“It speaks highly of your leadership that you’ve been able to hold your organization together for as long as you have while staying here.”
“Luck, I think, and I spent a long time out in the world building a rock-solid network. But thank you, old friend.”
I sink down into the chair beside him, feeling heavy and exhausted. “You really don’t have to do this.”
“I don’t have to save my own granddaughter from the man I hate most in this world?”
“You’re sacrificing yourself.”
He sighs and shakes his head. “When you get to my age, you start to think about what it all means. What was the point of all this? Why all the death? The killing? The power? If in the end, I’m as frail as any other man? This is a chance to spit in the faceof my own fate. I can choose how I end my story. I’ll have been a Dragon, a hidden Dragon, and a sacrificial Dragon. People will talk about what I did for a long time.”
“I hope you’re right. And thank you, Elias. You don’t know what this means to me.”
“Raise her right.” His face gets serious. “I mean it, Massimo. Raise that girl the best you can. Don’t spoil her, but make her comfortable. Teach her what it means to be a Dragon’s daughter.”
“I have a feeling Allie will handle that.”
Elias sighs and leans back deeper into his bed. “That girl came out right. I tried to have a hand in her, but Medved made that all but impossible. Despite everything I did for them, her father nearly ruined their family anyway, the stupid bastard. At least Allie and her brothers are decent.”
I decide now is probably not the time to mention that I have Gabe in the medical ward with a mangled ear and a whole host of impact injuries.
“They’re your legacy.”
“I suppose.” Elias looks at me straight. “When Medved ascends to power, he’ll be a problem. Check him at every turn. Don’t let the other Dragons ignore his influence. Make them understand that he’s a problem.”
“Still playing the power game, even right now.”
He laughs darkly. “Can’t help myself.”
I spend some more time talking to the old Dragon, and when I leave, he seems at peace, even though I’m a mess internally.
Lucy meets me in the hall.
“Is this happening?”
“Get everyone moving. The hidden Dragon leaves today.”
MASS
The seas are relatively calm as we cut through the chop. Allie stands beside me, wind whipping through her long hair, gazing out at the water. Every inch of her is scarred by stress and worry. I pull her tight to me and do what I can to ease some of her distress.
I would have left her behind, but she refused. Apparently, she threw such a fit that even Lucy agreed it was probably better to bring her along. It’s inconvenient and another layer I have to handle, but if I’m honest with myself, I’m proud of her for getting what she wants.
Like a proper Dragon’s wife.
“We’re close now.” I can’t see the warship, but based on the angle of the sun, I know it’s nearly time. “When we get into position, I want you safely inside. We’ll be out of range of Medved’s guns, but I’m not risking you.”
“I know. I promised I’d listen.” She leans against me. “I’m so terrified right now, Mass. What if they’re hurting her?”
“They wouldn’t dare. She likes Satya, even if the old bitch is a traitor.”
“I know. You’re right. But still.” She takes a breath, clearly fighting off more tears. “I just want this to be over.”
“Soon, my love, I swear it.” We stay huddled like that against the wind for a little while longer until Lucy comes to fetch me. I kiss Allie one last time. “I love you. I’ll bring her home.”
“I know you will.” She touches my cheek. “I love you too.”
One of the guards leads my wife down below deck. I watch until she disappears behind a heavily reinforced steel door.
