Page 20 of Lost in Fire

He came. He got the message, and he came.

“Elder Arrowvane?” Vex’s voice carries sharp curiosity. “Is everything alright?”

I force my hands to steady, retrieving the tablet with jerky movements. “I… Yes. Fine.” I clear my throat. “Interesting development.”

Interesting development.

As if the man I’ve loved for over two decades hasn’t just walked voluntarily into the heart of enemy territory. As if the father of my child isn’t sitting in a Syndicate holding cell right now.

“Indeed. His story is that the witch manipulated him through their handler bond. Magical coercion over an extended period, forcing him to help her escape when Aurora made their move.” Vex watches me with unsettling intensity. “Rossewyn magic is certainly powerful enough to achieve such manipulation. But is his claim genuine, or is it a cover for willing defection?”

“An excellent question.” My voice sounds normal, controlled, giving away nothing of the turmoil beneath. “I’ll need to examine the magical residue patterns. Analyze the psychological markers. Determine whether his claimed victimization is authentic or fabricated.”

Magical coercion.

A perfect cover story for infiltration. Present yourself as a victim rather than a traitor, offer intelligence to prove your value, gain access to sensitive operations from within.

Clever. Dangerous. Exactly the kind of desperate gambit Hargen might attempt if he thought our daughter’s life was at stake.

He always was resourceful.

Among other things.

“I thought that would intrigue you.” Vex stands, straightening his expensive jacket. “Cole’s knowledge of Aurora operations could be invaluable. But more importantly, his connection to the Rossewyn bloodline might provide insights into our ongoing investigation.”

“Investigation?”

“Surely you remember our last meeting, Elder? The pattern of interference we’ve been tracking. Someone within our ranks has been protecting mixed-bloods, redirecting operations, allowing targets to escape.” His voice carries dark satisfaction. “Hargen Cole spent years in close contact with Rossewyn magic. If anyone might recognize the signatures of manipulation, it would be him. It’s quite likely his own magic could be useful too. We could use him to help dig out the traitor.”

“A fascinating possibility,” I manage.

God, he’s relentless.

Vex’s thin lips curl up as he stands. “Break him properly, Elder. Find out what he knows about Aurora’s internal security. About their intelligence networks. About who might be feedingthem information from within our own organization.” Vex moves toward the door, then pauses. “And if his defection proves genuine, we’ll have gained a valuable asset against our enemies.”

“And if it doesn’t?”

“Then we’ll learn what the Aurora Collective hoped to accomplish by sacrificing him.” His laugh grates on my frayed nerves. “Either way, we win.”

The door closes behind him, leaving me alone with the impossible reality of what’s just happened.

Hargen is here. In Syndicate custody. Asking to speak with high-ranking officials about Aurora intelligence.

I force myself to breathe. To think past the surge of desperate hope that threatens to overwhelm me.

He came because of my message. Because he learned he has a daughter whose life is in danger.

But he doesn’t know who he’ll be facing when they bring him up for interrogation.

My hands shake as I reach for the secure communication array. “Marek.”

“Yes, Elder?”

“Clear my schedule for the remainder of the day. No interruptions. No exceptions.”

“Of course. Should I inform the other League members—”

“No.” I cut him off. “This interrogation is classified at the highest levels. No one else is to know about it until I’ve completed my assessment.”

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