Apocalypse: The echoes of Madness

Zane turned his gaze away from her and looked at Dr. Lucas, his expression cold and resolute. Pointing a finger at Rose, he said firmly, "I want her to go with me."

Rose's mind reeled. What is wrong with this crazy guy? Why is he dragging me into this mess? My head is still foggy, and I just woke up today. Why won't they just leave me alone?

She glanced around and noticed everyone staring at her. Their gazes felt sharp, like silent warnings. What is this feeling? Why does it seem like if I refuse, they'll make my life unbearable here?

"I-I..." Rose stammered, but before she could finish, Lily's voice cut through the tension.

"She won't go."

Startled, Rose turned. "Lily?"

James also looked surprised. "Lily?" he echoed.

Dr. Lucas cleared his throat. "Alright, that's enough for today. Anyone willing to volunteer should come to my office tomorrow at 8 a.m. If no one steps forward, we'll have to draw up a list."

With that, Dr. Lucas exited, and the group began to disperse.

Rose hurried to catch up with Lily. "Thank you for standing up for me. If it weren't for you today—"

Lily didn't let her finish. "I didn't help you. I just hate that guy." Without another word, she walked away.

Annoyed, Rose turned her attention to James. "James!" she called, her voice laced with frustration.

James flinched. "Y-yes?"

"Didn't you say everything here would be fine? If you'd told me earlier, I wouldn't be so shocked!"

He fidgeted, looking guilty. "I'm sorry. You just woke up, and I didn't want to overwhelm—"

"Hey, Rose, aren't you hungry? Let's go to the cafeteria," Yuri interrupted, a playful grin on her face.

"No, I've lost my appetite," Rose muttered.

Just then, her stomach growled loudly, and she flushed with embarrassment.

Yuri chuckled. "See? You are hungry. Let's go."

"S-sure..." Rose mumbled, following her reluctantly.

As they walked, Yuri leaned in and whispered in Rose's ear, "You don't have to forgive James so easily."

"I heard that," James muttered, looking exasperated.

Yuri laughed. "Ahem, let's just eat."

Rose couldn't help but smile, the tension lifting slightly. "Who was that guy anyway?" she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

James sighed and began to explain. "His name is Zane. He's the most powerful mutant here. No one can beat him in a fight—not even the Harbingers. He's killed them single-handedly, and whenever he goes outside, no M21 dares approach him. The hierarchy here is based on power, and he's at the very top, Level 1. That's why everyone respects him—or fears him. He showed interest in you, so people are wary of getting involved."

Rose frowned. "What about the other guy? What's his name again?"

"Cale. He's Level 2. No one really knows why he and Zane hate each other so much—they used to be close. And Lily, as you've seen, is Level 3. That's why no one dares stop her when she steps in."

"I see... But why would someone like him show interest in me?" Rose wondered aloud.

Yuri grinned. "Maybe you have a secret power you don't know about. Or maybe he thinks you're beautiful."

Rose rolled her eyes. "I don't know about that, but he definitely knows something I don't."

They arrived at the cafeteria, which was bustling with people.

"Why is it so crowded here?" Rose asked, feeling uneasy.

"Let's get food quickly and leave," Yuri suggested.

As they navigated the lines, Emily appeared beside Rose. "What do you want to eat?" she asked cheerfully.

Startled, Rose exclaimed, "Emily! Where did you come from? I didn't even see you!"

Emily grinned. "I've been waiting for you."

Yuri rolled her eyes. "She always pops up out of nowhere."

"Just get me whatever you're having," Rose said.

Whispers began spreading through the cafeteria.

"Isn't that the girl Zane showed interest in?"

Rose felt the weight of their stares. "Let's hurry and get out of here," she muttered.

As they walked out with their trays, James suddenly pointed. "Rose, look over there."

She followed his gaze and saw Zane watching her, a dark, unsettling smile on his face.

Rose held his gaze, refusing to look away as she walked past him. Only when she was in her room did she let out the breath she'd been holding.

She was trying to eat and calm her thoughts when a knock interrupted her.

"Who is it?" she called.

"Miss Rose, it's Thomas, Dr. Lucas's assistant."

Opening the door, she asked, "Why would someone as important as you come here?"

Thomas smiled politely. "Dr. Lucas has requested your presence in his office."

Rose frowned. "Why?"

"It's about your accident."

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(To be continued)

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