Page 38 of Blazing Reactions

The battle that followed was brutal but precise. Talon’s elite guards systematically eliminated the remaining mercenaries while he engaged the enhanced monster. Its movements werepowerful but clumsy - proof that Dimitri’s experiments still needed work.

“Almost...” Asher’s focus filled his mind. “The wards are nearly recharged. When I give the signal...”

The mutated dragon reared back for another attack. Talon saw his opening.

“Now!”

Ancient power surged through the sanctuary as Asher activated the enhanced wards. Talon’s flames, amplified by the sacred energy, struck true at the base of the monster’s skull. The reaction was catastrophic - unstable enhancement magic combusting in a spectacular display.

“Data collected,” Asher announced with satisfaction as the creature’s remains crashed to the forest floor. “Also, incoming medical team for our guys. And, Talon? Hurry back. Using this much power may have been a tiny bit ambitious for someone fresh out of bed.”

Talon found Asher half-slumped over the control panel, Harlynn supporting her with a worried frown. Despite her exhaustion, Asher’s eyes lit up when he entered.

“Did you see that ward amplification?” She tried to straighten and winced. “The energy conversion rate was incredible. Though maybe next time I should wait until I’m fully healed before attempting experimental magical engineering.”

“You think?” He gathered her carefully into his arms, inhaling their mingled scents. He sensed her fatigue warring with scientific excitement. “What happened to bed rest?”

“Overrated. Besides, look at this data!” She waved a tablet weakly. “Dimitri’s enhancement experiment left distinct energy signatures. We can track-” Her words cut off in a yawn.

“Tomorrow.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “Right now, you need rest.”

“Fine.” She curled into his chest. “But only because you’re warm and I’m too tired to argue.”

“That’s a first,” Harlynn muttered, earning a half-hearted glare from Asher.

THIRTY-FIVE

Pain radiated through Asher’s shoulder in dull waves, dragging her consciousness back to the surface through layers of medicated fog. The steady beep of monitors provided a rhythm to match her shallow breathing.

Obviously, yesterday’s battle was something she shouldn’t have done, setting her back to the first days in the medical wing.

Her eyelids became too heavy to lift, but other sensations filtered through—the crisp scent of antiseptic mingling with something ancient and earthy, the brush of cool air from ventilation systems, and most prominently, the warm pressure of Talon’s hand enveloping hers.

She forced her eyes open, blinking against the soft light. The medical wing of the Draker estate spread around her in a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and ancient healing magic. Holographic displays floated above sleek monitoring equipment, while crystals embedded in the walls pulsed with ethereal healing energies.

“Welcome back.” Talon’s deep voice drew her attention. He sat beside her bed, golden-hazel eyes intense with concern. She sensed his relief at her waking, tinged with lingering worry andcarefully controlled anger—not at her, but at those who had hurt her.

“How long?” Her voice came out raspy.

“Sixteen hours since the attack.” He reached for a glass of water, helping her take small sips. “Dr. Bennett and your mother have barely left your side.”

As if summoned by his words, Dr. Bennett strode in, adjusting his wire-rimmed glasses as he studied the holographic readouts. Her mother followed close behind, her usual composed demeanor showing cracks of exhaustion and concern.

“Your genetic markers are finally stabilizing,” Dr. Bennett announced, manipulating a three-dimensional display of her DNA structure. “Though the process is... unprecedented.”

“Unprecedented how?” Asher attempted to push herself up, but fire shot through her shoulder. Talon’s hand steadied her, his energy flowed into her like a cooling balm.

Before Bennett could answer, Everett burst through the door carrying what appeared to be half a medical supply store. “I brought everything! Quantum stabilizers, neural enhancers, that weird Japanese healing device Mom swears by—” He dumped the pile onto a nearby table with a crash.

“Ev,” Asher managed weakly, “half of that isn’t even medical equipment. That’s a coffeemaker.”

“It’s a very therapeutic coffeemaker,” he defended, then turned to Bennett. “Did you try the quantum resonance therapy I sent over?”

“That’s not a real thing,” Asher and her mother said simultaneously.

“Yet,” Everett added with his trademark grin. “Give me time.”

Talon watched this exchange with a mix of amusement and confusion, his thumb still tracing gentle circles on Asher’s wrist.His fondness for her family’s particular brand of chaos filled her heart.

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