty seconds,” Hargen reminds me, watching the timer on his wrist.

“So that’s it?” I ask, strangely calm. “A bullet because I’m no longer useful?”

“They believe Elena will be more malleable. A fresh Rossewyn witch without any defiance built into her.” His hand tightens around mine. He leans closer, his voice urgent, speaking quickly, “I won’t let them execute you, Lila.”

I squeeze my eyes shut for a second, pulling in a breath. The seconds are flying past, closing our chance to discuss this.

“What choice do we have?” I search his face. “Security protocols keep shifting. Reeve can barely get access to this section anymore.”

His jaw sets with determination I rarely see. “I’ll find a way.”

“If I resist during the Shard session…” I begin.

“Five seconds left.” He cuts me off. “They’ll kill you on the spot. And then there’s no way you’ll be able to help her. Don’t give them the excuse.”

The camera light blinks back to life, ending our brief window of truth. Hargen pulls away, resuming the clinical distance of handler and asset. The mask slides back into place seamlessly, but the knowledge sits between us like a living thing.

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