Infected also Injured

The warning chime from Alexia's system echoed ominously in her mind, cutting through the tense silence that followed their escape.

[Warning: Subject 'Alex' is critically injured. Transformation process has started. Survival:12%]

[Host has to forcefully bind Subject 'Alex' to increase survival rate. Risk involved to both parties: High. Risk type: Death. Bond type: Life force (Soul ties.)]

Alexia's stomach sank as her gaze dropped to Alex, Damien's brother, slumped heavily against the wall. His face was pale, his breathing shallow, and sweat beaded his forehead.

"Damien," she said, her voice firm but hesitant, "he's not exhausted, he's injured. He's also changing."

Damien froze, crouching beside his unconscious brother. "What do you mean changing? He's human. He's fine--- he just needs rest!"

Alexia shook her head, dread tightening her chest.

"No, he's not fine. The system says he's injured and undergoing transformation process. If we don't act he'll either turn into an infected... or die.

The air in the basement felt stifling. Quinn, standing nearby with his shadow tendrils twitching at the edges of his boots, narrowed his eyes. "You're saying there's a way to stop it?"

"Yes," Alexia replied cautiously, gripping the hilt of her katana. "But it might be risky. I have to forcefully bind him to me using the system without his consent. It's the only way to stop the infection and save his life."

Damien's expression hardened, his gaze flickering between Alex and Alexia. "Bind him? Is that different from the system recognizing us as your allies the previous time?"

Alexia exhaled, speaking quickly. "Binding him means tying his life force to mine. It's like creating a permanent link between us. It'll save him, but it also comes with risks. If the process fails, we could both die instantly or worse he'll be infected, and I'll be dead.

Quinn frowned, folding his arms. "Great. Another gamble with someone's life. Seems to be the theme of the apocalypse."

Damien ignored Quinn, his focus solely on Alex. He brushed a hand over his brother's hair, murmuring something under his breath before looking at Alexia.

"I don't want that risk," he said glancing at Alexia before returning his gaze back at Alex "I can't bear it."

Alexia looked at him frowning before she returned her gaze back to the unconscious Alex, honestly, she didn't even know why she was willing to gamble with her life for someone she barely knew, but deep in her heart she felt or rather she knew if she don't do something to save him, she'll regret it deeply. 

With her mind cleared she turned towards Damien, "I am not asking for your permission, just letting you know what I'm about to do." 

Damien looked at her his mouth opening, but when he saw the look in Alexia's eye he closed his mouth, his gaze firm.

"Do it."

Alexia nodded, her mind racing. "Quinn keep watch, and let us know if our safe zone has been breached, will you?"

Quinn hesitated, clearly wanting to argue, but eventually nodded and moved towards the forcefully shut doorway, his shadows trailing behind him.

Alexia crouched beside Alex, opening her system menu. As she scrolled to the binding option, a small prompt appeared:

[Initiate forceful binding? Process bypasses consent creating extreme risks including death.]

Her heart pounded. "System initiate forceful binding."

[Confirm Target: Alex K.... Everest. Warning: Success rate 65%. Proceed?]

"Yes," she whispered.

A surge of energy pulsed through her body, and a glowing blue thread materialized between her and Alex. The thread vibrated violently, sending sharp jolts of pain through her chest.

"Dammit," Alexia hissed through clenched teeth, her vision blurring slightly.

Alex groaned, his body convulsing as the process began. Damien held him down, his face a mix of fear and determination while Quinn rushed over to Alexia holding her hands.

"Both of you stay with me now," Damien muttered. "You're both stronger than this."

The thread grew brighter, wrapping around Alex's chest like a glowing vine. His veins pulsed with an eerie silver hue, and his breathing hitched before falling still.

[Binding process successful. Subject Alex Everest is now bound to Host Alexia Kane. Infection neutralized. Subject is in critical condition and must be stabilized immediately.]

Alexia sagged back, exhausted but relieved. "It worked," she breathed.

Damien let out a shaky exhale, his shoulders slumping. "Thank you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Don't thank me yet," Alexia said, wiping sweat from her brows. "He's stable, but he's still in a bad shape. I need to take him somewhere safe he can recover."

Quinn stood up, his eyes narrowing as he took in Alex's glowing veins. "That was.... something. But last I checked there's no safe space unless you mean here?"

Alexia breathed before she answered Quinn. "The system.... it has a sanctuary where we can stay in."

Quinn looked at Alexia before he sighed. "Why didn't you put Alex into the sanctuary then?"

Alexia stood up, wobbling slightly before regaining her balance. "The sanctuary doesn't work like that," she explained. "To bring someone in, they have to be bound to me. It's part of the rules and I didn't make them."

Quinn raised an eyebrow. "Convenient. And what happens if you die? Do all your little bonded buddies die with you?"

Alexia didn't answer, even she didn't know the answer.

Quinn looked at Alexia's face as if searching for something before standing up and then running a hand through his hair."

"Enough guys," Damien snapped. "We can debate the logistics later. For now, we need to get out of here."

Alexia nodded, opening the system sanctuary. A faint shimmer appeared in the air, and a portal opened, revealing the tranquil expanse of her private dimension.

"I'll take him inside," Alexia said, bending down to lift Alex. With Damien's help, they carried through the portal and into one of the rooms in the villa, laying him on the bed.

The space seemed to react to Alex's condition dimming the lights and adjusting the temperature. Alexia's system chimed softly:

[Sanctuary environment stabilized. Subject 'Alex' will require 6-8 hours to complete recovery and ability awakening process.]

Damien lingered by Alex's side, his hand resting on his brother's forehead. "Will he be okay and are you alright?"

"He'll be fine, the sanctuary will take care of him," Alexia assured him. "And I'm alright, thanks for asking."

Quinn stepped into the room, glancing around with mild curiosity. "Nice setup," he remarked before pointing out the doorway. "Didn't peg you for the 'healing oasis' type.

Alexia shot him a look but didn't rise to the bait. "This place is more than just a 'healing oasis.' It's our safe zone. But we can't stay here forever."

Quinn smirked. "No kidding. We've got an entire city of infected out there waiting to eat us alive."

Damien straightened, his expression resolute. "Then we'll be ready. Alex isn't going to wake up to a world where we're cornered or weak."

Alexia couldn't help but admire his determination. "Agreed," she said. "But first let's prepare for whatever comes next."