[RECOVERY ROOM - NIGHT]
The room was dim. Machines are humming softly. Vex lay still, eyes closed. Breathing steady, but silent.
Specter stood on the left side of the bed. Blitz on the right. Neither of them spokes at first. Then, Specter sighed.
"…You always do this, don't you?" Her voice soft, but tired. "Always putting others first…" A pause. "…before yourself."
She leaned closer slightly, and flicked Vex's forehead gently. "…Why are you so kind, huh?" A faint, bittersweet laugh escaped her.
Blitz held Vex's hand. Cold. Too cold. "…Yeah…" Her voice quieter. "You always let me eat first…" A small smile trembled on her lips. "…then you eat later."
A pause. "You said I need to eat more…" Her fingers tightened slightly. "…so, I can fight more people." Her voice cracked. "…so, I can protect you." A tear slipped down her cheek. "…You said one day…"
"…I'll be the one protecting you." Silence.
Specter looked down. Her voice is softer now, breaking. "…I'm crying like this…" A pause. "…and you're still not waking up?"
She swallowed. "…You used to tease me." A faint laugh, mixed with tears. "…Said I looked weak when I cried." Her hand slowly reached out, holding Blitz's hand, and Vex's hand together.
"…But now…" A breath trembled. "…you're the one making me cry." Her eyes softened. "…You made me strong, you know that?"
A pause. "…You said you'd always be there when I'm sad." Her lips curved slightly, fragile. "…Said you'd be my hero…"
"…the one who catches my tears." She let out a quiet laugh. "…If you don't wake up…"
"…who's going to catch them now?" Silence filled the room. Heavy. Warm.
Blitz leaned her head gently, against Vex's shoulder. Still holding her hand. Specter did the same, resting her head beside Vex.
"…Just wake up…" Blitz whispered. "…We're still here."
"…We're not going anywhere." Specter added. Slowly, their voices faded. Tired. Drained. Still holding onto her, they drifted into sleep. Together.
Three figures. Side by side. Tears still fresh, but no longer alone. Because even in silence, their bond remained. And somewhere, Vex could feel it. Not as pain. But as something, she wasn't ready to lose.
Silence filled the room. Soft. Gentle. Then, something shifted. Not loud. Not sudden. Just, a quiet reaction.
From Vex. Her fingers twitched slightly. Barely noticeable. And then, a tear. Slowly forming at the corner of her closed eyes. It slipped down. Quietly. Across her cheek.
No sound. No movement. But it was there. As if, somewhere deep inside, she heard them. Felt them. Their voices. Their warmth. Their presence. And even in the darkness, even without waking, she answered. Not with words. But with that single tear.
Because no matter how strong she pretended to be, no matter how much she hid, she was never alone. And she never was.
[CONTROL ROOM – NIGHT]
The screens flickered softly. One of them, showing the recovery room. Vex. Still unconscious. Blitz and Specter, asleep beside her. Holding onto her, even in sleep.
Phantom stood still. Watching. Not blinking. Not moving. His eyes stayed on Vex. That single tear, still fresh on her cheek.
"…You're really stubborn." His voice low. Almost a whisper. Then slowly, he leaned forward. Resting his head against the table. Silent. Still. His mind, not at peace.
Old wounds… What really happened that day…? What did I miss…?
Behind him, two figures stood. Watching. Quietly.
Kael leaned slightly toward Zander. Lowering his voice. "…So, he's got a soft heart after all." A faint smirk. "I thought he only had stone inside."
Zander chuckled softly. "…He's still human." A pause. "…He's always cared about Vex." He crossed his arms. "He can say he doesn't love her all he wants…" A grin. "…but the way he treats her says everything."
Kael nodded slowly. "…Yeah." A beat. "…He didn't even fight back earlier." A small laugh. "…That's not like him."
Zander smirked. "…That's because it's her team." A pause. "…He won't hurt what matters to her." Kael raised a brow. "…So, what's his plan then?"
Zander tilted his head slightly. "…Simple." A faint grin. "He's trying to protect her…" A pause. "…while destroying everything else."
Kael let out a quiet laugh. "…That's insane." Zander shrugged. "…That's Aiden." They both chuckled softly.
Then, a voice cut through. Sharp. Cold. "…Are you two done?" Both of them froze.
Phantom lifted his head slowly. Turning just enough, his eyes became dark. "…Laughing behind my back now?"
Zander didn't even flinch. "…Can't we laugh?" A casual shrug. "…Just trying to lighten the mood." A smirk. "You looked pretty sad staring at the screen earlier."
Kael immediately shut his mouth. '…Yeah, I'm not getting involved in this.'
Phantom's gaze shifted to him. Cold. Sharp. Kael straightened instantly. "…I said nothing."
Zander laughed. "…Relax." A beat. "We're just saying what's obvious."
