Liam lay still in the sensor-lined isolation room and automated monitoring. His blindfold had been removed two days ago-and for some reason, it made him feel even more naked than without a single thread.
Medical examinations were routine every morning and evening. Her wounds, which usually heal in a matter of hours, are now slowing down, as if her body is deliberately refusing to fully recover. For the past four days, he has not consumed any food. Only IV fluids and oxygen have sustained his body. His breathing depended on a thin tube attached to his nose, but his body felt heavier than ever.
A female medic-soft-faced and soothing-voiced-had just finished a night check-up.
"Yes, Mr. Louren. Today's examination is complete. We'll continue tomorrow. Have sweet dreams," she said with a brief bow. "I'll excuse myself."
Liam just nodded slowly. He didn't say a word. He was too tired to even make small talk.
One by one, the medical personnel left the room. As soon as the door closed, the main light went out. The all-white room turned dim, lit only by the indicator lights of the scanners and the red dots of the surveillance cameras in every corner.
Silence.
And loneliness.
Liam stared at the ceiling. There was no sound, just his heartbeat and the subtle hum of the breathing machine. He tried to close his eyes, but before his lids could fully close, fear returned to his chest.
"Please... don't come tonight..." she murmured softly, barely audible.
But that hope was too fragile.
Within seconds, her body stiffened. Her heart was racing, but her muscles were not responding. She was awake... but unable to move.
Sleep paralysis. But this... felt too real.
His chest felt as if it was being crushed by a rock. His breath caught.
And just then, the figure returned.
A tall, dark shadow with piercing eyes slowly emerged from the darkness-Octarion. It floated silently, then sat on Liam's body. His face was too close. His gaze was piercing, as if stripping Liam of his entire soul.
Before Liam could scream, the dark hand covered his mouth. The other hand raised a finger to his own lips-signaling silence.
"Shhh... calm down."
His voice was heavy, deep, like an echo from an endless hallway.
His palm then rested on Liam's chest, just above his heart. Liam tried to squirm, shaking his head, but his body was completely paralyzed.
"I'll be asleep for a while..."
"But your strength-will return. And I left you some... gifts."
Octarion smiled. But it was not a warm smile-it was a mad smile. Cold. Sharp. Piercing deeper than a needle.
"I don't care where you go. All I want... is to get out of this prison."
"Being enslaved by humans... is the most disgusting mistake you've ever made."
Suddenly, the wounds on Liam's body began to disappear one by one. His skin closed up again. His muscles fully recovered. But behind that, his psychological pain only increased.
His eyes were red again-but this time, they weren't burning. Muted. Like coals settling in the bottom of ashes.
Cold. Not passionate. But... deadly.
Octarion patted him gently on the shoulder.
"With this... you have no reason to fail."
"And remember... do not arouse my anger again."
BIP! BIP! BIP!
The NEXARIS monitoring system instantly detected an abnormal spike in Liam's biological parameters. The alarm sounded loudly. Red light flickered across the walls.
Octarion turned his head in all directions. "Tsk."
He looked at Liam once more.
"You... are my slave."
In one pull of black mist, his figure disappeared. Dark particles-like living dust-flowed into Liam's body and fused with him.
BRAK!
The door to the room opened loudly. Some medical staff and two security personnel rushed in. But they were immediately stunned.
Liam was lying on an isolation bed. His body was no longer wounded. His eyes-red, calm, open. But they were different from before. Now the pupils were alive. He was conscious. Awake. Staring straight up at the ceiling, as if waiting for something.
Luca and Eren stood at the side of the bed. The two exchanged glances before Luca finally spoke.
"William Louren," he said quietly but with emphasis. "I know you can hear me."
There was no response. Liam remained silent. His gaze was blank, his breathing steady.
Luca stepped closer, until his shadow covered Liam's face.
"I won't beat around the bush. If you choose to remain silent like this, you'll only make things worse. Not just for you... but for whoever you have left in your life."
Eren turned his head quickly to Luca, as if he hadn't expected that sentence. But he didn't stop him.
Liam was still silent. His eyes only blinked once. There was no tension on his face. No reaction.
Luca gave a small snort, then smoothed the collar of his jacket.
"You have time tonight. Use it wisely. Tomorrow, we'll talk. And by then... I suggest you already know who you are-and who you stand with."
He turned around.
"If you don't... then you'll be the enemy of two sides that will show you no mercy."
Eren looked at Liam for a moment. His gaze was softer.
"Get some rest tonight, Liam. No matter what happens... you can still choose. Still."
They went outside. The isolation door closed automatically behind them.
The nurses and doctors quickly removed Liam's IV and breathing apparatus, following medical procedures deftly but carefully.
One of the female nurses stepped closer with a gentle smile. "Mr. Louren, would you like to try eating something?"
Liam, who had been silent, finally turned his gaze to her. Her eyes were calm, yet deep.
"I would... if it's not too much trouble," he replied softly. He bowed his head slightly. "Thank you... for your help all these years."
The nurse was stunned for a moment, then smiled warmly. "It's my pleasure. I'll bring it right away."
She turned around, hurrying out with light steps. At the same time, one of the doctors approached Liam while staring at the breathing apparatus that was still attached.
"Okay, we'll take this off. It's going to be a little uncomfortable, so hold on for a bit, yeah."
Liam gave a small nod. He closed his eyes as the doctor gently removed the tube from his nose. It stung briefly, but it was far from the pain he had experienced the past few nights.
"It's done. Now just the infusion," the doctor said, taking the needle from Liam's arm carefully. "It stings a little, but only for a moment."
Liam made no sound. He just took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
When it was all over, the doctor remained standing by his bedside. His expression changed-more private, deeper.
"It's all over at last," he said quietly. "As doctors... we always feel happy when our patients start to recover and talk again."
She paused, then looked directly at Liam.
"This may sound harsh," she continued, "but out there, people are struggling... maybe even facing the end of their lives. Your presence here-whatever state you're in-is helping us understand the things that might save them."
Liam was silent. He listened with a blank but not entirely closed gaze.
"I know... it's not easy to accept life being forced to go on like this," the doctor continued. "But think about it... maybe this isn't a curse. Maybe it's a gift that you don't yet understand. Don't hate what God has given you. Even if life is full of pain, at least... make sure you live it because you choose to live. Not because you gave up."
She chuckled, realizing the length of her monologue just now.
"Sorry, I talk too much. I wouldn't have been able to do it myself if I were in your shoes. Think of it as the ramblings of an overly idealistic parent."
Liam smiled slightly.
A few seconds later, the female nurse returned with a small tray.
"Here, Mr. Louren. I brought you some warm milk and some bread. I'll put them here, yes," she said as she placed them on the small table beside the bed.
"Anything else you need, just press the button beside the bed," she added warmly.
They started to move back.
The doctor and nurse stood in the doorway, looking at Liam for the last time that night.
"Good night, Mr. Louren."
The door closed slowly. The dim light returned to the room.
And for the first time in the last few nights... Liam found the silence less frightening.