What other hell is the Syndicate planning for dragonkind?
These are details we need to know.
I watch Luke’s back as he navigates ahead, steady, capable, already planning our next steps. He’s going to make this choice, regardless of what I want to do, and I know what he’ll decide: extraction, safety, let Aurora handle it.
The logical choice. The smart choice.
But every instinct screams it’s the wrong choice.
We need more information.
My mind starts calculating possibilities. The facility is maybe three miles southwest. I memorized the route during the transport, could retrace it. The Syndicate will be focused on tomb operations, not facility security. The rest are probably out in the field, looking for me; they’d never expect me to go back there. Besides, my hybrid nature makes me valuable alive. If caught, they won’t kill me immediately.
That’s not comfort. That’s just different horror.
But if I’m not caught, if I can get in quietly… I could find out more about the ritual: exact timing, location, method. Findweaknesses in their operation that Aurora could exploit. Maybe even sabotage equipment, delay the timeline.
The risks flood my thoughts. I could die. Could be captured and tortured. Could trigger the very catastrophe I’m trying to prevent.
But doing nothing—hiding behind Luke while others suffer—feels worse than any of those outcomes.
I’ve spent my whole life hiding what I am. Maybe it’s time to do something useful.
We reach a small clearing with a stream; clear water, relatively flat ground. Perfect for a rest stop.
“We’ll rest here,” Luke announces. “Eat, hydrate, then push the last stretch.”
He drops his pack, pulls out our remaining rations: compact bars, water purification tablets. He divides them precisely, hands me my share.
“Eat,” he says. “You’ll need the energy.”
I take the ration mechanically, my mind already three steps ahead, planning.
Luke studies my face. “You’re quiet.”
I force a smile. “Just tired.”
He doesn’t look convinced but doesn’t push the issue.
After scanning our surroundings, Luke makes a decision.
“Stay here. I’m going to scout the perimeter, see if I can supplement rations.”
My pulse kicks up. “You’re leaving?”
“Thirty minutes; forty max,” he says. “There are berry bushes and possibly game trails nearby. We need calories.”
I nod slowly. “Okay.”
Luke hesitates, something in my tone clearly not sitting right with him.
“Don’t wander. Stay within the clearing.”
“I will.”
He holds my gaze for a few seconds, searching for… something. Reassurance, maybe. I keep my expression neutral, open, even as his proximity makes my skin flush warm. Those intense eyes, the strength in his jawline… I force myself to look away before he reads the truth on my face.
Finally, he nods. “Thirty minutes.”