Phantom stepped forward slowly. "…And what's that?" Zander's grin widened. "…You still care." Silence. Heavy.
For a moment, no one moved. Then, Phantom turned away. "…Get out."
Kael didn't wait. "…Got it." He turned immediately, walking out.
Zander stayed a second longer. Watching Phantom. "…You know…" A pause. "You don't have to pretend all the time." Phantom didn't respond.
Zander smirked. "…But sure." He raised his hands slightly. "I'll leave you to your 'not caring' moment." Then he walked out.
The room fell silent again. Only the screen remained. Vex. Blitz. Specter. Phantom stood there. Alone.
His gaze returned to the screen. "…I don't care. " A pause. "…I just need you alive." But even he didn't believe that anymore.
[PAST – HANSEL RESIDENCE]
The house was silent. Too silent. A young boy stood in the middle of the room. Head lowered. Hands trembling. Mike.
In front of him, Brandon Hansel. Cold. Unforgiving. "…Look at me." Mike didn't. "…I said, LOOK at me." His voice rose. Sharp.
Mike slowly lifted his gaze. Fear visible.
"…You disobeyed me." Brandon's hand moved, lifting a gun. Pointing it, directly at him. "…Then you take responsibility."
Mike froze. Couldn't move. Couldn't breathe. Then,
"STOP!" A small figure rushed in, fast. Desperate. Rania. She stood in front of Mike. Shielding him. Arms spread slightly. "…Don't." Her voice shook, but she didn't step back. "…He didn't mean it."
Brandon's eyes narrowed. "…Move." Rania shook her head. "…No." A pause. "…You're protecting him?"
"…He's, my brother." Silence. Then, a sound. BANG. The gun fired. Mike's eyes widened.
"…RANIA!" Her body jerked, then fell. Right in front of him. Blood, spreading across her chest. Same place. Same wound. "…Ah..." Her breath weak. Fading.
Brandon froze. For the first time, shocked. "…What have you done?!" He rushed forward, pushing Mike aside roughly. "Get away!"
He lifted Rania's body; his expression twisted. "…Rania…" Then, his face darkened. Turning toward Mike. "…This is your fault."
Mike froze. "…What…?"
"You were the one who should've been shot." Brandon's voice is cold. Sharp. "…Not my precious daughter." Silence.
Mike lowered his gaze slowly. "…I…" His hands clenched. "…I didn't…" But Brandon didn't listen. Didn't care. Because his attention, was only on Rania. "…Stay awake."
"…Don't close your eyes."
Mike stood there. Watching. Unseen. Unheard. Because he didn't know, he didn't understand that Rania stepped forward, not because she had to. But because she chose to. To protect him.
That day, a wound was created. Not just on her body, but between them. A misunderstanding. That would last for years. Because sometimes, the truth isn't hidden. It's just never told.
[RECOVERY ROOM – DAY]
Beep. Beep. Beep. The sound came first. Then, light. Blurry. Faint.
Vex's fingers twitched. Her brows tightened slightly. "…Ah…" A soft breath escaped her. Pain followed. Sharp. Familiar.
Her hand moved slowly, to her chest. The same spot. Her eyes opened. Slowly. Unfocused at first, then clearer. The ceiling. White. Quiet. Safe.
"…Hospital…" A whisper. Then, it hit.
Gunshot. Blood. A small boy. "…Rania!"
Her eyes widened slightly. "…Mike…" Her breathing grew uneven. That day. That moment. The first time she was shot. "…I remember…" She swallowed. Hard.
"I woke up…" Her voice faints. "…in the hospital…" A pause. "…just like this." Her fingers tightened against the blanket. "…And he was gone." Silence filled the room.
"…Mike…" Her voice softened. "…wasn't there anymore." Her gaze lowered. "…He left." A beat. "…He ran away." Her eyes dimmed slightly. "…I lost him." Not just physically. Emotionally.
"…Even though…" Her voice cracked, just a little. "…he hated me." A tear slipped down. Slow. Unstoppable. "…He thought it was my fault." A pause. "…That I took everything from him."
Her lips pressed together. "…But he never knew…" Her eyes closed slowly. "…I was just trying to protect him." Silence. Heavy. "…Where are you now…?" A whisper. "…Mike…"
A sister who saved her brother. But lost him anyway. Because sometimes, even the right choice, still breaks everything.
[UNKNOWN LOCATION – PRIVATE RESIDENCE]
The room was quiet. Dim lights. Closed curtains. A man stood near the window. Tall. Still. Watching the city below.
Mike. Or rather, Liam Mossberg.
A knock echoed. "…Come in." The door opened. A young woman stepped in. Careful. Measured. "Sire." She lowered her head slightly. "I have new information."
Mike didn't turn. "…Speak." Sera took a breath. "…Your sister is still at Phantom's residence." A pause. "She was shot…" Her voice lowered slightly. "…in the same spot as her childhood wound."
