Chapter 11: Unravelling the Unknown

After the chaotic battle in the wild, Jake made a quick decision: "Let’s bring her with us. She saved us, but I want answers." Ava agreed without protest. The unknown woman had protected them in a moment of desperation, using a horrifying scream that had left her unconscious. They had no idea who she was, other than the single name she muttered before collapsing: Mei.

Surprisingly, the journey to the city was clear. Not a single Fear Monster attacked them. It was unsettling how quiet everything was, but the group moved quickly, carrying Ethan—still unconscious—and Mei with them.

The city's guards, wary at first, allowed them entry after seeing their condition. They were taken to a makeshift hospital, where Ava and Jake were given separate rooms. Ava stayed close to Ethan, never letting go of his hand. Jake, meanwhile, took Mei to a quiet, secured room for when she eventually woke up.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

He wasn’t taking any chances. Before she stirred, Jake used a thin wire to cut his palm, activating his ability. From his missing hand, an electric appendage sparked to life—a manifestation of his power, ready to strike if Mei made a wrong move.

When she finally awoke, groggy and weak, Jake didn’t hesitate. “Why did you help us?” he asked, voice sharp, cold. “Don’t try to act innocent. Don’t activate your powers. If you do, I’ll blow your head off.”

Mei, still disoriented but no longer in pain, blinked at him. She hesitated, but then answered quietly, "Because you looked like me. Like someone who didn’t choose this. Someone who got their powers... like I did."

Before Jake could respond, Ava burst into the room, annoyed. “Why are you yelling again?” But when she saw Mei sitting up and the tension in the air, her expression darkened. She didn’t understand everything, but she understood Jake. Mei was a stranger, and in this world, kindness always had a price. “People don’t do good things for free,” she muttered.

Jake looked to Ava, who nodded. She had to check on Ethan anyway. “I’ll leave her to you,” she said before walking out.

Moments later, a sharp scream echoed down the hospital hallway.

Jake jolted up from his seat, body tense. Ava’s voice rang clear and filled with surprise:

“He’s awake! Ethan’s awake!”