Page 30 of Lost in Fire

And gives me the private access I need to coordinate our next moves.

The thought carries more weight than strategy. Our time apart may have ended yesterday in that sterile room, but our reunionfelt incomplete. Hollow. We need time away from cameras and listening devices to plan how we’ll protect Ember.

And maybe I simply want to be alone with him.

Vex studies me for long moments, his mask giving away nothing. “You’ve never had to struggle to break an interrogation subject before now. What’s changed?”

“This one has been altered by the most powerful witch we’ve ever had in our facility,” I say smoothly. “Her influence affected him significantly.”

“So you’re suggesting we deviate significantly from standard procedure.” He doesn’t look convinced.

“Standard procedure hasn’t gotten us the intelligence we need,” I point out. “The subject knows things that could identify Aurora operatives within our organization. Knowledge that dies with him if we push too hard, too fast.”

“The security risks—” Creed begins.

“Are manageable.” I cut him off without bothering to look in his direction. “Maintain surveillance. Limit his movement to secure areas. But create conditions that encourage voluntary disclosure rather than forced extraction.”

Silence stretches between us, filled only by the soft hum of climate control and the distant sounds of the tower’s daily operations. I watch Vex weigh options, calculating risks against potential gains.

Finally, he speaks. “What environment do you propose?”

“My private offices. Magical wards prevent unauthorized surveillance while maintaining security protocols. Comfortable enough to suggest partnership. Isolated enough to prevent escape or communication with external contacts.”

And private enough for the conversation that will determine whether we save our daughter or watch her burn.

Creed’s expression darkens. “You want unsupervised access to a potential Aurora infiltrator?”

“I want effective interrogation of a valuable intelligence asset.” My voice gets that edge that’s silenced stronger opponents than him. “My methods have produced results for fifteen years, Creed. I suggest you trust them.”

The words carry just enough bite to remind him where we stand in the hierarchy. He may command security operations, but I answer directly to the Ivory League. In this room, his authority stops where mine begins.

Vex raises a hand before Creed can respond. “How long would you need?”

“Seventy-two hours minimum. Possibly longer, depending on his cooperation.” I meet his gaze steadily. “Building trust takes time. Breaking psychological barriers requires patience.”

Three days. Enough time to plan. To coordinate. To find a way out of the trap closing around all of us.

“The timeline works,” Vex decides. “But I want regular updates. Every twelve hours, regardless of progress.”

“Of course.”

“And full surveillance on the transfer,” Creed adds, making it clear he’s not asking. “I don’t care what wards you’ve got—I want eyes on both of you until he’s secured in your facility.”

I nod gracefully, as if his paranoia doesn’t perfectly serve my purposes. Let him watch the transfer. Let him see nothing more threatening than a prisoner moving from one cell to another. He’ll never suspect he’s facilitating the reunion that will either save us all or destroy everything we’ve built.

“When can we begin?” I ask.

“Immediately.” Vex stands, his movements carrying decisive energy. “I’ll have the transfer orders prepared. Creed will coordinate security protocols.”

“Understood.” I rise as well, my movements suggesting professional satisfaction. “I’ll prepare my facility for an extended session.”

As I move toward the door, Vex’s voice stops me. “Elder Arrowvane?”

I turn back, maintaining a careful balance of respect and authority.

“This intelligence could be crucial to our ongoing purification initiatives. Don’t disappoint me.”

Behind my mask, I smile with genuine warmth for the first time in years.

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