Silence. Then, a soft chuckle. Low. Dark. "…That's nothing." Mike finally turned. His expression was calm, but his eyes cold.
"There's a lot more pain…" A step forward. "…that I want her to feel." A pause. His smile twisted slightly. "…Not just her body." His voice dropped. "…Her heart."
A quiet laugh escaped him. "…That's where it hurts the most."
Sera stayed still. Used to this. Used to him. "…You may leave."
Mike waved his hand slightly. "…And don't forget." A pause. "I want updates." His eyes sharpened. "…Constantly."
Sera nodded quickly. "…Yes, sire."
"And remember." Mike's voice turned colder. "…I saved you." A beat. "So, you belong to me."
"…Forever." Sera lowered her gaze. "…Understood." She turned. Leaving the room.
The door closed behind her. Sera exhaled immediately. "…Seriously…" She muttered under her breath. "How did I end up working for a crazy boss like this?"
A small scoff. "He keeps bringing up how he 'saved' me." A pause. "…As if I owe him my whole life." She rolled her eyes slightly. "All he did was save me from my abusive father." A beat. "…And now I'm stuck here."
She walked down the stairs. Heading to the lower floor. "…Unbelievable." She entered her small room. Closing the door quietly.
Above her, the man known as Liam Mossberg stood alone. A new name. A new identity. All to make sure, Rania would never find him.
A brother, who once needed saving. Now, the one who wants to destroy. Because the truth he believed, was never the real one.
[LIAM MOSSBERG RESIDENCE – NIGHT]
The night was quiet. Too quiet. Sera sat outside, on a chair near the front of the ground. Half-awake. Half-asleep.
"…I feel like his wife already." She rubbed her eyes. "Waiting for my husband to come back from work." A yawn escaped her. "If I don't wait…"
"…he'll say I'm slacking again." She scratched her short, shoulder-length hair lazily. "…This job is really something."
Then, headlights. Bright. A sleek Porsche 911 entered the residence. Sera squinted. "…Finally." The car stopped. The door opened. Mike stepped out.
And immediately, Sera noticed. Blood. On his cheek. On his abdomen. Mike saw her, and didn't even hesitate. "…Hey." His tone sharp. "Can't you see I'm injured?" A step forward. "Hurry up and help me."
Sera blinked. Still half asleep. "…Sire… you're back already?" She rubbed her eyes again, trying to focus. Mike frowned. "…Of course, I'm back." A beat. "Move faster."
"You're so slow." Sera stood up quickly, supporting him. "…Why are you like this again?" She started walking him inside, still talking non-stop.
"Got into another fight?" A glance at his face. "…Your face doesn't even look human anymore." Mike scoffed. "…You talk too much." Sera ignored him. "I told you already…"
"Don't go around picking fights."
"…If you worked properly…"
"You wouldn't get beaten up like this." A pause. "And this mafia life"
"…not healthy, you know?" Mike rolled his eyes. "…Are you done?"
"Go get the medicine." Sera stopped. "…Why me?" A beat. "I'll call the doctor."
'Why do I have to treat him myself… more work at night… I should get overtime pay for this.'
Mike smirked slightly. "…You're my assistant." A pause. "So do your job."
Sera forced a smile. 'Calm down, Sera… don't argue… or he'll bring up that 'I saved you' story again.'
"…Yes, sire."
"Whatever you like, sire." Mike looked at her, amused. Satisfied.
[MIKE'S ROOM]
Sera started cleaning his wounds. Carefully, but still annoyed. Mike hissed. "…Oi."
"That hurts, are you trying to kill me faster?"
Sera didn't even look at him. "Just endure it."
"Sit still, can you?"
"How am I supposed to treat you if you keep moving?" Her other hand pressed against his body, holding him steady.
Mike sighed. "…Fine. Just be quick. I want to sleep."
Sera scoffed. "I want to sleep too, you know."
"Because of you… I lost my sleep time." She pressed slightly harder. "AH!" Mike glared. "…You did that on purpose."
Sera smiled innocently. "…No idea what you're talking about." Mike clicked his tongue. "…You're asking for it."
"I'll shoot you next time." Sera snorted. "Go ahead."
"I'm not scared." A beat. "You can't even hold a gun properly."
"…Your hands will shake." Silence. Mike froze. Just for a second. Then,
"…Done." Sera stood up. "…I'm going to sleep now."
"Good night, sire." Mike waved her off. "…Go away. You're annoying."
She left. Door closed. Silence returned. Mike sat there. Still. Then, his expression changed. "…That girl…" His voice low. "…Threatening me like that."
His hand clenched slightly. The memory hit. A gun. His father. That day. His fingers trembled, just slightly.
"…Tch." His eyes darkened. "…I'll deal with her tomorrow." A faint smirk appeared. "…Let's see how brave she is then."
A man feared by others, but haunted by his past. Because some fears, never leave...
TBC