Page 66 of Lost in Fire

“That you seemed unusually concerned about measures designed to expose traitors.” She turns a page, creating noise for any listening devices that might penetrate the dampening fields. “Vanya, the new verification procedures aren’t just talk. They’ve already begun in the lower levels.”

“How invasive?”

“Complete neural scanning. Memory retrieval. They detect connections formed within the past three months.” Her voice drops lower. “They’re looking for something specific.”

Three months.

My connection with Hargen stretches back decades, safely predating their scanners. But the recent activation of our bond to plan Ember’s escape—that would show clearly in any detailed scan.

“Have they reached our division yet?”

“Two days out, according to the schedule.” Cassia closes the file with precision. “Zeller and Brixton have already requested emergency leave. The Bristol family disappeared overnight.”

Members of our network, already fleeing. The safety system beginning to cave under pressure.

“And the families in the southern district?”

“Evacuation in progress, but quietly. One family at a time to avoid pattern recognition.” She meets my eyes directly. “Vanya, you should consider—”

“No.” The word is sharp.

“Vanya—”

“I made my choice, Cassia.” I organize the files, hands steady through sheer force of will. “I stay. I continue the work. You focus on getting the vulnerable families out.”

She studies me for long moments. “This isn’t just about the network anymore, is it? It’s about them. About what you gave up.”

My throat tightens unexpectedly. In all our years working together, we’ve never discussed the personal. Never acknowledged the costs.

“Ember is safe,” I say finally. “That’s what matters.”

“And him?” she asks softly.

An image flashes—Hargen’s face in early morning light, watching me with quiet intensity. The careful way his fingers traced my cheek as if memorizing it. The promise in his eyes that somehow, impossibly, we would find our way back to each other.

“He understood,” I say, though the words feel hollow. “He didn’t agree, but he understood.”

Cassia’s expression softens with rare compassion. “The tests will detect recent emotional upheaval. They’ll see something happened, even if they can’t identify what.”

“Then I’ll give them something else to see.” I close the final file decisively. “Schedule me for the purification raid in Sector Twelve. Full participation, not just oversight.”

Her eyes widen. “That’s a high-risk operation, even for someone with your clearance.”

“Exactly. It will explain any emotional disturbance. Show commitment to the cause.”

She nods slowly, understanding the strategy even as concern crosses her face. “The family has already been evacuated through our network. The house will be empty.”

“Perfect. I’ll express enraged disappointment at the targets’ escape. Recommend increased surveillance in neighboring sectors.”

As we prepare to leave the archives, Cassia touches my arm briefly. “How are you really, Vanya?”

The question catches me off guard. So simple, yet no one has asked it in days. Perhaps years.

“I’m…” The words catch in my throat.Empty. Hollow. Shattered.“Focused on what matters.”

She sees through the evasion but doesn’t press. “I’ll update the evacuation protocols. Be careful with Vex.”

I give a sharp nod and leave the room, making my way back to my offices. There, I bury myself in tedious admin until thoughts of Ember and Hargen fade to something tolerable.

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