Chapter 81. Four Years Ago: pt. 5

Dr. Daniel walked back and forth in his office, his hands trembling as they brushed against the desk. For years, he had waited for a breakthrough—something in medicine that would make his name remembered forever. The experiments Dr. Ride promised were supposed to be that chance. Yet now, as the reality of it unfolded, all he felt was guilt gnawing at his chest like a beast.

Earlier that evening, Dr. Ride had called him. His voice, cold and enthusiastic, carried news Daniel could not easily ignore.

“I’ve found the subject,” Ride had said. “A teenage boy, he is the perfect age and strong body.”

Daniel had hesitated as he thought. A boy? Where would he find a teenager willing to undergo such things?

“Where did you find him?” Daniel had asked, his voice uneasy.

Ride chuckled. “He was brought to me. That man who came yesterday. you don’t have to trouble yourself with the details, I’ll send you the picture of the boy.”

Minutes later, the photograph arri