Page 9 of Forged in Fire
The twin bond that’s grown strained gives the faintest flutter, so brief I almost miss it. My fire surges in response, hope and terror warring in my chest.
“How did you get these energy readings?” I ask.
Elena exchanges a glance with Mara, who grins and pulls out what looks like a modified tablet. “Let’s just say Mara has some unconventional tech skills.”
“I may have borrowed some data from a private research firm that definitely shouldn’t have that level of detailed magical resonance mapping,” Mara says cheerfully. “Plus, I’ve been tracking weird energy anomalies for my TikTok channel, anyway. When Elena described what we were looking for, I already had half the data.”
Elena clicks to another screen, showing what appears to be a 3D model of underground chambers. “These are based on what we could glean from the area. The thing is, getting there won’t be easy. The caves are in remote terrain, and according to my sources, they’re not unguarded. The Syndicate has been moving resources into that area for months.”
My shadows deepen, responding to the spike of urgency that shoots through me. Months. They’ve been there for months while I’ve been chasing dead ends across half the globe.
“Which brings me to the other thing,” Elena continues. “Viktor and Caleb want to organize a proper expedition. Full team, backup support, careful planning. They’re talking about leaving in three or four days.”
The words make my breath catch. Three or four days. While my brother remains trapped, while whatever the Syndicate is planning moves closer to completion. My dragon nature recoils from the delay, fire licking under my skin.
“That’s… thorough of them,” I manage.
“It’s smart,” Elena corrects. “Iris, this isn’t like tracking down leads in cities. If the Syndicate really has established a presence around that burial chamber, we’re talking about significant opposition. Ancient protections, modern security, who knows what else.”
“What does Viktor’s plan look like?” I ask, though part of me is already calculating flight times to Bucharest.
Elena brightens, clearly relieved that I’m engaging with the idea. “Full tactical team—Caleb, some of the Collective team; Caleb wants Luke for more combat support. Viktor wants to coordinate with some of his international contacts, people who know the terrain and the political situation. He’s even talking about bringing you and me because of our research expertise, and Ember because of her connection to the visions.”
“Gee, thanks. You mean I’m part of the team?” I roll my eyes. “As for Ember, Vanya will never agree to that,” I point out.
“Which is why they need time to negotiate,” Elena says. “Viktor thinks he can convince her if they present a comprehensive safety plan. Caleb doesn’t set much stock in dreams, but Viktor thinks it’s worth including.”
I listen to their reasoning, their logical arguments for caution and preparation. Every word makes sense. Every concern is valid. And every second they talk, that invisible countdown in my head grows louder.
The twin bond flutters again, stronger this time. A wordless pull toward the east, toward mountains and stone and the brother I failed to save.
“I should definitely go with them,” I say, testing the words. “This is about Kieran. I should be there.”
“Of course you should,” Mara agrees. “You know him better than anyone. If he’s… changed, you’d be the one to reach him.”
Changed. The word sits heavy between us, laden with implications none of us want to voice. Three years in Syndicatehands. Three years of whatever they do to prisoners, especially ones with our particular heritage.
“But going in smart is the only way to guarantee we can get him out,” Elena adds. “Iris, I know waiting is hard. But we’re talking about walking into what might be the supernatural equivalent of a fortress.”
I stand, moving to the window that overlooks the valley. Stars twinkle in the gathering darkness, celestial bodies that couldn’t care less about my petty problems. Though they’re not petty to me.
“What if we’re too late?” The question escapes before I can stop it, probably giving away my intentions. “What if three more days is three days too many?”
The room falls silent. Elena’s fingers pause over her keyboard, while Mara studies me with those sharp green eyes.
“We won’t be,” Elena says quietly. “Caleb was right when he said they won’t kill him if they have a purpose for him.”
“Which means they’ll keep him alive until that purpose is fulfilled.” I turn back to face them. “And then what?”
Elena closes her laptop with deliberate calm. “Then we make sure we reach him before that happens. But we do it smart, with backup, with a plan that gets everyone out alive.”
“Even if I went alone,” I say, half to myself, “it’s not like I could just walk in there and—”
“Alone?” Mara’s voice rises an octave. “Oh, hell no. Iris, that’s not even remotely an option.”
“You’d be committing suicide,” Elena adds firmly. “And you know it. You’ve been hunting the Syndicate—you know better than anyone how dangerous they are.”
I do know. I also know how it feels to wake up every morning with the weight of abandoning Kieran sitting on my chest. How it feels to carry too much guilt and desperate hope, watchingevery lead disappear while committees debate and plans get refined.
