𝑆𝐸𝐶𝑅𝐸𝑇𝑆 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝑉𝐸𝑅𝐶𝑅𝐸𝑆𝑇 ( BOOK 1)

Chapter 27: Vehemence Unleashed

The sky above Gregory's house was thick with dark clouds, promising a torrential downpour, but it did nothing to deter their resolve. In the backyard, Gregory, William, Sol, Max, Tom, and Clara were readying themselves for training. The vast estate stretched to the sea, lined with boats and trucks—a testament to Gregory’s preparedness. Peter and Penelope stood by, eager to support their sister.

Inside the house, Susan and Riley sat at the breakfast table, the clinking of cutlery the only sound until Susan broke the silence. "Riley, you seem like a good guy. Why did you end up with your brother Harrison?" Her eyes were gentle but probing, seeking to understand his story.

Riley paused, then began, "It’s complicated. Our parents died eight years ago, attacked by my father's enemies. After they passed, Harrison and I were left on our own. He used to be a good brother, but he became distant when he joined the military, following in our dad’s footsteps. That’s when he met Dr. Swythe. She was a military doctor and grew close to Harrison. Tilda trusted him completely."

Susan listened intently, her face softening with empathy. "And you? How did you get involved with Tilda?"

Riley sighed, his eyes darkening with memories. "Harrison introduced me to her. At first, I refused to help with her dark schemes. But he threatened me in ways I couldn’t ignore. I wanted to live, so I gave in."

Susan reached across the table, her hand resting on his. "Riley, you’re not defined by those choices. You’re here now, and you can help us fight against her. Your story doesn’t end with Tilda."

Back outside, Gregory and William had gathered the kids near the shore. Gregory pointed to a yacht anchored in the sea. "Your first task is to pull that yacht towards us," he explained. "But it won’t be easy. The boat is anchored with chains underwater."

Max grinned confidently. "Piece of cake."

Gregory chuckled. "We’ll see about that. The first to pull the boat to shore wins 500 bucks."

Excitement buzzed through the group as they took their positions. Gregory blew his whistle, and the challenge began. Tom and Clara struggled immediately, their boats colliding as they tried to gain control. Gregory and William teased them, adding to the intensity.

Max was focused, his powers straining against the heavy chain anchoring the boat. But it was Sol who stole the show. She didn’t rely solely on brute force. Instead, she used her mind to visualize the chain underwater, finding its weak points. With a surge of energy, she broke the chain and swiftly pulled the yacht towards shore, overtaking the others.

"Sol wins!" Gregory announced, handing her the 500 bucks. The others cheered, and Sol laughed, waving the money. "I’ll treat you all to something special later."

As the rain finally began to fall, they stood together, united by their victory and the promise of more challenges ahead. They were ready to face whatever darkness Tilda and her forces would throw at them.