Fractured Bonds

The following morning was heavy with tension. Silas sat at the dining table, flipping through his notes on Potenus while Elias paced the room, his football jersey slung over his shoulder.

"So, let me get this straight," Elias said, frustration lacing his tone. "This plant—Potenus—nearly got you killed, and now you're telling me it's still dangerous?"

"Yes," Silas confirmed, keeping his voice calm. "And it's getting worse. That breach at the lab wasn't a fluke. Potenus is reacting to something, and I need to find out what before it's too late."

Elias stopped pacing and stared at his father. "Why now, Dad? You've kept this secret my whole life, and suddenly I'm supposed to care about some mutant plant? Football playoffs are next month—this is my future we're talking about."

Silas's chest tightened. He knew he was asking a lot, but Elias needed to understand the gravity of the situation. "I get it," Silas said. "Football means everything to you. But if we don't handle this, there might not be a future—playoffs or otherwise."

Elias scoffed. "That's dramatic, even for you."

Silas's temper flared. "You think I'm exaggerating? You have no idea what I went through to keep you safe."

Elias crossed his arms, defiant. "Then maybe you should've told me earlier instead of dropping this bomb now."

Silas opened his mouth to respond but was cut off by the shrill ring of his phone. He glanced at the screen—Nexus Biotech.

Damn it.

He ignored the call and stood up, his expression grim. "I'm sorry, Elias. I never wanted this life for you. But it's here, and we have to deal with it."

Elias shook his head, his jaw clenched. "No, Dad. You have to deal with it. I didn't sign up for this mess."

Before Silas could say another word, Elias stormed toward the front door, slinging his bag over his shoulder.

"Where are you going?" Silas demanded.

"Practice," Elias shot back. "Where things actually make sense."

The door slammed behind him, leaving Silas standing in the suffocating silence.

He sank back into his chair, guilt and frustration warring within him. He had always known this conversation wouldn't be easy, but it hurt more than he had anticipated.

Silas rubbed his temples, trying to focus. Elias was right about one thing—he should've told him the truth sooner. But now wasn't the time for regret. Nexus Biotech was already circling, and Potenus was becoming increasingly unstable.

The phone buzzed again. Silas stared at it, knowing he couldn't avoid the call any longer. With a heavy sigh, he answered.

"This is Dane," he said tersely.

"Dr. Dane," Marlowe's voice crackled through the line, smooth and composed. "We've had another incident. We need you at the lab immediately."

Silas's stomach dropped. "What kind of incident?"

There was a pause. "It's Potenus," Marlowe admitted. "It's... spreading."

Silas gripped the phone tighter. "I'll be there in thirty minutes."

He hung up and grabbed his keys. As he headed for the door, his mind raced. If Potenus was spreading, then the situation was spiraling faster than he had anticipated.

And if Marlowe knew that, then Nexus Biotech was likely preparing for something drastic.

Silas couldn't let that happen.

But first, he had to find a way to bring Elias back into the fold—whether his son liked it or not. Because the truth was simple: Potenus wasn't just Silas's problem anymore.

It was their family's legacy. And it was about to consume them both.