Alex opens his eyes again, he was laying on a stretcher, bright lights flashing above him as medics prepared to load him into an ambulance.
"Alright, load him up," a deep voice barked. A tall, dark-skinned man in a dark blue jacket emblazoned with a silver cross logo waved the team forward.
Alex suddenly jolted upright, ignoring the sharp pain in his back.
The agents and medics around him froze in shock.
"I'm fine," Alex rasped, trying to stand.
"Really, I don't need—"
"Don't move, kid," one medic warned.
The argument grew louder until a calm, authoritative voice cut through the noise.
"Leave us alone."
Assistant commander Lucy stepped forward. The agents and medics immediately saluted and backed away without another word.
"Alex, right?" She asked softly, her sharp eyes studying him.
Alex was stunned. She actually remembered his name.
"We're here to help," Lucy continued, genuine concern softening her usually stern expression.
"I know…I'm okay," Alex forced a weak smile. "You don't have to check on me."
Lucy's gaze narrowed, suspicion clear in her eyes.
"You were stabbed through the back. That's not okay."
"You're not my mom, alright?" Alex snapped, instantly regretting his tone.
Lucy didn't flinch. Her eyes drifted to the scar on his palm.
"Looks like it healed nicely," she said.
Alex unconsciously rubbed the mark, saying nothing.
"Can I go now?" He asked quietly.
"Yeah…sure." Lucy paused. "Do you need an escort back home?"
"My house isn't far. I'll be fine."
As Alex turned to leave, he suddenly stopped.
"Did you see a girl around my age? She was here…"
"No, I didn't notice any girl your age around here."
Alex's shoulders slumped slightly. "Okay…thanks."
"Alex?"
He glanced back.
"Stay safe," Lucy said, her voice carrying quiet weight. "Please."
"I will."
Alex turned and walked away, the weight of the battle still heavy on his battered body.
_ _ _
Alex lay sprawled on his bed, exhausted from the brutal fight. His body ached, but sleep had finally claimed him—until the soft creak of the front door shattered the silence.
"Alex?"
The familiar voice drifted up the stairs.
"Alex? Honey, are you home?"
His eyes snapped open. For a split second, panic flashed through him before recognition set in. He dragged himself out of bed, rubbing his eyes as he shuffled downstairs.
"Mom?" his voice was hoarse, still heavy with fatigue.
His mother stood in the doorway, grocery bags in hand, her face softening with guilt the moment she saw him.
"I'm sorry, honey. I didn't know you were asleep."
"It's…it's fine," Alex muttered, forcing a tired smile. "I needed to wake up anyway."
She nodded, setting the bags down. "Okay. Go wash up quickly, I'll change and get dinner ready."
Alex turned and headed back upstairs, his hands still throbbing from the punches he'd thrown earlier. The soreness reminded him of everything he was trying to hide.
In his room, he splashed cold water on his face, the droplets stinging against his bruised knuckles. As he turned to leave, his gaze landed on the torn, blood-stained clothes he'd worn during the fight. His heart skipped a beat.
Can't let her see this.
He quickly stuffed the ruined clothes into a disposable bag and slipped outside, careful not to make a sound.
Without hesitation, he crossed over to their neighbor's bin and buried the clothes deep inside. Breathing a sigh of relief, he hurried back home.
When he stepped inside, his mother was already setting the table. Her eyes flicked toward him, calm but sharp.
"Where did you go?" She asked, her tone cool and even.
"Just needed some air," Alex said. "Let me help set the table."
She smiled faintly. "Thanks, honey." Then she disappeared into the kitchen a little too quickly.
An eerie silence settled over the dining table as they ate. The clinking of forks against plates felt louder than it should have. Finally, his mother broke the quiet.
"Did you hear what happened at the supermarket today?"
Alex's grip tightened slightly on his fork. "Yeah… I heard a monster attacked."
"They said some guy fought it off," she continued, watching him carefully. "They said he was incredibly strong— like he showed that demon who's boss."
A low chuckle escaped Alex's lips. "Yeah…strong."
His mother laughed softly, and for a moment, warm laughter filled the room, pushing back the tension. But the joy was fleeting. Silence crept back in.
"I miss this," she whispered, her voice tinged with melancholy.
"Me too," Alex replied quietly.
