remained in the middle of their little rescue party as they made slow progress through the trees and undergrowth of the forest. While he had a couple of years of self-defense training under his belt, he’d never actually had to use it in the field like they would be during this rescue. And that made him a slight liability.
One he hoped to rectify in the coming months. Will was damned if he’d let Leyna try to solve the issue of her brother and the drug lord on her own. Especially since they had no idea if Millie or anyone else working with her would help Leyna with that little problem. He might be able to call in his favor from earlier with Millie Ward, but there were no guarantees.
And no matter the cost, Will wanted to make sure Leyna was free to live her life as she wanted. Admitting he still loved her was a huge step, but it was the truth. He could never get back the two years they’d spent apart, but he was going to try his damnedest to make up for lost time.
Well, once they finished the mission.
Jaxton raised his arm and gave the signal to stop. Will listened intently, but he couldn’t make out anything special apart from the wind rustling in the trees. They were in the Outlying Islands of Hong Kong and this particular one was the least inhabited. A few of Will’s colleagues from the Hong Kong research facility had spent some of their holidays and weekends in the more rural Islands District, but he was pretty sure the island under his feet was privately owned.
It was a strange choice for where to stash away and imprison the magic user. Will would’ve expected the researchers to keep E-1655 high above the ground to protect themselves. While no one knew exactly how far away from the earth a magic user could still move it, distance was always used as a precaution.
Maybe when he started the next chapter of his life with Neena’s group, Will could do some tests to better understand the range of elemental abilities. If he believed the legends and a disaster was coming, knowledge could help the Talents and their army.
Trying not to think about how much his world had changed in the last few days, Will waited for Jaxton’s order.
Jaxton finally motioned forward and they continued silently making their way through the forest. The light was growing faint and Will could barely see.
When he bumped into Kiarra’s back, he murmured an apology. She pointed up. He followed her finger and his jaw dropped.
High above them was a large rectangular box hanging in place by wires attached to the top and bottom of the container. The wires ran from the edges of the rectangle to the poles stationed every few feet around the structure. Each pole was topped with faint glowing orbs. Scanning what he could in the dim light, his eyes landed on a raised drawbridge-type structure secured between two of the poles with wire.
If that wasn’t enough, another platform stood about halfway between the structure and the ground. Judging by the faint light shining through several jagged holes, the elemental earth user had been taken off the drugs long enough to use her abilities there.
Even though Will had previously had high security clearance at the Hong Kong facility, he had never known of the structure’s existence. He wondered if it was new. If so, they had built it bloody quickly.
Petra was right behind him, and she tugged his shirt until he retreated. Their party continued back the way they had come for ten minutes before Jaxton spoke up again. “We should be beyond their range for any microphones or sensors here. While Neena had mentioned the structure being unique, she never said it was dangling in the bloody sky. We need to alter our plan.”
Will frowned. “To what? If we had an elemental wind user, or even an earth user, it would be easier.”
Kiarra answered, “We’ll have one once we rescue the woman. For now, I say we draw out whoever is inside the structure. If I create a flame on the underside and warm up the floor, they should evacuate.”
Petra jumped in. “And what if they leave her inside? I’m pretty sure your boss doesn’t want a barbecued Talent.”
Kiarra waved a hand. “I can lessen the heat of the flames with Jaxton’s help. More often than not, the illusion is enough to scare away the enemy.”
Will had a few words he wanted to say to the cocky woman, but he kept his mouth shut. With all he’d learned lately about magic, it was entirely possible Kiarra could do what she said.
Jaxton pointed at Will. “You’ll standby to help, if needed. Even if we all survive without a scratch, we have no idea what shape that magic user will be in.”
Only because they’d agreed to keep the secret of E-1655 being a Talent did Jaxton not refer to her by her rightful title.
Will nodded. “I’ll try my best, but don’t expect for me to perform miracles. Like with any skill, it takes time and practice to refine it.”
“I understand that more than anyone,” Kiarra murmured.
“Right,” Millie chimed in. “Then while Kiarra does her flame trick, I propose Petra and I take care of the fleeing researchers and other staff. If one of them escapes, it might cause a headache for us later on.”
Jaxton grunted. “Fine. But I want them alive. I’d like to bring a few of them back to base and question them.”
Millie raised her brows. “Of course they’ll be alive.”
Jaxton muttered, “Just making sure. You get a little enthusiastic sometimes, Millie.”
Petra spoke up. “I’ll make sure she behaves.” Millie opened her mouth, but Petra beat her to the reply. “There’s no time to argue. If nothing else, then consider me your operation partner. We’ll keep each other in check.”
Millie slapped Petra’s shoulder. “Good. Glad to see you’re finally seeing me as your equal, Brandt.”
“Enough,” Jaxton jumped in. “The longer we stand here, the greater the chance we’ll be discovered. Let’s go.”