CHAPTER SEVEN

FIONA'S P.O.V

One hour later, we were heading toward Mikhail's office—me walking between Jace and Mark.

Jace knocked on the door. A deep voice called for us to come in. Upon entering Mikhail's office, I took in his appearance: messy hair, dark circles under his eyes, and a sleep-deprived expression.

It didn't take long to realize he'd barely slept. He'd probably been working in here all night to look this way, though he was still handsome.

"Hi, Fiona. How was your night?" he asked, attempting a smile.

"It was peaceful, but I can't say the same for you," I replied with my own smile.

"Do I look that awful? How could you tell?" He grimaced.

"It's obvious. You look like you died and came back to life."

He let out a low chuckle while staring at me intently. I could feel Jace and Mark watching us with knowing expressions, which made me uncomfortable, though I tried not to show it.

"Jace told me you have something to tell me," Mikhail said, his voice turning serious.

"Oh... um... it's about my memories." I put on my most believable tone, hoping they'd take the bait.

"What happened? Did you get them back?" Mark asked before Mikhail could respond.

I turned to look at him, making sure not to glare. "Not really, but I remember something."

"What do you remember?" Mikhail asked, curiosity evident on his face.

Good—the plan was working. Now I just needed to keep up the lies, and maybe I'd get somewhere.

"Well, I don't think it's important. I don't want to bother you with my problems," I said, looking down.

"Fiona, listen—we offered to help you. You didn't force us into anything, so don't think that way," Mikhail said.

"Yeah, you can count on us," Jace added with confidence.

Honestly, I felt guilty about lying to them, but I had to. I didn't know what danger lay ahead, and I couldn't go around getting innocent humans involved.

"Okay. I saw this building near the area where you found me. I keep seeing it in flashes, and I think I've been there before."

"I know that building. It's not far from the forest," Mark said.

"Maybe that's where you were held hostage. Your memories must be returning," Jace suggested.

"In that case, I think we should check it out," Mikhail said.

"I thought the same thing. If someone from the clan could drive me there so I can look around—"

"No need for a driver. I'll take you there and check out the place myself," Mikhail replied.

I absolutely froze.

This wasn't the plan. I was supposed to be there alone so I could focus my energy on picking up a scent. It would be easier since I'm a Royal—our senses are sharper than other dragons.

"Oh no, I couldn't trouble you like that. I'm sure I can manage alone. You don't have to come with me," I said desperately.

"That's too dangerous. What if there are hostile people there who get their hands on you?" Mikhail said.

"Yeah, you need someone to protect you, and Mikhail's the best person for that," Mark added with yet another smirk.

This couldn't be happening. If I went with him, I wouldn't be able to investigate properly... Actually, maybe I could use this to my advantage, since Mikhail clearly wouldn't change his mind about accompanying me.

"Okay, if you insist, then I guess we'll go together," I said with a grateful expression, even though I felt anything but grateful.

"Go get dressed. We're leaving soon," he told me.

After that was decided, I left the office with Jace and Mark so Mikhail could finish whatever he'd been doing before we arrived.

Jace escorted me back to my room and asked me to meet him downstairs when I finished getting ready. I chose a white top with pink leaves, pink trousers, and silver shoes.

After dressing, I brushed my hair and secured it in a tight bun before heading downstairs. I found Jace and Mark sitting in chairs and approached them.

"I'm ready. Where's Mikhail?"

Before Jace could answer, I heard his voice behind me.

"Right here. Let's go."

I turned to see Mikhail standing there, already dressed and ready. We all went outside to what I assumed was Mikhail's car. Mikhail took the driver's seat while I sat beside him.

Jace and Mark waved goodbye as Mikhail drove out of the clearing. At first, I wondered how we'd get through the forest with a car, but my question was soon answered.

We drove along a cleared path that looked designed for vehicles leaving the forest. It made sense, considering thousands of people lived here with numerous vehicles.

After driving for a while, we finally emerged from the forest onto paved roads. We continued for about fifteen minutes before I spotted what I assumed was the building.

It was an abandoned warehouse that looked quite old. Paint peeled from the walls, most windows were broken, and it appeared thoroughly dilapidated. But it was located in a secluded area—exactly the kind of building where bad things could happen, where hostages could be kept.

Mikhail stared at the building with obvious caution, and I couldn't help but grow alert at his wariness. He was probably right to be careful, since we had no idea who or what might be inside.

"I want you to stay close to me while we're inside. Don't leave my sight for anything," Mikhail said in a strict tone.

I was about to answer, but he continued.

"We don't know who's in that building, so we need to be careful. I wouldn't want you getting hurt." He spoke this last statement with a clenched jaw.

Even though I knew I shouldn't react to his words, I still felt a part of me grow warm at the fact that he cared about me and didn't want me hurt.

"Okay, but we need to search thoroughly in case there's anything suspicious inside," I said.

I saw Mikhail nod before asking, "Are you ready to go in?"

I wanted badly to say something like "I was born ready" or "ready as I'll ever be," but instead I stuck with a simple "yes."

We both

walked toward the door, prepared to open it and see who or what waited inside.

I was ready for anything.