Night had fallen on Saint-Lys when Lucas slowly opened his eyes in his hospital room. He felt different, a new and powerful energy coursing through his veins. Since accepting Very Bad's powers, his recovery had been miraculously accelerated. The doctor, surprised by his rapid recovery, had difficulty explaining this phenomenon.
"Lucas, I must say that your recovery exceeds all our expectations," the doctor said, looking at his medical records. "The injuries you suffered should have kept you bedridden for at least several weeks, but you are already almost ready to be discharged."
Lucas nodded, grateful for this blessing in disguise. "It's amazing, doctor. I really feel better."
The doctor made notes in his file. "Before I let you go, I would like a few more details to finalize your file. Your height, weight and age, please."
Lucas calmly provided him with the necessary information, but his mind was already elsewhere, preoccupied with recent events and the growing threats from the cult of Azrael.
Meanwhile, on the television broadcasting in the background, the news had just reported a new murder linked to the cult of Azrael. Lucas watched the images, a ball of anxiety growing in his stomach. The situation was becoming more and more serious, and he knew he had to act quickly.
"I think I still have a lot of work to do," he muttered to himself.
The doctor finished his notes and looked at Lucas with a slight smile. "You're ready to go out, Lucas. Rest well and take care of yourself."
"Thank you, doctor," Lucas replied, mentally preparing himself for what was to come.
As he prepared to leave the hospital, Lucas felt the weight of his new responsibilities weigh down on his shoulders. The cult of Azrael was growing bolder and bolder, and he had to find a way to stop them before it was too late.
The true fight against the forces of darkness was only beginning, and Lucas was more determined than ever to defend Saint-Lys against this unholy threat.
Lucas walked out of the hospital, feeling the coolness of the night air on his face. He flagged down an approaching taxi. The car stopped in front of him and he got inside, giving the driver his address.
"Home, is that it?" asked the driver, confirming the address.
Lucas nodded. "Yes, that's correct. Thank you."
The taxi drove off and Lucas leaned into the back seat, trying to collect his thoughts. The driver, a man in his fifties with graying hair and piercing eyes, glanced in the rearview mirror.
"Are you getting out of the hospital? I hope it wasn't anything serious," he said in a calm voice.
Lucas smiled. "Just an accident, nothing too serious."
The driver nodded, seeming to be thinking about something. "You know, I've transported quite a few people to this city. Saint-Lys has its secrets and its dark stories."
Lucas raised his eyebrows, intrigued by the turn of the conversation. "How so ?"
The driver sighed. "Well, I've heard rumors. People disappearing, strange murders, cults... That kind of thing. They say that certain corners of the city are haunted, that dark forces operate there."
Lucas was silent for a moment, wondering how much the driver really knew. "It's true that the city has a dark history," he replied cautiously.
The driver turned his head briefly towards Lucas. "You seem like someone who knows more than most. Maybe you're even involved in this somehow."
Lucas smiled, but his gaze remained serious. "Let's just say I do what I can to help."
The driver nodded slowly, as if he understood. "I've seen things, you know. People changing overnight, strange lights in the sky, shadows that seem to come to life. Sometimes I wonder if we're not all pawns in a good game bigger."
Lucas felt a shiver run through him. "And what do you think of this game?"
The driver shrugged his shoulders. "I think we all need to do our part. You seem like a man with a mission, Lucas. Do what you have to do, but be careful. The darkness is closer than we think. "
Lucas stared at the driver, a new determination forming within him. "Thanks for the advice. I'll do my best."
The taxi arrived at its destination. Lucas paid his fare and got out of the vehicle. Before leaving, the driver added: "Good luck, Lucas. May the light be with you."
Lucas nodded, watching the taxi drive away before heading towards his apartment. The driver's words still echoed in his head. He knew the path ahead would be dangerous, but he was willing to face the darkness to protect Saint-Lys.
As he climbed the stairs of his building, he felt a new wave of determination pass through him. He was no longer alone. He had allies, and he now had the power of shadows at his disposal.
Lucas climbed the steps leading to his apartment, a slight apprehension overtaking him as he approached the door. Looking up, he noticed that lights were on inside. A silent alarm sounded in his mind; he lived alone, and no one was supposed to be there.
He discreetly took the key out of his pocket, inserted it into the lock and slowly opened the door, careful not to make any noise. The main room was bathed in light, and he heard sounds of movement coming from the kitchen.
Lucas entered the apartment cautiously, his senses on alert. When he reached the kitchen, he was surprised to see a familiar figure preparing something on the counter.
"Lea?"
Her cousin turned around, a warm smile on her face. "Lucas! You're finally here! I called you at the hospital to let you know I'd be stopping by, but I guess you didn't get the message."
Lucas instantly relaxed, a sigh of relief escaping his lips. "Lea, you gave me one of those scares... I was sure something serious was happening."
She laughed softly, shaking her head. "Sorry for worrying you. I just wanted to surprise you with a nice dinner. You need some strength after everything you've been through."
Lucas smiles, touched by his cousin's attention. "Thank you, Léa. That's really nice of you. How did you get the keys to my apartment?"
"You gave them to me a long time ago, remember? So I could water your plants when you went on vacation," she replied with a shrug.
Lucas nodded, actually remembering this detail. "That's right, I completely forgot. Well, I'm going to put my things down and get changed. Thank you again, Léa. You are an angel."
As he walked towards his room, he couldn't help but feel a comforting warmth. Lea's presence was a welcome reminder that he was not completely alone in this battle. He still had family ties and people who cared about him.
After changing and freshening up, he joined Léa in the kitchen. The delicious aroma of the meal she was preparing filled the air, and Lucas suddenly felt very grateful for this little oasis of normalcy in the midst of the chaos.
"So, how do you really feel?" Léa asked, placing a plate of pasta on the table.
Lucas took a deep breath, thinking about the question. "I feel better, physically at least. Mentally, it's a little more complicated. But I'll get through it. I have no choice."
Léa placed a comforting hand on his. "I know you're strong, Lucas. And you're not alone. If you ever need to talk or anything, I'm here."
Lucas nodded, touched by her words. "Thank you, Léa. That means a lot to me."
They began to eat, chatting about this and that, trying not to let the darkness of Saint-Lys invade their quiet time. But deep down, Lucas knew the respite would be short-lived. The fight against the cult of Azrael would begin again, and he must prepare to face the dark forces with everything he had.
For now, however, he enjoyed this moment of peace with his cousin, savoring the warmth and comfort she brought him.