Page 59 of Lost in Fire

The team leader makes another pointed throat-clearing sound. “Ma’am, the risk assessment—”

“Is my responsibility,” Hargen interrupts. “And I’m accepting it.”

But Ember is already pulling away from me, wiping her eyes. Growing up in real time, accepting what can’t be changed.

“I hate this,” she says quietly.

“So do I.”

“I hate that you’re choosing them over me.”

“I’m choosing your future over my present.” The words taste wrong. “I’m choosing to keep you alive.”

“It’s not fair.”

“No. It’s not.”

She looks around the room—at the extraction team, at Hargen, at the life she’s about to leave behind. When her gaze returns tome, something has shifted. She’s no longer fighting what has to happen.

“I love you, Mom.”

“I love you too, baby. More than my own life. More than anything in any world.”

We embrace one final time. I memorize the feeling of her in my arms, the sound of her breathing, the way she smells like home and everything I’m giving up.

“Ready?” the team leader asks, gentler now.

Ember nods against my shoulder. When she pulls away, she’s composed. My brave girl, facing the unknown.

“When we see each other again—” she starts.

“When,” I agree, though we both know it might be never.

Hargen approaches. “Vanya.”

“Take care of her,” I whisper again.

“Always.”

“Help her understand her heritage. Teach her to fly properly. To fight if she needs to.” My voice cracks. “To love without fear.”

“I will.”

He starts to say something else, but I shake my head. We’ve said what matters. Anything more will only make this harder.

The team moves with renewed efficiency. Equipment checked, weapons secured, communication established. They’re good at this—extracting people from impossible situations.

Ember picks up her duffel bag, movements steady now. She’s made her peace with leaving, even if she hasn’t made peace with my staying.

“A year,” she reminds me.

“A year.”

Then they’re moving toward the door. My daughter walking away from me, possibly forever. Hargen beside her, protective and steady. The team surrounding them both.

I follow them to the front door but don’t step outside.

“Mom?” Ember pauses on the threshold.

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