Page 110 of Born in Fire

“But only if they have me,” says Elena.

“Which puts an even bigger target on your back, my love.” Caleb’s expression grows darker. “I don’t like the fact that you’re so deeply involved in all of this, Elena.”

“Too late to turn back now, handsome.” She grins.

“It’s not funny, Elena,” he mutters darkly.

My head’s still spinning from Elena’s discovery when my phone buzzes. Daniel’s name flashes on the screen.

“Yeah?” I answer, moving away from the group.

“Dorian.” Daniel’s voice is tight with urgency. “We’ve got a sighting. Malakai. He’s in Pioneer Square.”

My blood runs hot. “You’re sure?”

“Positive. One of our scouts tracked him to an old building that connects to the underground network. You know, the buried city beneath downtown?”

“I know it.” My fingers tighten around the phone. “Text me the exact location. We’re on our way.”

I end the call and turn back to the others. “Daniel’s spotted Malakai. Pioneer Square, in one of the buildings connected to the underground city.”

Caleb’s on his feet instantly. “We need to move. Now.”

“I’ll grab my gear.” Elena starts gathering her notes.

Caleb freezes. “You’re not coming.”

“Like hell I’m not.” She straightens, eyes flashing.

“Elena.” My brother’s voice drops to that dangerous register he uses when he’s about to dig his heels in. “Malakai targeted you specifically last time. He knows what you are, what you can do.”

“Which is exactly why you need me.”

“Which is exactly why you need to stay somewhere safe,” Caleb counters. “If he gets his hands on youandthe Shard…”

I watch the silent battle of wills between them. Elena’s jaw is set, but I can see the calculation in her eyes. She knows he’s right, even if she hates it.

“Fine,” she finally says. “But I’m not sitting in your penthouse alone.”

“Lydia’s,” I suggest, meeting Caleb’s gaze. “Her place is a fortress.”

Caleb nods. “I’ll call her now.”

While he steps away to make the call, Elena mutters, “This particular lead probably won’t amount to much, anyway. Pioneer Square is too obvious for Malakai.”

“Maybe,” I say, “but we can’t risk being wrong.”

Juno’s been quiet through all this, but I feel her hand slip into mine. When I look down, her eyes are troubled.

“What is it?” I ask softly.

“I don’t like this,” she whispers. “Something feels wrong.”

Before I can respond, Lydia arrives with surprising speed, elegant as always, despite the urgency.

“Elena will be perfectly safe with me and Serena,” she assures Caleb, who’s hovering protectively. “We’ve activated all the security protocols.”

“Thank you,” Caleb says, reluctantly stepping back.

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