Apocalypse: Building And Hoarding My Way Through.
Chapter 49: A Race Against Time.

Chapter 49: A Race Against Time.

Golden and Jaden’s eyes darted toward the array of torture tools once more, their breaths quickening. The cold reality weighed heavily on them, they knew that telling the truth could still cost them their lives. But lying to Victor? That was a gamble they weren’t sure they could afford to take.

Both children remained silent, their trembling bodies consumed by uncontrollable sobs.

"Do you think I have all the time in the world?" Victor bellowed, his voice booming with irritation. "Answer the question!" His sharp tone made the children’s bodies tremble violently.

"Yes, we met her!" Golden finally cried out, tears streaming down her cheeks as she clung to Jaden. Her arms tightened protectively around her little brother, who, had wet himself due to fear. "She’s our angel," Golden whispered, her voice breaking.

Victor’s smirk widened into a twisted grin. "Oh, really?" he drawled, his tone laced with cruel amusement. "That’s good... because now, you’ll bring her to me."

His expression darkened as he turned toward the doctor, gesturing sharply. "Doctor, inject them both and the baby too."

"No! Please don’t hurt my brother!" Golden shrieked, throwing herself over Jaden in a desperate attempt to shield him. "We’ll bring Scarlett to you without the need to turn us into monsters!"

Victor raised a skeptical brow and leaned down to meet Golden’s tear-streaked gaze. "Oh, really? And how exactly do you plan to do that?" His voice was cold and mocking, yet laced with intrigue.

Golden’s lips trembled as she spoke, her voice barely audible. "I’ll go and find her... and I’ll make sure she comes to the Axe Squad. She’ll follow me."

Victor tilted his head, pondering her words. The silence stretched unbearably long, broken only by Jaden’s quiet whimpers. Finally, Victor waved his hand, a signal that made the doctor lower the syringe and step back.

"Interesting," Victor said, his voice a low growl. He leaned closer, his piercing gaze boring into Golden. "You’ll go and bring her here... but your siblings will remain with me."

Golden’s heart skipped a beat as his words sank in. Her breath caught, and for a moment, it felt as if time itself had stopped. What had she expected? That Victor would release her and Jaden together? That was impossible. He was far too cunning for such mercy.

"No!" Jaden cried out, clinging to his sister with trembling arms. "I want to go with you! I don’t want to stay here alone!"

Victor’s laugh was low and menacing, echoing through the room like a death knell. "Since you refuse the injection, you’ll have to rely on your skills. I’ll provide you with weapons, but whether you survive out there depends entirely on you." His expression grew even darker. "Remember, the moment you die, your brother’s life will be next. And if he dies... well, the baby will be next in line. Only then will I bother looking for this Scarlett myself, after you’ve failed."

Golden felt as though her knees would give way beneath her. The stakes were insurmountable, and Victor’s cruel laughter only deepened her despair.

Victor straightened and gestured toward the large holographic screen in the room. "I’ll be monitoring your every move. The moment you die, I’ll know," he sneered. His laughter rang out again, sending shivers down Golden’s spine.

Golden’s thoughts raced, her mind clouded by fear and desperation. Scarlett and the others filled her thoughts, why did Victor want her so badly? Whatever his reasons, Golden clung to a faint hope that Scarlett and the others could defeat him. She had to stay alive long enough to ensure that.

With trembling lips, she forced herself to speak. "Will you... take care of my brother and sister while I’m gone? They haven’t eaten in two days, except for water." Her voice cracked as she glanced at Jaden and baby Hope, the latter silent now, her small body limp from exhaustion.

Victor’s gaze flickered toward the two children, his expression unreadable before it morphed into a cunning smile. "Sure," he said lightly, his tone insincere.

Turning sharply, he barked an order. "Get the girl ready for the task. Arm her with weapons, whatever Luck allows her to wield. But remember this: you only have seven days. Fail to return in time, and your siblings’ lives will be forfeit." With that, Victor strode toward the exit. "Good luck, little one. You’ll need it."

The door slammed shut behind him, leaving Golden and Jaden to process his chilling words.

____________

Meanwhile, on the boat...

Scarlett’s hands trembled as she concentrated, her brow furrowed in fierce determination. The glow of her elemental power illuminated her face as she continued to draw poison from Garvin’s wound. The hum of the boat’s motor, the cool breeze, and the occasional cry of a seagull were the only sounds breaking the heavy silence.

"You need to stop and rest," Ethan said gently, his face etched with worry. "You’ve been using your powers nonstop for over an hour. You’ll burn yourself out."

Scarlett shook her head, her voice firm despite her exhaustion. "I can’t. Matthew’s poison is lethal. If it’s not fully extracted, Garvin will die."

Larry leaned against the boat’s railing, his expression grim. "Do you want to kill yourself too? You’re pushing your powers too hard. You’re strong, Scarlett, but not invincible."

Before Scarlett could reply, Garvin’s body convulsed violently, a weak moan escaping his lips. Scarlett’s heart lurched, and she redoubled her efforts, tears threatening to spill.

"Come on, Garvin," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Stay with me. Don’t give up."

Pain seared through her chest, and she wondered fleetingly if she was hurting herself with her relentless effort or if it was because Garvin is dying.

Louise stepped closer, concern etched on his face. "Is he...?"

Scarlett nodded, her eyes never leaving Garvin’s pale face. "He’s fighting. He just needs more time."

"I hope he opens his eyes soon," Larry muttered with a heavy sigh. "You’re going to collapse if you keep going like this."

Ethan adjusted the boat’s course, his eyes scanning the horizon. "We’re close to the shore," he announced. "We’ll be there by morning. Be ready. Monsters are always more aggressive at dawn."

Maya’s shoulders sagged as she hugged herself tightly. "Another battle... I just hope the others are still safe when we get to our hiding space. I can’t bear to think that Victor might have found them."

"I hope so too," Larry murmured, his voice heavy with worry.

The night wore on, and Scarlett’s exhaustion grew unbearable. Her breathing was labored, and sweat dripped from her brow, but she refused to stop. Garvin’s life depended on her.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Garvin’s eyes fluttered open. Scarlett gasped, tears spilling down her cheeks as relief washed over her.

"Garvin!" she whispered, her voice trembling. "Thank goodness."

Garvin’s gaze met hers, his eyes filled with gratitude. "I’m alive," he rasped weakly.

The group let out a collective sigh of relief, their tense expressions softening into smiles.

"You are, man!" Louise exclaimed, clapping Garvin’s shoulder. Garvin winced in pain, and Louise immediately recoiled. "Sorry!"

"It’s fine," Garvin replied, his voice barely above a whisper. He swallowed hard, realizing his head was still resting on Scarlett’s shoulder. Embarrassed, he struggled to sit up.

"You should thank Scarlett," Maya said softly. "She’s the reason you’re still breathing. I already thought you’re not going to make it."

Garvin turned to Scarlett, his eyes glassy with emotion. "Thank you," he said, his voice thick with sincerity.

Scarlett smiled weakly, her heart swelling with emotion. She tried to respond, but the world tilted around her, and everything went black as she lost consciousness.