Chapter 52
Chapter 52
“Dr. Lewis, please calm down and let go of my sister. You’re getting tears and snot all over her. Elliot freed Danielle from Morgan’s grasp.
Realizing his lapse in composure, Morgan stepped back, his face flushing with embarrassment. ‘What if she thinks poorly of me?‘ he thought. His excitement had clearly gotten the better of him.
“I’m so sorry. I got carried away,” Morgan mumbled, his usually stoic face softening into a sheepish look as he lowered his head.
Danielle, who had indeed been startled by Morgan’s behavior, spoke calmly, “It’s alright. Just take it easy.”
“Danielle,” Elliot said with a soft smile, his eyes brimming with affection. “You can start whenever you’re ready.”
Danielle nodded before approaching one of the patients. She smiled warmly as she asked, “What’s your occupation?”
The patient on the bed looked at her with vacant eyes and replied, “I don’t know.”
With a snap of her fingers, Danielle’s voice grew soothing, almost melodic. “Relax. Now, close your eyes and calm your mind. You’ll only hear my voice. You’ve entered another realm, a vast ocean of energy. You’re a harbor connected to it, and this energy is yours to guide.”
As Danielle spoke, she observed the patient’s reactions closely. “Now, will you use this power to help others? If you’re willing, nod your head.”
The patient seemed to be struggling internally, sweat beading on his forehead before he slowly nodded.
“Good. Relax. Do you know the research lab at the border?” Danielle asked.
“Yes,” the patient replied.
“Who conducted the experiments on you?”
The patient began trembling violently at the question, his brows knitted in distress.
Danielle said in a soothing voice, “Breathe slowly. You’re safe here.
“It was a woman,” the patient replied.
“Do you remember her name?”
“Professor Sinclair… Many people died…”
Danielle’s expression turned pensive. ‘Vera must be the one conducting the human experiments, she thought. When they raided the Wulf Clan’s research facility, her team had only reported seeing Hugh, meaning Vera had already fled.
“Alright, I’ll clap three times. You’ll open your eyes on the third clap,” Danielle said.
On the third clap, the patient appeared to struggle, but Danielle snapped her fingers again, and he opened his eyes.
“Danielle, thank you for help,” Elliot said, his tone warm and tender.
No problem, Danielle replied calmly.
Elliot approached the patient and asked, “Are you all right? Do you remember what happened at the research lab?*
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“Yes,” the patient replied with a heavy nod. “That night, I was heading home late from work. I was ambushed and drugged. When I woke up, I was in the lab, where there were many others like me.
“From the moment we were captured, they injected us with all sorts of drugs, pushing us to the brink of death. Some couldn’t handle it and succumbed to the torment of the drugs. Every day, someone lost their life.
“For those who survived the initial rounds, we were sent to an underground lab for live experiments. The experiments were led by a woman. The other doctors called her Professor Sinclair was saved the day after I was sent there, so that’s all I
know.”
Elliot nodded as he processed the grim details. Evidently, the lab was conducting unspeakable experiments, but their ultimate goal remained a mystery. On the surface, Jackson appears to lead the Wulf Clan, but who’s really pulling the strings?‘ he wondered.
“You’re amazing, Quillon, Morgan exclaimed, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Danielle with unabashed admiration.
Danielle was unruffled. “I’ll leave the rest of the patients to you. You can do it.”
Morgan was dumbfounded, shaking his head vehemently. “No, I can’t. I’ve tried, but I couldn’t wake a single one.”
Danielle gave him a few pointers and a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “You’ve got this.”
Driven by Danielle’s encouragement, Morgan clenched his fists, thinking, ‘I can’t let her down. I can do this.”
Elliot glanced at his watch and said, “It’s almost lunchtime. Danielle, let’s grab something to eat.”
“Yes, the food at our cafeteria is the best. You have to try it, Danielle,” Lydia said warmly.
“Danielle, you must try the pork chop.” Maximus flashed a wide grin.
****
When the group entered the cafeteria at lunchtime, they instantly drew curious glances. The stoic squad leaders were uncharacteristically attentive to a young woman, carrying trays and engaging her in lively conversation. Yet, the young woman appeared even more aloof than their bosses.
“This pork chop is the best–perfectly tender and flavorful. Here, let me get you some,” Maximus offered.
“Danielle, try the sautéed vegetables. It’s my favorite,” Lydia said with a smile.
“Forget the greens! This drumstick is the real deal,” Justin chimed in. “You’re too thin–you need protein. Don’t be like Lydia. Next thing you know, you’d be grazing on grass.”
“What did you say?” Lydia glared at Justin, rolling up her sleeves,
“See how feisty she is? If she really marries your brother, she might bully you,” Justin quipped.
As if truly afraid that Danielle would be intimidated, Lydia’s expression immediately softened, saying in the sweetest voice, “Don’t listen to him, Danielle. I’m not usually like this. I can’t wait to pamper you; I’d never hurt you.”
“Don’t mind those two. Take whatever you like,” Luke said casually.
The soldiers in the cafeteria watched in disbelief, curious about the girl who had reduced their commanding officers to behaving like children.
Danielle looked at the spread of dishes before her, unsure which one to try first. All eyes were on her, waiting to see whose dish she would choose.
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Elliot grabbed a fork and placed some food on Danielle’s plate, prompting the others to do the game.
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Overwhelmed by the pile of food on her plate, Danielle finally said, “Guys, that’s enough. I can’t eat all of this.” These were her first words since entering the cafeteria. She had no chance to get a word in over all the chatter.
“Danielle, we have a sparring session this afternoon. Want to come watch?” Luke asked, his eyes bright with anticipation. He knew she was a sharpshooter, but he wanted to see if she could hold her ground in close combat.
“Yes, it’s going to be epic! You’ll regret it if you miss it,” Maximus said, rubbing his hands together eagerly.
Elliot and Lydia were also looking at Danielle expectantly.
The room fell silent as they waited for Danielle’s response.
Since Danielle was free for the entire afternoon, she agreed with a nod. “Sure”
“Great! How about a match with me?” Maximus was eager to know just how skilled she was in combat, which enabled her to raise Shadow Fortress to such heights.
‘So, he’s been waiting for this moment…. Danielle thought.
Elliot furrowed his brow. He had no idea how strong Danielle’s combat skills were, and Maximus was by far the most formidable of the captains. ‘What if she gets injured?‘ he thought.
“My sister’s here to watch, not fight. If you want to spar, take me on.” Elliot’s tone left no room for argument, radiating the fierce protectiveness of an older brother.
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