Page 61 of Fated By Fire
Revoke all access to Malakai Steele. Advise security to bar him from the building.
It’s a bold move, but I feel that it’s justified. After the fight with Steele, I think it’s safe to say that we’re no longer on the same side. Whether he’s working with the Syndicate, or the Circle of Fire has opted to branch out on their own, we’re going to lock horns. And I’m not going to take any chances on him having access to the Heartstone.
Sloane’s response is immediate and typically unquestioning:
Of course.
The woman really is a gem.
Sliding the phone back into my pocket, I leave the conference room and head in the direction of my office.
As I approach the door, Lydia James glides down the hallway toward me.
“Caleb,” she says softly.
“Lydia.” I mask my surprise. “I was just about to contact you.”
Her silver-gray hair gleams under the dimmed lights, and her eyes—sharp and assessing—meet mine steadily. “We need to talk.”
“Agreed.” I gesture towards my office. “Shall we?”
She inclines her head and follows me inside. Once the door closes, she turns to face me, her expression unreadable.
“I’ve been hearing things,” she begins. “Rumors of dissent. Malakai’s name keeps coming up.”
“He’s up to something,” I confirm. “Possibly aligned himself with the Syndicate.”
A flicker of emotion crosses her face—sadness, perhaps. “I feared as much.”
“There’s more.” I take a breath. “They tried to abduct someone important. A woman—Elena Ross. She’s… a descendant of Lyria Rossewyn.”
Lydia’s eyes widen fractionally. “Impossible.”
“It’s true. The Heartstone reacted to her. She bypassed our security as if it wasn’t there.”
She moves to the window, gazing out thoughtfully. “If what you say is true, then she is of paramount importance.”
“I’ve secured her for now, but we need to understand how to proceed. How to protect her and the Heartstone.”
Lydia turns back to me. “The Rossewyn line was thought to be extinct. If she carries that bloodline, she may possess untapped abilities.”
“She’s untrained. Vulnerable.”
“Precisely why the Syndicate wants her.” She pauses. “We must consider bringing her into the fold. Teaching her.”
“Is that wise? Exposing her further?”
Lydia’s gaze hardens. “Keeping her ignorant is far more dangerous. Knowledge is her best defense.”
I rub my temples, the weight of decisions pressing heavily. “I need to think.”
“Don’t take too long,” she warns gently. She moves toward the door but hesitates. “Caleb, be careful. There are those within the clan whose loyalties may waver. Trust must be earned.”
I nod. “Thank you, Lydia.”
After she leaves, I sink into my chair, running a hand over my face. The path ahead is murky, fraught with potential missteps.
My thoughts drift to Elena, alone at the cabin. I promised to keep her safe, but with enemies circling, is anywhere truly safe?
