"That boy isn't going anywhere."
The soft but firm voice cut through the room, freezing everyone in place. They turned to find Ink standing behind them, her gaze cold and unyielding. No one had noticed her approach, but now her presence loomed over the scene. The tension thickened like a storm cloud. Leora's expression remained calm, though a current of animosity pulsed in the air.
"Deemed healthy?" Ink scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. "That's for me to decide."
She turned sharply to the nurse, her hand already raised. "You," she spat, her arm swinging with intent to strike.
The nurse flinched, squeezing her eyes shut—but the blow never landed.
Leora's hand caught Ink's wrist in a swift, with movement. Her grip was iron, her eyes colder than Ink's. "That's assault, you know," she said, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
Ink's eyes narrowed sneering. "He stays. You and your foundation leave."
From the corner of the room, the guard stationed by the exit noticed the commotion and began to approach, his heavy boots thudding against the floor.
Bitu, who had been watching silently, stood. He glanced at Beryl, who seemed ready to jump in, and gave her a small shake of his head, urging her to stay seated. She hesitated but sat back down, her eyes flicking between them.
Ink yanked her arm free from Leora's grip, rubbing her wrist where Leora had held her. "Any issue here, ma'am?" the guard asked, his voice steady but alert.
"Escort this woman out," Ink snapped, her hostility sharp and biting.
The guard nodded, stepping forward with purpose. Just as he moved to obey, Bitu intervened, stepping into the guard's path. His voice was calm but firm.
"Tutela force," he said, pulling a badge from his coat and holding it up. The emblem gleamed under the hospital lights.
The guard froze, eyes widening slightly as he recognized the authority behind the badge. He glanced between Ink and Bitu, his hesitation evident. Slowly, he stepped back.
Ink's eyes flicked to the badge, then to Bitu's face. She let out a sarcastic laugh. "Oh, you really did it," she said. Her gaze shifted to Leora, with a smile. "You've finally planted one of your goons in the government."
Leora she exhaled slowly, refusing to be baited.
"Leora, you and Beryl can go. I'll handle this," Bitu said, his voice calm but resolute.
Varo's gaze darted between them, unease gnawing at him. The room felt like it was teetering on the edge of chaos, and something about the escalating confrontation set him on edge.
Then he saw it.
Faint tendrils of aura began to seep from Bitu, swirling subtly around him, like steam rising from hot water. The air seemed heavier, charged with a quiet intensity.
Ink's eyes lit up, her amusement unmistakable. "Oh, furball Beryl is here," she said with a grin, her tone suddenly light and mocking.
She leaned slightly, peering over Leora's shoulder toward the waiting area, where Beryl stood tensely, watching the exchange. Ink raised a hand and waved cheerfully, her grin widening.
"Hi there, Beryl!" she called, her voice dripping with mock sweetness.
Beryl's fists clenched at her side, she got up and flipped a finger at Ink. Her eyes burning with a quiet fire.
Leora saw the resolve in Bitu's eyes and understood. She turned to Varo, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll have dinner at home together. You just have to trust Bitu," she assured him with a soft smile, trying to ease his tension.
Then, she turned to Ink, her tone colder. "Glad to see some things don't change. This is just like the twin situation all over again." Without waiting for a response, she walked away.
Leora approached Beryl, and the two exchanged quiet words. Though their conversation was inaudible, the message was clear when Beryl shot a final icy glare at Ink before following Leora out of the room.
Ink's gaze flicked to the guard and the nurse, and with just a sharp look, they understood. The guard returned to his post, and the nurse resumed her duties without a word.
Varo stood frozen, his eyes locked on Ink. Her ability to command authority so effortlessly unsettled him, yet he couldn't look away.
"Let's get this over with. I don't have all day," Ink said, turning to Bitu with thinly veiled impatience.
"We want custody of the boy. Don't drag bitter pasts into this," Bitu replied, his voice steady yet firm.
"Who cares about that?" Ink shot back, her tone dismissive. "His recovery after what he happened to him needs to be thoroughly understood."
"That requires consent from both us and the patient himself," Bitu countered.
Ink's black painted lips sneered. "There are no records of him. He's probably a slave."
The word cut through Varo like ice. He most certainly did not like this woman.
"He's under the official protection of the Lampros Foundation," Bitu explained. "Title 5, Section 56 of the Naruina Medical Conduct Act stands firmly against your actions."
Ink's eyes narrowed. "That doesn't matter. I, representing the Naxeri Oligarchy, have to get to the bottom of his so-called 'miracle.'" She stepped closer to Bitu, her confidence unwavering. "This boy is a special case, and it seems you and your organization are hiding something."
Bitu sighed, his patience visibly thinning. "When I said he's officially under Lampros' protection, I meant it. If you force him to stay against his will, we will consider you an enemy."
The Lampros Foundation was no ordinary NGO (non-governmental organization). Renowned internationally, it operated beyond the jurisdiction of any one nation.
Thanks to Leora, who had saved influential figures across various regions, the foundation had earned unparalleled respect.
Known as the Golden Girl, her reputation was untouchable, and nations vied for Lampros' presence. Though small, the foundation was strategic, masterfully wielding influence.
Ink's eyes darkened. She understood the weight of Bitu's words. "You'd really threaten war on Naruina over this twerp?"
"Don't be dramatic. It doesn't have to escalate if you let him go," Bitu said, his tone cold. "After all, you've already taken more than enough from him—illegally obtained blood samples. Is it really research you're after? Or is it personal? Respect, honor, power... or perhaps treating your disease?"
Ink's eyes widened, her face barely restrained her rage. "You have no proof!" she hissed. "I have his file—photos of what he was and what he is now!"
"I don't need proof," Bitu shot back, his words like steel. "I know you did."
He raised a folder in his hand. "And the file you're referring to? It's right here."
Ink's mouth fell open in shock. "What!? When did you—?"
"When the nurse searched for his profile," Bitu explained calmly, not breaking eye contact.
"I'll be keeping this folder," Bitu continued, "so you'll have no proof to show your superiors. You can keep your blood samples, though. I'm sure you've already taken more than enough. But ask yourself—what are you really after? Respect? Power? Or survival?"
Ink's face flushed red with fury. "Don't push your luck, Tutela Force!" she snapped.
Bitu's expression darkened. "I'm not negotiating with you as a member of the force," he said, stepping closer. "I'm negotiating as the Golden Girl's goon."
Ink's eyes widened in realization, her earlier insult now thrown back at her. She clenched her fists but said nothing, her fury palpable.
Bitu turned to Varo. "Let's go."
Varo followed, his heart pounding with admiration. Bitu had controlled the entire negotiation with a calm authority that left Varo in awe.
"This isn't over!" Ink roared as they left, her voice echoing through the hall.
Bitu didn't turn back. Neither did Varo.