I slipped into unconsciousness, my mind descending into darkness.
Once again, I saw the vision of swarming bees, this time bringing even more information.
I sensed the presence of my powers, but I also realized that using them came with a price.
The queen bee's ability could only control one person at a time, requiring physical contact to maintain the control. The command released a fragrant aura that made the controlled person's strength surge to unimaginable levels, but it only lasted for about thirty seconds.
And the price? My own body weakened, leaving me vulnerable, even causing me to collapse on the spot.
I couldn't help but marvel at how incredible this power was. 'If only it came without a cost.'
As exhaustion took over, I fully lost consciousness, allowing my body to recover.
I had no sense of time until I heard some noises.
I opened my eyes to an unexpected sight.
A pair of wild yet captivating eyes met mine, the initial shock in them quickly giving way to a hidden fervor.
Realizing someone was near me, I shrieked in surprise.
When I gathered my wits, I recognized the man as the stranger I'd seen at my mentor's house.
I hurriedly checked my clothes, relieved to find everything in place.
With a clearer head, the images from before I blacked out flashed through my mind.
His name was Riise, and not long ago, he had been on the run, wounded.
A shiver ran through me. I wasn't sure what he intended, but recalling that I had once used my powers on him gave me a sliver of courage.
"Why did you bring me here? What do you want?" I demanded coldly, refusing to show any weakness.
"You're awake. Then, allow me to properly introduce myself. I'm Riise." He looked me over with a scrutinizing gaze as if trying to see right through me.
Before I could respond, he continued, "As you might have guessed, I'm searching for the research notes left behind by Professor Andrew, but I've been targeted. I nearly lost my life. Thankfully... you saved me. My wounds healed faster than I thought possible."
His gaze locked onto mine, his eyes full of doubt and curiosity.
It was clear that he couldn't fathom how his severe injuries had healed so quickly.
"Well, it's good that you know it was me who saved you," I said with a huff, not denying his words. "Remember, you owe me this!"
I sensed that Riise meant no harm to me. If he had, he could have done anything to me while I was unconscious, but he didn't.
I decided, for now, that he might be a gentleman.
Riise seemed taken aback by my defiance, but I caught a flicker of admiration in his eyes.
'Men like him. They always respected women they couldn't control.'
He nodded, going along with my words. "I'll remember, but from this moment on, stay away from anything related to Professor Andrew. Consider this my way of repaying you for saving my life."
I detected a mix of concern and a serious warning in his tone.
I fell silent, realizing I needed to stay cautious until I uncovered the truth.
After a moment, I replied softly, "Thank you."
I asked what time it was. It was already noon the next day.
This was my first time away from home in four years, my first time not coming back overnight.
When I finally turned on my phone, I was bombarded with a flood of messages. Jack's insults were especially vile.
He accused me of being shameless, of running off with another man, and threatened to make me pay for my supposed betrayal.
'But what about him? He was the one who cheated first, without a shred of guilt or remorse!'
Amidst the barrage of infuriating texts, I found a single message that brought me comfort.
It was from Joseph, informing me that my mother had started her treatment, that her condition was temporarily stable, and that I shouldn't worry.
He also asked how I was holding up and offered his best wishes.
I felt a warmth spread through my chest at his kindness.
But I knew time was short. I had to get to the hospital immediately and use the serum to ease my mother's condition.
I straightened my clothes and glanced at Riise, who remained silent. He was mysterious and dangerous, a man whose presence seemed to bring chaos.
It was clear that someone as wild as him and someone like me were not meant to stay in each other's lives.
We both knew it was best to avoid further entanglements and stay out of each other's lives.
I said my goodbyes. As I turned to leave, I noticed a fleeting look of reluctance and intensity in his eyes, quickly replaced by calm rationality.
"Here are your car keys. Goodbye," Riise said politely, opening the door and handing me the keys, watching as I left.
Once outside the apartment building, I realized we were in the Tesy Tower on Dendral Street.
The owners of the apartments in Tesy Tower were either wealthy elites or powerful figures. Even Jack's family, as rich as they were, didn't make the candidate list for a unit in this place.
Riise's background became even more of a mystery to me, but I had more pressing matters to attend to.
Pushing the thoughts aside, I floored the accelerator, heading straight to the hospital.
Soon, I met with Joseph and handed him the serum.
He looked at me with intense gratitude, gripping my hand tightly. I could feel his hands trembling.
"I never thought I'd witness such a breakthrough in my lifetime. Mrs. Cruz, you're truly contributing to humanity's future!"
Tears welled up in Joseph's gentle eyes, and I understood how much this meant to a doctor devoted to saving lives.
After calming himself, he led me to my mother's room.
She lay there, gaunt and pale, her once-vibrant energy drained away by illness.
One look at her, and I felt the sting of tears behind my eyes.
'I have to save her. There is no other option.'
"Joseph, let's do this."
I took a deep breath. This serum was our best shot.
Joseph expertly injected the serum into her veins, glancing at me as he explained, "The trials show it can clear 30% of cancer cells within three weeks, and patients experience significant recovery. Let's hope for the best!"
I nodded, knowing that even a brief respite would give me time to develop a complete cure for pancreatic cancer.
Just then, my phone rang. The caller ID read Emily, Jack's mother.
I frowned, remembering that all my belongings were still in that dreadful house. With no other choice, I answered.
Then she barked at me with a sharp voice. "Mrs. Cruz, are you slacking off? Why didn't you finish the chores before leaving? Don't forget your place. You're a housewife! Now, listen carefully. You must be back in half an hour. We have important guests tonight, and you'd better prepare the dinner properly."