Found Obsession

Chapter 101: Special Chapter! Mark Delaney

Mark walked into the dispersing crowd, his steps steady and unhurried as the first rays of sunlight broke over the horizon. The golden warmth hit his face, he felt it-the bittersweet pull of freedom, like fresh air filling his lungs after too long underwater.

His chest rose as he inhaled deeply, savoring the moment. This is what it feels like, he thought. The weight that had crushed him for so long seemed to lift, if only for now.

Sliding his hands into his coat pockets, Mark kept his head low as he made his way through the quieting streets. He passed families still carrying the joy of the night, children holding their parents' hands, and couples sharing hushed laughter. He didn't envy them anymore; he simply let the world move around him.

At a bus stop, he waited, still and patient, watching the city wake up as the dawn stretched further across the buildings. When the bus finally arrived, he climbed aboard, taking a seat near the back. The hum of the engine and the rhythmic swaying of the vehicle gave him time to think.

He thought of Rose-her voice, strong yet vulnerable, as she sang alongside him. He thought of Jonathan, and Sasha, his chosen family who'd stood by him until the very end. The USB he'd given Rose flashed through his mind, a final piece of their shared fight, entrusted to the one person he knew would carry it forward.

The bus came to a stop, and Mark stepped off, making his way toward a familiar building. And soon into the room of the Elite Team-

Soldiers salutated Mark hesitated for a moment. Then, with a deep breath, he pushed the door open.

Mark's eyes scanned the room until they fell on the wall.

Edward's photograph.

He got it of the wall and taped his photograph next to it. He tucked them in his coat and adjusted it and walked out and then made it out, the morning sun shining even brighter now, warming his face as he disappeared into the city streets.

Mark Delaney had made peace with his fate.

Mark's thoughts wandered back to the first time he had joined the group-Edward, Jonathan, Sasha, and Rose. Finding his own people, he thought.

Then came the memory of falling for Sasha, and the pain of her breaking his heart. He smiled faintly, the sadness lingering like an old scar.

Mark knew he was being followed. The thought gnawed at him, yet he wondered why he hadn't been caught yet.

He entered a quiet bar, the faint hum of Christmas chatter filling the space. Most people were probably home, celebrating with their families. Mark slid onto a stool, his hands resting loosely on the bar top.

"What can I get you?" the bartender asked.

"Water, please," Mark said softly.

The bartender raised an eyebrow but nodded, bewildered by the unusual request.

As Mark sipped his water, he reflected on the group. It had been the best thing to happen to him-his lifeline. He hoped they succeeded in their missions. His heart ached knowing he wouldn't be there to see it.

The weight of his family's sins sat heavy on his shoulders, but the drawings of the children and the bond with his group were what held him together.

"Hi there. Why so lonely on Christmas?" a voice asked, pulling him from his thoughts.

Mark turned, masking his surprise as he found himself staring at a familiar face. He swallowed hard, forcing himself to look away.

"Interesting," he whispered under his breath.