Page 82 of Lost in Fire

The assembled team turns as we enter. I recognize Lila’s mate, Talon, and her daughter, Elena, but the others are new faces.

A shifter male stands near the tactical display, tall and powerfully built, sandy-blond hair and intelligent chocolate-brown eyes assessing Nadia and me with interest. His posture screams military.

Beside him, a young woman with electric blue hair and bright green eyes looks up from a laptop, multiple tattoos visible on her arms beneath an “I ♥ Bigfoot” hoodie.

“Mara Jones,” Elena says by way of introduction. “My tech consultant and conspiracy theorist.”

“And best friend,” Mara adds with a wink. “I’m here to get you in there.”

“Civilians shouldn’t be involved in tactical operations,” the man says immediately, earning himself a sharp look from Mara.

“This ‘civilian’ just hacked the Syndicate’s security network while you were flexing, Luke fricken’ Kenan,” Mara shoots back, fingers never stopping their dance across her keyboard. Luke doesn’t respond, but goes back to glowering.

Near the window, another dragon shifter turns from studying the city below. Striking features, unusual copper-gold eyes that seem to catch and hold light.

“Iris Asguard,” she introduces herself, studying me with intense curiosity. “You’re the one who infiltrated Syndicate territory. After escaping it. You’re either brave as hell or out of your mind.”

“Both,” Nadia says dryly, earning a slight smile from Iris.

Mara looks up from her laptop, pride evident in her voice. “They’re holding her at the Syndicate Stronghold. Maximum security.” She clicks a few keys, and a detailed schematic appears on the main display. “Guard rotations, security checkpoints, the whole nine yards.”

Luke moves closer to examine the intel, grudging respect creeping into his voice. “How reliable is this?”

“Buddy, I may run conspiracy theory TikToks, but my hacking skills are solid,” Mara replies defensively.

The tension between them is tangible, but they work together with surprising efficiency. Luke points out defensive chokepoints while Mara highlights potential digital vulnerabilities.

“The chains they use aren’t just physical restraints,” Lila says quietly, her gray eyes distant with memory. “Syndicate binding magic suppresses not just power but connection. Complete magical isolation.”

I nod in response. “We suspected as much. I lost contact with her shortly after I received her last message.”

Iris steps forward. “I was held there briefly two years ago. I know the guard rotation patterns.”

“You were held by the Syndicate? How did you escape?” Nadia asks.

Iris’s expression darkens. “I didn’t. They released me as a warning to others.” Her voice drops. “Not everyone is so fortunate.”

The unspoken grief in her tone suggests personal loss. Another story, another tragedy caused by Syndicate brutality.

Caleb moves to the tactical display. “We can provide distraction at the northern perimeter. Draw their attention away from your insertion point.”

Talon nods. “I studied these schematics extensively when we extracted Lila. Their security protocols have blind spots, but they’re narrow windows.”

“I can follow magical traces even through suppression fields,” Nadia adds.

“Really?” Luke turns to her. “And just how do you do that? You’re wolf, right?”

Nadia nods. “And more,” she says in a tone that suggests she’s not planning to elaborate.

Iris points to the schematic. “The maintenance tunnels have lighter security but are heavily warded. It’s a trade-off.”

“I can loop their surveillance systems for exactly seven minutes,” Mara interrupts, then adds with typical confidence, “Maybe eight if I’m feeling generous.”

“Seven minutes isn’t enough time,” Caleb objects, studying the facility layout with a tactical mindset.

I step closer to the display, analyzing entry points and escape routes. The Stronghold is a fortress, designed to keep people in and rescue attempts out. But every fortress has weaknesses.

“Small team, focused objective,” I decide. “In and out before they realize what’s happening.” I meet each person’s gaze in turn. “Core infiltration team: myself, Nadia, and Iris. Everyone else provides diversion and technical support.”

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