Chapter 61

When I regained consciousness, I was surrounded by a blinding light. For a moment, I was disoriented, my body heavy and unresponsive. As my eyes adjusted, I realized I was in a small, windowless room. Panic surged as memories flooded back—Akira, the mansion, the black truck. I bolted upright, but the room swayed beneath me. I had to find her.

My heart raced as I stumbled to my feet, steadying myself against the wall. I needed to think. What had happened to me? The last thing I remembered was that crash… and then darkness. I pushed away the disorientation and focused. There had to be a way out.

Rushing to the door, I tried the handle, but it wouldn't budge. I kicked it, frustration bubbling to the surface. The sound of footsteps echoed down the hall, and I cursed under my breath. I had to hide. Quickly, I scanned the room, finding a small cupboard in the corner. I squeezed inside just as the door creaked open.

Two figures walked in—one of them was the older woman, her eyes scanning the room with a predatory glint. "He's here somewhere," she growled, her voice like ice. "He can't have gone far. Search the place."

I held my breath, heart racing, as I listened to them shuffle around the room. My mind raced with thoughts of Akira. I couldn't let them take her away. I had to find a way to rescue her, not just from this place, but from the very hands that sought to break her spirit.

After what felt like an eternity, the guards left the room, grumbling about the lack of results. I slipped out of the cupboard, adrenaline coursing through my veins. I had to act quickly. I crept out of the room and followed the sounds of muffled voices down the dimly lit corridor.

The layout of the building was confusing, but I pressed on, determined to find Akira. My senses sharpened as I rounded a corner and saw a flickering light coming from a room at the end of the hall. I hesitated for a moment before pushing the door open.

Inside, I found a dimly lit room filled with old furniture and scattered papers. And there she was—Akira, lying unconscious in a chair, surrounded by a group of figures dressed in black. My heart plummeted.

"Wake her up," the older woman commanded, her voice dripping with malice. "We need her to perform the ritual."

I clenched my fists, my body thrumming with a familiar energy. I had been Superman once, and I wouldn't let her down again. I had to save Akira. As I gathered my resolve, I felt the weight of my past and the power that lay within me.

With a burst of speed, I flew into the room, catching the black-clad figures off guard. They stumbled back, and I landed beside Akira, determination igniting my every move.

"Get away from her!" I shouted, as I prepared to unleash the full extent of my power.

I would not let them take her from me. Not now, not ever. And with that thought in mind, I prepared for the fight of my life.