Echoes of Time

Chapter 23 - A Father's Fury

The old man's anger surged like a storm. His figure flickered, growing darker, more powerful. Keith could feel the weight of his presence, the fury radiating off him like heat from a fire.

"You think you're doing this for her?" Dr. Monroe's voice was sharp, laced with venom. "You're only making things worse. You're selfish, boy. You're doing this because you can't stand the guilt. You're afraid of losing her, just like I lost them."

Keith flinched at the accusation, his heart twisting with guilt. But he wouldn't let the old man manipulate him. "I'm doing this because I love her. And because she deserves a life free of this nightmare."

The old man's face twisted with rage, his voice rising in a furious snarl. "You don't know what love is. If you did, you'd let her go. You'd let her live her life without meddling with forces beyond your control."

Keith's hands trembled, the hourglass glowing brighter as time seemed to warp around them. The air crackled with energy, the tension thick enough to suffocate.

"I can't let her go," Keith said through gritted teeth. "Not when I can stop this. I won't let her be another victim of your experiment."

Dr. Monroe's eyes blazed with fury. "You have no idea what you're talking about! You're just a child, playing with fire."

Keith's heart pounded, his pulse racing in his ears. He could feel the old man's power growing, the weight of his presence pressing down on him. But he refused to back down.

"I've already lost everything," Keith said, his voice trembling with emotion. "My parents. My childhood. My future. I won't lose her too."

The old man's expression darkened, his ghostly form flickering with rage. "You will lose her. You will lose everything if you keep using that hourglass. The curse will consume you both."

Keith's throat tightened, fear clawing at his insides. But he couldn't stop now. He had come too far.

"I'm not afraid," Keith lied, his voice barely a whisper.

"You should be," Dr. Monroe hissed. "Because the hourglass doesn't just warp time—it warps reality. And when it's done with you, there won't be anything left."