The Hospital (4)

The hospital halls carried a stillness that only came with night.

Vardan found his way to a quiet corner of the upper floors, far from the usual hospital traffic. The faint buzz of machines echoed from distant patient rooms. He leaned against the wall, arms crossed as he stared out the window, the glow of the city stretching far below.

Beside him, Mia stood silently, her posture tense.

"You said David is dangerous," Vardan began, his voice low and steady. "I need more. Anything could help."

Mia exhaled slowly, running her fingers through her hair. "I told you… I don't know much. David wasn't always one of the Seven Wings. He wasn't even that well-known before he disappeared."

Vardan turned his head slightly. "Disappeared?"

"For two years," Mia nodded. "No one could track him. When he finally came back, he wasn't the same. Stronger. Colder. By then, he was already one of the new Wings."

"Where was he?" Vardan pressed.

Mia hesitated. "I heard rumors. Mexico. But that's all I know."

Vardan narrowed his eyes. Mexico… Why would a future Wing vanish for two years in a place like that?

Mia's gaze flickered toward him. "Be careful. David isn't like Kuro. Kuro was arrogant… David enjoys the game. He'll take his time."

Vardan nodded, letting Mia's words sink in. As she left, his focus sharpened. David was dangerous — but now Vardan had his attention.

---

The Next Morning

The sun crept over the city skyline, spilling light into David's office. The sharp-dressed doctor strode in, flipping through his patient reports. Everything about him seemed calm, measured.

But as he approached his desk, he paused.

A single black card sat neatly at the center.

David's eyes flickered with interest as he leaned closer. The bold, unmistakable letters read:

JAMES.

His fingers brushed the edges of the card, lingering for a moment. Then, his gaze drifted to the far corner of the room.

A shattered security camera lay on the floor, its lens cracked and useless.

David chuckled softly, placing the card down with care.

"So… you've made your move." His voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried across the empty room.

Lowering himself into his chair, David's fingers drummed lightly against the armrest. His gaze fixed on the card, eyes alight with curiosity.

"This could be fun."

---

An Hour Later

Oliver stood in the doorway of David's office, arms crossed as his sharp eyes scanned the room. Through the glass window, he could see David sitting at his desk, a calm smile resting on his face.

"So, you found a card," Oliver began, stepping inside.

David glanced at him lazily. "I did."

Oliver's eyes narrowed. "Do you realize what that means?"

David leaned back in his chair, his gaze unflinching. "Let me guess — you think James is targeting me next?"

Oliver frowned. "It could be the same one who killed Kuro. If that's true, you need to relocate. Somewhere safe."

David's smile widened slightly. "Safe? Do you really believe James can touch me the way he touched Kuro?"

Oliver's expression hardened. "No one's untouchable."

For the first time, David's smile faded. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk.

"Kuro died because he was weak. I am not Kuro," David said calmly, locking eyes with Oliver. The cold sharpness behind his gaze sent a ripple of unease through the room.

Oliver stared back, silent.

"Do I look like someone who needs protection?" David asked, tilting his head.

Oliver's hand twitched at his side, but he stepped back. "Fine. But if something happens, don't expect the organization to clean it up."

David chuckled. "I already have protection."

---

As Oliver exited the hospital, his sharp eyes scanned the street.

Near the entrance, he noticed a group of unfamiliar faces—foreigners, some dressed as doctors, others disguised as patients. Their movements were subtle, but Oliver's trained gaze caught the slight bulge beneath their clothes. Hidden knives. Small firearms.

David's men.

Oliver's jaw tightened. "So that's how it is," he muttered under his breath.

As he made his way toward his car, Oliver caught sight of Vardan, Jay, and Leo crossing the parking lot.

He stopped, eyes lingering on Vardan. "How are you three holding up?"

Jay grinned. "We're fine! Leo barely talks, but I'm great!"

Leo shot Jay a blank stare but said nothing.

Oliver's gaze narrowed slightly. "Be careful around David. And if anything happens, stay out of it."

Vardan gave a small nod. "Understood."

As Oliver left, Jay turned to Vardan, confused. "What was that about?"

Leo crossed his arms. "A black card was found in David's office. It said 'James.'"

Jay's eyes widened. "Wait, like the famous assassin James? The same one who—"

Leo nodded.

Jay's face paled. "Oh man, that's bad. Like really bad. Isn't James supposed to be some kind of ghost killer?"

Vardan remained silent, watching the hospital in the distance. His calm demeanor didn't waver.

Jay noticed. "Wait… why aren't you freaking out?"

Vardan smirked faintly.

Because he already knew.

It was Vardan himself who left the card in David's office the night before, shattering the security camera with a single strike.

"This will be interesting," Vardan said quietly.

Jay shifted nervously, muttering, "Yeah… interesting isn't exactly the word I'd use…"

Leo, as always, remained emotionless.