The Hospital

The sterile scent of disinfectant filled the room as Vardan's eyes flickered open.

Bandages wrapped tightly around his chest and arms, and the dull ache of healing wounds pulsed through his body. Sunlight filtered in through the half-closed blinds.

As his eyes adjusted, the faint creak of the door caught his attention.

Oliver stepped inside, his face unreadable.

He pulled a chair next to Vardan's bed and sat down without a word. The silence stretched unbearably long.

Vardan felt his heartbeat quicken. Does he know?

Oliver finally spoke, his voice calm but heavy. "You're lucky to be alive."

Vardan swallowed, sitting up slightly. "Yeah… I guess so."

Oliver reached into his jacket and placed a small, black card on the bedside table.

The name 'James' was printed in bold letters across the surface.

Vardan's eyes locked onto it, but he forced himself to stay composed.

"You know anything about this?" Oliver asked, his gaze sharp and unforgiving.

Vardan glanced at the card and shook his head. "No. Never seen it before."

Oliver leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "Strange. This card was found next to Kuro's body. The same kind James used to leave after every kill."

Vardan's expression didn't change, but inside, his mind raced. I left that card. I made sure they knew it was James.

"I was unconscious when everything happened. I don't know who left it there." His voice was steady, but the weight of the lie pressed down on him.

Oliver studied him carefully, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"I see," Oliver said, rising from the chair.

He headed towards the door but paused, hand resting on the handle.

"By the way," Oliver added without turning around, "Jay and Leo are alive. They're being treated in this hospital."

A wave of relief washed over Vardan.

"Thanks…"

Oliver left the room without another word, leaving Vardan staring at the ceiling.

---

A few hours later

The door opened again, this time much softer.

Mia stepped inside.

Vardan blinked in surprise. "Mia? How did you—?"

She smiled slightly. "I heard Kuro's dead."

Vardan stiffened.

"It's been circulating through the organization. No one knows who killed him, but the first thing I thought of was you," Mia said, sitting down at the edge of his bed.

"Why would you think that?" Vardan asked cautiously.

Mia's gaze darkened. "Because you promised to destroy the organization. And if anyone was capable of taking out a Wing… it's you."

Vardan looked away, unsure how to respond.

"How did you even know I was here?" he asked, shifting the conversation.

Mia glanced around the room, as if making sure no one was listening.

"This hospital belongs to the organization," she said quietly. "If a killer is wounded in action, they get treated here."

Vardan's breath caught. "Wait… you're saying this entire place is run by them?"

Mia nodded.

"That's not all," she continued. "The lead doctor here is one of the new Seven Wings."

Vardan's eyes widened.

"A Wing… is working as the doctor here?"

Mia's eyes narrowed. "It's the perfect cover. The organization protects its own. No one asks questions."

Vardan tensed under the sheets. I need to get out of here as soon as possible.

Mia leaned closer, lowering her voice. "You need to be careful, Vardan. If they suspect you… not even this hospital will be safe."

He nodded, eyes hardening.

"I know."