Lila. Hargen close behind.
“I’m here to help,” she says. “You’ll need Rossewyn magic to integrate your fire without destroying what’s already there.”
She’s right. The barrier is delicate. Different magics woven together. I can’t just force power through.
Another impact. The barrier buckles.
“Now,” Viktor says.
I reach for my fire. Controlled. Measured. Not the full force that could level everything.
Lila’s magic touches mine. Red-gold witch-fire creating pathways through the barrier’s structure where my power can flow without disrupting the existing weave.
The barrier solidifies. Cracks seal.
“It’s working!” someone shouts.
Through the wall, Creed’s triumph shifts to fury.
“Impossible—” He stops. Understanding dawns. “You’re holding back.” Contempt fills his voice. “The great Dragon King. Reduced to careful control. This is what you’ve become?”
I don’t answer. Just maintain the steady flow.
“Then we escalate.” Creed barks orders. “Full assault. Break that barrier. Retrieve Vex. Bring me the Dragon King.”
“They’re committing everything,” Viktor says.
“Then so do we.” Caleb’s voice cuts through. Fully in command. “Kael and Lila hold the barrier. Viktor—prepare strike team. We’re going on offense.”
“Sir?”
“They’re focused on the barrier. We hit their flank. Drive them back.”
Smart. Aggressive. Exactly what I would have ordered.
The strike team forms. Twenty dragons. Armed.
“Can you hold without me?” Caleb asks.
“Yes.”
He nods. Shifts partially. “Then let’s end this.”
The side gate opens. Caleb’s team pours out. Fast. Coordinated.
They hit the Syndicate flank hard.
Creed spins. Shouts orders. But his forces are trapped between barrier and assault.
The weapon falters as operators defend themselves.
“Now!” Caleb roars. “Drive them back!”
The Syndicate breaks. The weapon powers down.
Creed stands motionless. Staring at me.
“This isn’t over,” he shouts. “Eventually you’ll have to choose what you are.”
