Page 81 of Taken

Now.I release my control just enough, giving Serena an opening. She seizes it, momentarily breaking through.

“Run,” she gasps, her true voice emerging. “Trap—”

Before she can finish, I’m forced to clamp down again as Emerson notices the fluctuation.

“Stabilize the connection,” she snaps, moving closer. “What’s happening?”

“Interference,” I lie, strengthening the bond while still concealing my deliberate sabotage. “She’s fighting back.”

Through Serena’s eyes, I watch Lydia reach for her phone, alarm written across her features. But it’s too late. Black SUVs screech to a halt around their car, boxing them in. Syndicate operatives emerge, moving with intent.

And among them, striding with cold purpose—Creed.

“What are you waiting for?” Emerson demands, watching me closely, noting how the monitors are dipping. “Do something.”

I grit my teeth and push Serena to move. To my horror, her body responds immediately, hand snapping out to grab Lydia’s wrist before she can complete her call.

“Serena, what—?”

The elder’s words cut off as Serena’s other hand grips her throat.

“I’m sorry,” Serena whispers, her true self bleeding through again as I deliberately weaken my control.

Syndicate operatives wrench open the car doors, dragging Lydia out. She fights, ancient dragon strength making her formidable even against multiple attackers. Scales ripple beneath her skin as she partially shifts, a roar building in her throat.

Two operatives inject something into her neck. She convulses, then goes limp.

I choke back a scream as they drag Elena from the car. My daughter struggles, fire crackling between her fingers, Rossewyn magic awakening in her blood. Pride and terror war within me as I watch through Serena’s eyes.

“Let me go!” Elena shouts, her power flaring.

Creed steps forward, unfazed. “Ms. Ross. At last.”

Two dragons flank him, shifting partially, scales gleaming beneath their skin. Elena’s magic surges, but she’s untrained, unprepared. They overwhelm her in seconds.

“The tunnels,” Creed commands. “Secure containment protocols.”

Through Serena, I’m forced to watch as they bind Elena’s hands with spelled restraints. My daughter’s eyes dart around, searching for escape, landing briefly on Serena’s face.

“Why?” she asks, betrayal raw in her voice.

I try to make Serena speak, but the elder’s will reasserts itself unexpectedly. She’s cooperating now, her resistance fading.

“It’s necessary,” Serena says, her voice entirely her own. Confusing me.

They load Elena into an SUV, surrounded by guards.

Creed’s cold smile sends ice through my veins as he turns to Serena. “Well done. Your sister will be pleased to know you’re not signing her death sentence today.”

I stiffen as I realize what’s happening. He’s threatening someone she cares about. He’s got more leverage over her. Not just me. Probably because he knows I’d try to fight this. Alastair Creed didn’t get to where he is by being a fool.

The scene shifts. Serena must have taken over because I didn’t have control of the past few minutes. We’re in a tunnel, someplace dark. Water drips. Elena is standing unbound, looking around us. Creed stands beside her, eyes cold as he watches her face.

“What do you want from me?” she snaps.

“An invitation,” Creed says smoothly. “Work with us. Help us control the Heartstone, to take our kind to its rightful place in the world. As its rulers.”

“What?” she snaps. “You’re asking me to help you take over the planet?” She scoffs. “Never. I’ll die first.”

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