Heroes of Veridia

Chapter 4

Hours later, after the incident with Selene, Donovan Wolfe, the red-haired hero who had rescued Evelyn, brought her home, earning praise from her father. Evelyn lay on a bed, with Donovan and her dad standing over her. A nurse was summoned to tend to her injuries. The room was dimly lit, with a single candle flickering on the bedside table, casting long shadows across the walls. The scent of antiseptic lingered in the air. Donovan's expression was a mix of concern and pride, while Victor Blackwood, Evelyn's father, wore a stern, worried look.

Outside, Evelyn's soldiers stood like statues, their presence masked but their eyes unwavering. Each soldier was taut with focus, their expressions hard as stone, ready to spring into action at the slightest provocation. Their loyalty and concern for Evelyn were evident in the way they braced themselves, hands hovering near their weapons, eyes scanning the surroundings with laser-like intensity.

"They will regret doing this to my daughter," Victor Blackwood barked, his voice rough and gravelly with age, causing the nurse to jump slightly.

"I'm done. Her wounds are healed, but she needs to rest to regain her energy," the nurse informed them, his hands glowing softly as he finished applying his healing ability. The soft blue light from his hands faded as he exited the room.

"Don't worry, Mr. Blackwood. Just give me the word and I'll hunt them down before dinner," Donovan said, his smirk widening as he casually leaned against the wall. "I've taken down worse than this lot without breaking a sweat."

Victor shook his head. "You can't. I can't lose a powerful soldier like you. I won't let you go alone. You will go with Evelyn's sister. With her air manipulation, your flames will become exceptionally strong."

Donovan's smile broadened at being called powerful. "I appreciate your concern, but she's only going to slow me down. Please trust me. I will hunt them down successfully without fail, and we can celebrate her birthday party when I return." Flames flickered to life in his hand, illuminating the room with a warm, orange glow, casting an aura of confidence and pride around him.

Victor nodded in acceptance, his gaze turning serious. "Regarding Evelyn's party, I want you to make sure no one messes it up. I will present the serum during the event. Leave the hunting for another day."

The room fell silent, the weight of Victor's words settling heavily. Donovan understood the gravity of the situation; the serum was a closely guarded secret, and Victor's seriousness was palpable. The flickering flames in Donovan's hand dimmed slightly as he nodded, the magnitude of his responsibility sinking in.

"I overheard what that filthy commander tried to do to Evelyn. Bring him here. I'm going to teach him some manners," Victor ordered.

"As you wish boss," Donovan responded. He exited the room with a smile on his face. Upon reaching the compound, he called one of the modified heroes and ordered him to relay the information to the said commander.

~~~

A few minutes later, the commander lay sprawled on the floor of Victor's office, blood smeared across his uniform and pooling beneath him. His breath was ragged and shallow, each exhale a testament to the severe beating he had endured. Weakness sapped his strength, leaving him barely able to move.

"This is your punishment. No one dares to hurt my daughter," Victor growled, his voice dripping with cold fury. He turned to his guards, who stood rigidly at attention. "Get him out of here," he ordered. As the guards dragged the commander away, Victor's eyes gleamed with a dangerous hunger for power. He whispered to himself, "She's going to be my most powerful asset."

Victor exhaled deeply, leaning back against his desk, a smug satisfaction settling over him. But his triumph was short-lived. Suddenly, he felt a strange weakness creeping through his body. His energy seemed to drain away, replaced by an icy coldness that spread from his arm. Realizing what was happening, Victor quickly pulled his arm back from the glowing gem on his desk.