Page 63 of Lost in Fire

Nadia looks at me curiously. “And you are?”

“Hargen Cole,” I tell her. “Ember’s… father.” The words feel strange, but I like the way they sound.

“Good to meet you.” She glances at Viktor. “I figure you two have a lot to discuss.” She looks back at Ember. “Wanna come with me? I’ll get you settled. Viktor’s questions can wait until you’ve processed everything that’s happened.”

The older man looks like he wants to object, but Nadia’s steady gaze makes him reconsider. “Very well. But we need to discuss timelines and security protocols.”

“After breakfast,” Nadia says firmly. “And coffee. Lots of coffee.”

She moves toward Ember, offering her arm as if they’re old friends. “Come on. I’ll show you to your quarters and introduce you to some of the other residents.”

As they reach the door, Ember looks back at me. “You’ll still be here when I get back?”

The question reveals more vulnerability than she’s shown since learning about her mother’s sacrifice. She’s lost everything familiar—home, safety, the woman who raised her. I’m the only constant left in her world.

“I’m not going anywhere,” I promise.

After they leave, Viktor and I sit in silence for several moments.

“So you’ll take her in?” I say, at last.

“Of course we will.” He huffs a breath. “That’s our mandate. We’d never turn away one of our kind.”

Relief floods me. “Thank you,” I say. “I realize it’s not what you expected.”

“Nothing in this realm is ever what I expect,” he admits wryly. “Tell me about her.”

“She turns twenty-one in less than two weeks,” I say. “According to her mother, that’s when her full powers will manifest.”

Viktor’s concern is evident in his expression. “And what exactly will emerge? What abilities has she shown so far?”

I describe what Vanya told me about Ember’s unique magical signature—fire manipulation that sometimes burns cold, empathic sensing beyond normal dragon abilities, unusuallystrong connection to ancestral memories. The flame I saw her create.

“A powerful combination,” Viktor acknowledges. “But also potentially volatile. The witch and dragon magics could conflict catastrophically at full emergence.”

Couldconflict.Notwillconflict.There’s hope in that distinction.

“That’s why she needs to be here,” I press. “Ember needs guidance through this transition.”

Viktor circles back to his primary concern. “You promised the Shadowhand would provide ongoing intelligence. How exactly will that work with her identity remaining classified?”

The question I’ve been dreading. Because the truth is, I don’t know if Vanya will survive long enough to establish communication channels. The enhanced protocols hunting for traitors within the Ivory League are closing in, and she’s chosen to stay directly in their path.

“She’ll establish secure communication channels,” I say, choosing my words carefully. “Dead drops. Encrypted messages through established networks.”

“And you trust her to follow through?” Viktor’s skepticism is plain.

“I do.” The certainty in my voice carries weight because it’s true, despite everything.

“Because of your history with her,” Viktor observes—not a question but a statement.

I don’t deny it. “Because I know who she is beneath whatever identity she’s assumed.”

Viktor studies me for a long moment, weighing calculations I can only guess at. The personal connection has clearly complicated his decision-making process. Finally, he nods. “The girl will be safe here. We’ll provide protection, training, guidance through her manifestation.”

I offer a smile. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet.” Viktor’s expression remains serious. “This changes things, Hargen. A personal relationship between one of my operatives and our most sensitive intelligence source creates… vulnerabilities we’ll need to address.”

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