Page 80 of Lost in Fire

The network remains secure. The families still hidden. Whatever happens to me now, that knowledge will get me through the pain.

I close my eyes, letting memories wash over me. Ember. Hargen. The happiness they brought.

I won’t survive this situation. The realization brings surprising calm. The Syndicate will make an example of me. My execution will be public, a warning to others who might consider similar betrayal.

But they won’t find the others. They won’t dismantle what we’ve built. That certainty feels like victory, even in defeat.

Hours pass. The cell door opens again, revealing Cassia flanked by two different guards. Her face shows nothing as she enters with verification equipment—professional detachment masking whatever she might feel at seeing me chained and broken.

“Additional tests have been ordered,” she announces for the guards’ benefit. “Standard protocol for high-level verification.”

I watch her set up the equipment with precise movements. Her presence here means she’s not under suspicion, which is the first good news I’ve had since waking in this cell.

“This will take approximately thirty minutes,” she tells the guards. “The subject must remain isolated during the procedure to prevent contamination of results.”

They hesitate, exchanging glances.

“Director Vex authorized this personally,” she adds firmly.

“We’ll be right outside,” one says finally. “Call if there’s any trouble.”

The door closes behind them. Cassia activates the equipment, creating a low hum that masks conversation. Only when the machines are running at full capacity does she move closer, dropping to her knees beside me.

“Most families have been evacuated,” she whispers, her professional mask falling away. “The network is holding.”

Relief washes through me. “No signs they suspect anyone else?”

“None. They believe you acted alone, protecting your hybrid daughter.” Her fingers work quickly, loosening the binding chains just enough to ease the worst pressure. “Your sacrifice has saved dozens of lives, Vanya.”

“Worth it,” I manage, though the words come out as a rasp.

She works in silence for a moment, adjusting equipment settings that don’t need adjusting, buying us precious minutes.

“They’ll execute me,” I say eventually.

“Yes.” No false comfort, no empty reassurances. This is why I’ve always trusted her. “Three days, according to the schedule I saw. Public, so everyone knows what happens to traitors.” Her expression darkens.

Three days. The timeline is both too short and endless. “The families who haven’t been evacuated yet?”

“We’ll get them out. Meredith has taken over coordination.” She names another member of our network, someone positioned to continue the work. “The system you built will survive you.”

I close my eyes briefly, gratitude overwhelming. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me.” Her voice catches slightly. “You’re the one paying the price.”

A truth neither of us can change. I swallow against the tightness in my throat.

“I’m not afraid to die,” I tell her, needing someone to understand. “I’ve been prepared for that possibility since this began.”

“Then what?” she asks softly.

“I’m afraid of not seeing them again.” The confession tears from somewhere deep inside, the fear I’ve kept buried. “I finally had them both, only to lose them forever.”

Cassia’s hand finds mine, a brief squeeze that offers more comfort than words could. “They know you loved them. That you did this for the right reasons.”

“Do they?” I wonder. “Or do they think I chose duty over family? As always.”

“They know,” she says with quiet certainty. “And someday, they’ll understand.”

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