The Hospital (5)

The storm clouds rumbled low over the hospital, the distant roll of thunder vibrating through the rooftop.

Vardan leaned against the railing, his gaze steady on the city skyline stretching endlessly before him. The wind tugged at his coat, but his expression remained calm, as if the weight of what he had done earlier that night didn't concern him.

Jay sat cross-legged a few feet away, chewing anxiously on the edge of his thumb. His knife twirled absently between his fingers, the metal glinting faintly under the flashing lightning.

"So… you actually left that card in David's office?" Jay finally spoke, his tone carrying a mix of disbelief and fear.

Vardan didn't look at him. "Yeah."

Jay's hand froze mid-spin, eyes wide. "I knew it. I mean, I had a feeling… but still."

Vardan glanced over his shoulder, brow raised. "You're not mad?"

Jay grinned nervously. "Mad? No. Terrified? Absolutely." His smile faded as he flicked the blade closed. "But I'm not leaving. I already told you — I trust you more than anyone else."

Vardan's gaze softened slightly. Jay's loyalty was reckless but unwavering.

The sound of footsteps echoed behind them.

Jay tensed, but Vardan already knew who it was.

Leo stepped onto the rooftop, his face calm as always. His eyes flickered between the two, but he said nothing.

Jay scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Uh… you heard all that, huh?"

Leo nodded once.

Vardan crossed his arms. "And?"

Leo stared at him for a long moment before answering. "I'm in."

Jay's head snapped up. "Wait, seriously? You want to take on a Wing too?"

Leo didn't respond, but his steady presence was answer enough.

Vardan smiled faintly, turning back toward the ledge. "I figured you'd say that."

The wind tugged at their clothes as silence settled over the three.

Vardan's mind wasn't on the present — it was on David.

"You noticed the foreigners today, didn't you?" Vardan asked without looking back.

Leo's gaze sharpened slightly. "I did. Armed, disguised as staff and patients. They're professionals."

Jay groaned. "Great. His own private hit squad. Why does everyone we mess with have a secret army?"

Vardan's eyes narrowed. "They're not there for defense."

Jay frowned. "Then what are they for?"

"They're waiting," Vardan said quietly.

Jay stiffened. "For what?"

"For whoever left the card to show up again," Leo answered, as if reading Vardan's mind.

Jay's grip tightened on his knife. "You mean you."

Vardan's gaze didn't waver. "I'll handle it."

Jay shot him a glare. "Seriously? You're just gonna walk into his office? David's not Kuro — he'll kill you."

"I didn't say it would be tonight."

Jay let out a breath, slumping forward. "You have got to stop saying stuff like that. You're gonna give me a heart attack."

Leo stepped closer, his voice quiet. "You're drawing David out. But why? What's the real reason?"

The rooftop grew colder as the wind howled.

Vardan's eyes shifted toward the west wing of the hospital, where a faint light still shone from David's office.

"David didn't spend two years in Mexico for no reason," Vardan muttered. "Whatever he was doing there… it's what made him strong enough to become a Wing."

Jay tilted his head. "So, what? You think he found something? Or someone?"

Vardan's voice dropped. "I think David brought something back with him. And I'm going to find out what."

Leo's gaze lingered on Vardan, unreadable as ever.

Jay shivered, rubbing his arms against the cold. "I just hope you find out before he decides to dissect you."

---

Elsewhere…

A soft hum filled the air in David's office. The rain tapped against the window, casting shifting shadows along the walls.

David sat behind his desk, his hand resting lightly on the black card before him. The name 'James' stared back at him, bold and unapologetic.

The door creaked open, and a man dressed as a patient stepped inside, his movements crisp and professional. His head dipped slightly in respect.

"Sir. We've scanned every part of the hospital. No sign of intruders."

David didn't look up. His finger traced the edge of the card absentmindedly.

"That's because he's already inside."

The man hesitated. "Do you want us to sweep the upper floors again?"

David's lips curled into a faint smirk. "No. Let him come to me."

The disguised guard nodded, disappearing as quietly as he had arrived.

David remained still, his eyes drifting to the shattered remains of the security camera in the corner.

Thunder rumbled outside.

His smile grew wider.

"Let's see how far you're willing to go, James."