The Devil Doesn't Bargain | Daerin

25 | A Life for a Life

𝐇𝐚𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐎𝐕

The basement feels colder than usual. 

I stand at the head of the makeshift operating table, my eyes fixed on the door, waiting for Doctor Lee to arrive. The hum of the fluorescent lights above is the only sound, a low, constant buzz.

Minji is by my side, her fingers intertwined tightly with Hanni's. Hanni looks nervous, her eyes darting around the room, taking in the sterile equipment and the somber faces of the illegal medical team.

Hanni is still a student and has some years ahead of her, but she's here because she's the only person with medical training that fits the bill.

"Don't worry, love. You're going to do great. Just follow Doctor Lee's instructions, and everything will be fine," Minji whispers softly, kissing Hanni's temple for the nth time.

Hanni nods, biting her free fingers nervously. She glances at the empty operating table, then at the steel door across the room, where Ryan is being held.

Her eyes flicker with fear. I can see she's scared, but she's also determined to do whatever it takes to save Danielle. I respect her for that. We all love Danielle, and we'll go to any lengths to save her.

Minji keeps whispering soothing words and kissing Hanni's temple.

The sound of footsteps on the metal stairs catches our attention. A moment later, the door creaks open, and Doctor Lee steps in, followed by two other doctors.

He's an older man, with graying hair and a weary expression, but there's a sharpness in his eyes that tells me he's ready to throw caution to the wind. He's Danielle's cardiologist and the last time I saw him, I pointed a gun to his head. It's good that he's willingly doing this now. I just have to pay him a good amount of money.

"Thank you for coming, Doctor Lee," I greet him.

He nods curtly, setting down his bag and pulling on a pair of gloves. "Let's get this over with. I want to ensure everything is done correctly."

The illegal medical team starts preparing the equipment. Everyone moves with practiced efficiency, making the air thick with tension. We don't have much time—every second counts.

Doctor Lee turns to me, his eyes still sharp. "Where's the donor?"

I glance at the door where he is held. "He's in the next room. We're going to make sure he's a perfect match before... proceeding."

Doctor Lee nods quickly. I can tell he's not comfortable with this, but he understands the stakes. We all do.

Minji brings Hanni close to her by her waist, leaning in to whisper something in her ear. Hanni nods again, taking a deep breath. She looks at me, and I give her a small smile.

"You'll be fine, Hanni," I tell her.

She swallows hard but nods anyway. "I don't know about that, but I'll do my best."

With a final glance around the room, I gesture for one of the guards to bring him in. The door opens. Two burly men drag him into the room. He's disheveled, his eyes vacant from two weeks of relentless torture. His hands are cuffed behind his back while his mouth is gagged, letting his body be dragged harshly like a worthless piece of shit.