Saving Lana

As the Maserati MC20 roared down the empty highway, I flicked my cigarette out of the window, my thoughts shifting to the next target.

Lana.

Kayla's childhood friend.

She was suffering from the same disease Kayla once had. And if the original story played out the same way, then Abigail would eventually find out about her—and use her as a bargaining chip against me.

Tch. Not happening.

I exhaled slowly, my grip tightening on the wheel.

"Before Abigail even gets the chance to find out about her, I'll make sure to hide her like I did with Kayla."

I reached into my jacket, pulling out my phone. With a flick of my thumb, I called George.

He picked up instantly.

"Samuel?" His voice was calm but alert.

"I need a location," I said smoothly. "Lana. Where is she right now?"

A slight pause. Then—

"She's still in the city, but not for long. Her condition's getting worse, and the hospital is running out of options. If you're planning to move her, do it fast."

I smirked. "I don't plan. I act."

George chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. You always did."

I ended the call, tossing my phone onto the passenger seat.

The game was already in motion.

Now?

It was time to move.

The Hospital – The Healing of Lana

The scent of antiseptic and medicine filled the dimly lit hospital room. The soft beeping of the heart monitor was the only sound breaking the silence.

Lana lay motionless on the hospital bed, her skin pale, her breathing weak.

She looked fragile—too fragile.

If I had waited even a few more days, she wouldn't have made it.

Good thing I didn't believe in waiting.

I stood at the foot of her bed, my hands slipping into my pockets as I watched her.

George stood beside me, arms crossed, concern etched into his face. "She doesn't have much time, Samuel."

I glanced at him, smirking. "She has all the time she needs. I'm here now."

George exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "You always talk like you're some kind of god."

I pulled off my gloves, rolling up my sleeves as golden-red energy began crackling around my fingertips. "Maybe that's because I am."

He stiffened, recognizing what I was about to do. "Wait, you're going to—"

I raised my hand, cutting him off. "Step back."

He moved instantly.

I placed my palm against Lana's chest, right over her weakly beating heart.

The moment I did—

A golden-red aura erupted from my body.

The room rippled with power, the heart monitor flickering erratically before it flatlined.

George tensed. "Samuel!"

I didn't respond.

I focused.

The Heavenly Ashura Technique wasn't just some healing ability. It was absolute regeneration.

A technique that overwrote the very concept of death itself.

I exhaled deeply, channeling my energy through her weakened veins, forcing her cells to revitalize, rebuild, evolve.

Her once pale skin slowly regained its color.

Her labored breathing became steady.

Her heartbeat returned—stronger than before.

The energy coursing through me glowed brighter, swirling around Lana like golden flames.

And then—

Her body jerked.

Her fingers twitched.

The flatline disappeared.

A steady beep. Beep. Beep.

George's eyes widened in disbelief. "Holy—"

I pulled my hand back, letting out a slow breath. "Done."

George stepped closer, watching as Lana's chest rose and fell steadily, no longer weak and fragile. "She's… cured?"

I smirked, slipping my gloves back on. "Completely. Her body's stronger than it ever was."

He exhaled, shaking his head in disbelief. "I don't know whether to be amazed or terrified of you."

I chuckled, grabbing my jacket. "Both are acceptable."

I turned toward him, my expression shifting into something colder. "Now, listen carefully. You take her with you—right now. Get her out of here before anyone realizes what just happened."

George nodded instantly. "And where do we go?"

I exhaled, running a hand through my hair. "I'll make the necessary arrangements. You, Kayla, and Lana will be safe. No one—not even Abigail—will be able to find you."

George looked at me for a moment before nodding. "I trust you, Samuel."

I smirked, stepping toward the door. "Of course, you do."

With that, I walked out of the room, the golden glow from my technique still faintly lingering in the air.

The world had just lost another pawn for Abigail to use.

And I wasn't done yet.

As I stepped out of the hospital, the cold night air greeted me like an old friend. The street was quiet, save for the distant hum of traffic.

I pulled out my phone, scrolling through my contacts before pressing the call button.

It didn't take long.

After two rings, a deep, authoritative voice answered.

"Samuel Gebb."

I smirked. "Mikhail Volkov."

There was a short pause. "I assume you're not calling to make small talk."

I chuckled. "You assume correctly."

I leaned against my Maserati, lighting a cigarette as I got straight to the point.

"I need a favor."

There was a beat of silence before Volkov responded.

"Interesting. The man who does the impossible is now asking me for help?"

I exhaled smoke. "Even I can't be everywhere at once."

He chuckled. "Go on."

I took a slow breath, choosing my words carefully.

"You've seen the mess that is my marriage, Volkov." My voice was casual, but the bitterness was unmistakable. "Abigail and I? We're done. The problem is, I have people I need to protect—three of them."

I let the words sink in before continuing.

"Kayla, Lana, and George."

Volkov remained silent, listening.

"They need a new life, a safe one—away from any eyes that might try to use them against me." I flicked the ash from my cigarette. "And I know you have the means to make that happen."

Volkov exhaled, considering. "You're asking for something big, Samuel. Relocation, new identities, financial stability—it's not a simple request."

I smirked. "And yet, we both know you can do it effortlessly."

A pause. Then—

"Why them?" His tone was measured, testing.

I shrugged. "Because they matter. Because they don't deserve to be caught in my war."

And, though I wouldn't admit it out loud—

Because I refuse to let Abigail ruin them like she ruined me.

Another silence, then Volkov chuckled. "You're an interesting man, Samuel."

I smirked. "I get that a lot."

He sighed. "Fine. Consider it done."

I raised an eyebrow. "That easy?"

"You saved my son, Gebb." His voice was firm, unwavering. "This is nothing in comparison."

I nodded. "Fair enough."

Volkov continued, "I'll have my people set everything up. They'll have new lives, new identities, and full protection. But…"

I already knew what was coming. "But you'll expect something in return."

He chuckled. "Of course. But don't worry, it won't be anything you can't handle."

I smirked, taking one last drag before tossing my cigarette away. "Fine. I owe you one."

Volkov's voice was amused. "You owe me more than one, Samuel."

I chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. Just get it done."

Call ended.

I slipped my phone back into my pocket, exhaling slowly.

Kayla, Lana, and George were safe now.

Volkov wasn't someone who failed at his promises.

Now, I could focus on my real targets.

I slid into my Maserati, gripping the steering wheel.

Abigail, The Syndicate, and Project Hades…

I'm coming for all of you.