Page 101 of Lost in Fire

The realization makes something fierce and protective rise in my chest despite my weakened state.

This is my family.

The thought settles into my bones with quiet certainty.

This is what I’ve been fighting for.

I heave a deep sigh as exhaustion and anxiety are gradually replaced with something warmer. More complete.

“Are you okay?” Vanya’s voice is sharp, her eyes moving over my face.

“Couldn’t be better,” I say. “Tell me what happened.”

They take turns explaining what happened after I lost consciousness in the fire. Ember’s voice grows excited as shedescribes her first full transformation—the way her hybrid abilities manifested in ways that stunned even Vanya.

“I didn’t just shift,” she says, gesturing with her hands. “I became something new. Dragon and witch combined. The fire that came from me wasn’t just hot—it was intelligent. Alive. It knew where to strike.”

Vanya’s expression grows complicated as she picks up the story. “The remaining Syndicate forces scattered when they saw what she’d become. Between that and the combined Aurora-Craven assault…” She shakes her head. “It was over quickly after that.”

“What about Vex?”

“Escaped.” Viktor’s voice comes from the doorway. He enters without invitation, moving with that strange stealth that never quite leaves him. “Wounded, but alive. My people are tracking him.”

I try to sit up straighter and immediately regret it as pain flares through my torso. Ember’s hand hovers near my shoulder, uncertain.

“Dad, don’t,” she says quickly. “Please. You’re still healing.”

Viktor approaches with clinical interest. “Your survival was statistically unlikely,” he says in his matter-of-fact way. “The physical trauma alone should have killed you. But you’re surrounded by considerable power.” His gaze shifts between Vanya and Ember. “It’s not impossible that their presence is accelerating your recovery.”

Ember’s cheeks flush. “I think… I think I might be helping without meaning to. My abilities are still so new, but I can feel something. A connection.”

Pride swells in my chest so fiercely it nearly overwhelms the pain. My daughter. So young, and already more powerful than most dragons twice her age.

“Thank you,” I tell her, and mean it completely.

Viktor continues his briefing with typical efficiency. The Syndicate leadership in complete disarray. The Shadowhand’s defection and Roland Vex’s escape have created a power vacuum that’s tearing the organization apart from within. Several cells have already surrendered to local authorities rather than face retaliation.

“Most importantly,” Viktor says, his tone carrying weight, “the Collective’s council convened yesterday. Your actions—all of your actions—have raised your profile within our organization.”

Vanya goes very still. “What does that mean?”

“It means your family is now officially under Aurora protection. Your daughter’s existence is no longer a secret requiring concealment. She’s an asset we’re prepared to defend.”

The significance of that statement isn’t lost on me. After all this time, my daughter isn’t just accepted; she’s valued. In the span of a single battle, Vanya’s burden has been lifted.

“There will be conditions,” Viktor continues. “Training for Ember. Regular check-ins. But you’re no longer fugitives.”

After he leaves with promises to return later, the three of us sit in comfortable silence. I study their faces—Vanya’s cautious relief, Ember’s wonder at this new possibility of freedom.

“We’re really safe?” Ember asks quietly.

“Yes,” Vanya answers. “Yes, we’re safer than we’ve been since you were born.”

“Even before that,” I mutter darkly. “I hate that we lived in a world where we couldn’t even be together.”

“Let’s not think about that now,” Vanya murmurs, stroking my cheek.

I don’t try to argue. I’m just too damned tired. Exhaustion creeps in despite my desire to stay awake, to hold on to every moment with them. My eyelids feel like lead weights.