She stood up to clear the plates, she paused, studying Alex's face. "You've got something on your mind. Are you going to tell me, or are you planning to die in silence?" she chuckled.
Alex hesitated, then took a deep breath. "Actually…I wanted to tell you something."
"Go on."
"I'm thinking of joining the Elite squad."
The color drained from her face instantly.
"What did you just say?" Her voice was dangerously low.
"I said I want to join the Elite squad."
"No." The word came out sharp, like a slap.
"Mom—"
"You are not joining the force!" She snapped, her hands trembling as she set the plates down. "I don't have time for this nonsense."
"But dad did," Alex shot back, his voice rising.
"Exactly! And now he's dead!" Tears welled up in her eyes. "I'm not going to lose you too, running around chasing demons like some hero!"
"Don't you feel like you could've done something?" Alex's voice cracked with raw emotion.
"I do… every single day. But I didn't. And neither will you."
"I feel like I can make things right this time," he said, desperation creeping into his tone.
"Enough!" she yelled, slamming her hand on the table. "Stop blaming yourself for things you can't control!" You are not joining that squad. Now go to your room!"
"Dad would've approved," Alex muttered bitterly as he stormed upstairs.
"Alex! Alex!! She called after him.
He ignored her, footsteps pounding heavier with every step. The door to his room slammed shut with a deafening bang.
_ _ _
The house fell quiet once more.
Deep in the night, Alex tossed in his sleep— until a soft, haunting voice pulled him awake.
"Hey… you gonna sleep all day?"
Hos eyes flew open. A figure stood at his bedroom door, illuminated only by the faint moonlight.
"Daniella?" Alex whispered, confusion mixing with dread. "How… how did you know where I live?"
"I ran into your mom at the supermarket," she said, her voice unnaturally calm.
Alex's blood ran cold. "The supermarket was destroyed today. You… you weren't—"
"You couldn't save us, Alex, "Daniella whispered. Dark blood trickled from the corner of her mouth.
Terror surged through him as he scrambled back.
A second voice spoke from beside his bed. "Yes, Alex. You couldn't save us."
"Thomas?" Alex's heart hammered wildly.
From the darkest corner of the room, another figure emerged.
"Why did you kill us?" The shadow asked.
"Dad…?" Alex's voice broke.
"Why did you kill us? Why did you kill us?"
The voices overlapped, growing louder, more accusing.
"No! No!! No!!!" Alex bolted upright in bed, drenched in sweat, screaming.
"Honey!" His mother burst into the room, rushing to his side. "It's okay…it was just a nightmare. You're safe. I'm here."
Alex panted heavily, chest heaving. His mother pulled him into her arms, stroking his hair gently.
"Shh… just sleep. I'm right here," she whispered.
"I'm sorry, Mom," he murmured, exhaustion pulling him under again.
"You have nothing to apologize for, sweetheart," she said softly, pressing a light kiss to his forehead.
_ _ _
Morning light filtered through the curtains.
"Alex? Are you up?" His mother called from downstairs.
No answer.
Frowning, she climbed the stairs and knocked on his door. "Alex, I know you didn't sleep well last night, but—"
The room was empty.
Her heart dropped. She rushed to the bathroom—empty. Her eyes scanned the room.
His things were still intact.
Then her eyes landed on a folded note on his desk.
With trembling hands, she picked it up and read:
"I'm sorry, Mom. I couldn't just sit back and do nothing. I've always looked up to Dad… until that night he died. I felt like it was my fault. Something's been happening to me ever since my friends were killed, and I think I need to do this. I hope I'll see you later. Please don't come looking for me. I'll come home once I'm done. I LOVE YOU."
The note slipped from her fingers as she collapsed to her knees, tears streaming down her face in silent agony.
_ _ _
"Hello,good morning," Alex said, standing tall despite the exhaustion etched on his face.
A stern man in a sharp black uniform and hat looked up from behind the counter. "Good morning. How can i help you?"
"I'd like to register and join the Elite squad."
The man gave Alex a long, appraising look— taking in his determined eyes and the faint bruises still visible on his hands
"Alright," he finally said, sliding a form across the counter. "Fill this out and wait. Someone will attend to you shortly."
Alex picked up the pen, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and resolve.
This is it. No turning back now