CHAPTER 63

CHAPTER 63
Damien’s POV 

I understood they weren’t giving me the full story.

The SUV approached the cliffside while I remained hidden among the trees to watch what unfolded. Serena stood alive after the blast, which Evelyn and Kieran barely escaped from, appearing like a ghost that refused to go back to its grave. I wasn’t supposed to be here. Kieran made it clear. “Stay back. He had told me, "This isn’t your fight", before leaving with his gun and rage.

But they forgot something. 

Adrian is also my brother. 

Even if we don’t share blood. My name holds no significance to them.

It matters to me. 

So I followed. I remained hidden in the darkness while staying quiet and close to the ground. While remaining hidden in the shadows, I tuned into radio feeds and monitored the truck cameras that Kieran was unaware I had placed. The moment Adrian and Serena appeared and pulled him back toward darkness I realised staying passive was no longer an option.

From my hiding place behind a fallen tree I monitored the cliff while carrying my small backpack. Evelyn looked like hell. Kieran too. Adrian barely moved between them. And Serena—Serena had backup. 

Two men in black. One tall and wide like a wall. The other guard appeared slim and speedy, but his expression remained serene despite the chaos surrounding us. I didn’t recognise them. But I recognised the way they stood. Like soldiers. Their confidence showed because they understood exactly what they were doing.

I could tell this wasn’t over. 

Serena raised her hands like she’d won. 

And maybe she had—for now. 

Her victory wouldn’t last long because I was going to make sure of that.

I wrapped my hoodie more closely around my body before beginning to walk forward.

I moved down the hill across muddy ground before passing through a fence destroyed by an explosion that ripped apart the metal. I navigated through the remaining structure of the facility while smoke and ash fell around me. The fire remained active, but its heat intensity decreased sufficiently to allow me safe passage.

The sound of my boots broke through the silence as they crushed glass beneath them while wet gravel crunched underfoot.

My target was Serena’s new secret place.

It wouldn’t be far. The group watched the cliff since Adrian remained injured.

She was bold, but not stupid. Somewhere nearby, she’d have backup. Supplies. A second base. 

If she had established another location, I would locate it.

I moved quickly and kept my head down while moving through the forest, steering clear of the exposed path. A hawk screamed above, sharp and loud. It made me freeze. 

I listened carefully to every subtle sound and the breaking of branches with each step.

And then—I saw it. 

A small cabin tucked into the hill. A modestly-sized roof capped old brick walls with ivy climbing on the structure's exterior. The back door remained ajar while the front was tightly closed because the shockwave forced it open. I waited. Counted to thirty. No movement. No sound. 

Then I moved in. 

I used small steps to reach the rear entrance and entered without a sound.

The air was still. Musty. The cabin seemed abandoned until this very moment.

Every corner of the room showed recent activity through the remnants of a half-burnt candle, muddy boot prints, and a detailed map with multiple pins spread across the table. The giant screen on one wall displayed nothing now but remained active through its connection to multiple cameras and feeds. Surveillance. 

I moved forward cautiously while keeping my breathing silent.

A photograph sat on the table alongside Adrian and Evelyn, with my face scratched out. From years ago. Someone had scratched out my face. 

I swallowed hard. 

Then I heard footsteps behind me. 

I turned quickly and reached out for the closest item which was a rusted fire poker to hold it before me.

But it was empty. 

No one there. 

Or so I thought. 

Then a voice came from the shadows. 

“You’re not supposed to be here, Damien.” 

I turned again. 

The lean man who arrived from the SUV blocked the entrance with his crossed arms.

He looked calm. Too calm. 

"I choose my destinations freely," I stated while holding my grip firm.

He stepped forward, not even flinching. “You’re brave.” 

“Not brave,” I replied. “Just tired of being left out.” 

“You’ll get yourself killed.” 

“I’ve been close enough already.” 

He smiled faintly. “You know, Serena doesn’t want you dead. She wants to use you.” 

“Not happening,” I snapped. 

“You’re smart,” he said. “But smart doesn’t mean safe.” 

I took action before he could initiate anything.

I moved forward and swung the poker forcefully toward his shoulder.

He moved aside with ease, signalling that he anticipated my strike. He removed the poker from my hand with a fast move and pinned me against the wall in seconds.

“You’re quick,” he said as his breath touched my face with warmth. “But not fast enough.” 

I kneed him in the stomach. He grunted and loosened his grip. I escaped his grasp and flipped over the table, where I seized a knife from the counter.

This time, I was ready. 

He made another attack move but I dodged downwards to slash his thigh. Not deep, but enough to slow him. 

I told him my purpose was not to fight. “I’m here to end this.” 

He stumbled backwards while clutching his thigh wound. His face darkened. “Then you’re already part of it.” 

I didn’t know what that meant. But I didn’t wait to find out. 

I spun around and sprinted out of the cabin, sliding down the hill until I reached the riverbank.

I needed to get back to Kieran. To tell him Serena had backup. That she had a second plan. 

We didn't have much time left.

The rain returned with heavy, cold droplets hitting the ground.

The run left my legs searing with pain, but I continued forward.

Until I saw the flash of headlights. 

Another SUV. 

But this one wasn’t empty. 

Serena stepped out first. 

Someone walked behind her who caused my stomach to twist.

“Uncle Marcus,” I whispered. 

Alive. 

I believed he perished in last year's fire.

He stood there exactly as I remembered him, with his recognisable face and coat, plus that self-satisfied expression.

Serena turned and smiled. 

She called my name as if she'd encountered a stray dog. “What a lovely surprise.” 

I froze. 

Not because of her. 

But because Marcus was holding something. 

A syringe. 

He moved ahead with a slow pace as he tapped the object with his finger. He spoke with a smooth voice "But you’ve already been chosen."

I stepped back and questioned what he meant.

He laughed. 

And then Serena spoke. 

“You were the second prototype.” 

My heart stopped. 

“No.” 

She explained the mission involves more than just your participation. “You are the mission.” 

And then Marcus lunged.