It almost seemed like fate was taunting me. Not only had I narrowed the screaming mountain that Lao Li mentioned to a potential disused cave system in the east, but...the note proved somethingwasgoing on.
––––––––
To, K,
They’re trying to create another like my son.
Ever since you took him and sent him back...he’s different.
His crib keeps smoking. His bathwater keeps boiling.
I’m trying to hide it from the staff, but he’s getting worse.
There are rumours that the Eastern Crucible has been reopened.
And not for Brimstone reactors.
You need to shut them down.
Meilin and I are trapped and can’t get out, but Wen can be trusted. If you get this message, please find a way to destroy it.
And I’ll...I’ll find a way to stop my son.
Jin.
––––––––
Not save. Not help.Stop.
Did that mean my father was planning on killing me?
What if the one man who was meant to love me unconditionally decided I was too dangerous to stay alive?
But if he believed that, why had he given me a lifeline beyond his grave? Why give me access to Sovereign Retrieval? Who was he writing to?
What the fuck is going on in that mountain?!
The fire simmering in my chest grew hotter. I didn’t like so many unanswered questions. I didn’t like my past overshadowing my future, all while my present was still so unknown.
Rook shifted, her foot sneaking under the blankets to find me in her sleep.
The bond between us tugged, her feelings feathering into me.
Fear and worry, love and loyalty.
She frowned as if her dreams turned to nightmares. Nightmares full of loss and pain and panic.
I went to gather her in my arms, but...
I suffered the same feelings.
The same clawing dread.
Somethingwas waiting in that mountain.
I needed to go. Had to find out. But...I didn’t want to risk hurting her.
She’d already seen far too much death thanks to me.
