Chapter 4 Sucide

CHAPTER 4

Alexander's eyes seemed to bore into the soul as he took a sip of his scalding tea, his expression a mask of detachment. The words that spilled from his lips were laced with a hint of darkness: "She doesn't wish to end my life; she just wants to perish at my hands." The air was heavy with unspoken meaning, and Kolton and Miles exchanged uneasy glances, their faces pale and drawn. Ezekiel, ever the enigma, remained impassive, his eyes glinting with calculation. Alexander's gaze lingered on Ember's name, his expression a mixture of understanding and menace. He knew her depths, the hidden fires that burned within her. Luther's face was a stoic mask, but a fleeting flicker of worry danced across his features before he regained control. The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the soft clinking of Alexander's glass cup against the saucer. "Maybe we should head to the hospital, to ensure she's...stable," Kolton suggested, but Alexander's response was a low, husky growl: "I'm not heading to the hospital. I might strangle her to death." The words hung in the air, a promise of violence and passion that left Khalid and Miles nodding in concurrence, their faces set in determined lines.

The silence was palpable, with Ezekiel's distant gaze a stark contrast to the tension in the air. Kolton's calm tone sliced through the quiet, his words a measured attempt to steer the conversation forward. "I'll accompany Luther. We should at least confirm she poses no danger." Luther's eyes met Kolton's, a flicker of gratitude dancing in their depths before his mask of composure slipped back into place. "Let's proceed," he said, his voice firm and resolute. The warm glow of the fireplace cast a golden light on Alexander's study, the crackle of the flames a soothing background hum. The three men stood around the massive wooden desk, their discussion revolving around a potential business deal. The air was thick with anticipation, each man weighing the risks and benefits. Luther's phone shattered the moment, its vibration a jarring intrusion. He stepped away, his expression darkening as he listened to the voice on the other end. The words seemed to weigh heavily on him, his features growing increasingly somber as the conversation continued. Ezekiel's gaze remained fixed on some unknown point, while Kolton watched Luther with a mixture of concern and curiosity.

What is it?" Alexander inquired, his eyes narrowing as he leaned forward, his voice low and husky. Luther paused before replying, his gaze locking onto Alexander's, the air between them charged with an undercurrent of tension. "It's Doctor Karan. Ember's been admitted to the hospital, and she's refusing care." Ezekiel's eyes flickered, but he remained silent, his gaze fixed on some unknown point, his expression a mask of calm control. Alexander's expression darkened, his eyes burning with an inner intensity. "She intends to take her own life." Luther agreed, his voice laced with a hint of concern, his eyes never leaving Alexander's. "Doctor Karan mentioned she's been attempting to cut her wrists." Kolton's eyes widened, his face pale with worry, as he took a step forward, his voice urgent. "We need to take action." Alexander's tone was icy and calculating, his words dripping with a subtle menace. "Taking her life would be giving her an easy escape. I'll ensure she experiences more pain than that." Ezekiel's gaze stayed steadfast, though Luther's shifted slightly, a flicker of discomfort dancing in his eyes. The air was thick with unspoken emotions, the tension between them palpable, as they stood frozen, the only sound the soft hum of the room.

As Luther and Kolton navigated the hospital corridor, the scent of disinfectant and the soft beeping of machines filled the air. The distant sounds of shattering glass grew louder, and they quickened their pace. When they reached the source of the noise, they found it was Ember's hospital room. Ian, one of Alexander's trusted associates, approached them, his eyes locked onto Luther's with a hint of concern. "She's been getting more agitated by the minute," he said, his voice low and urgent. Luther's gaze met Ian's, his eyes burning with a quiet intensity. "I'll take care of it," he said, his voice husky and confident. Kolton intervened, his hand on Luther's arm, his touch sending a spark of tension through the air. "She is in a very distressing psychological state at the moment," he stated, attempting to dissuade him from entering. Luther's response was a comforting smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and a gentle pat on the shoulder, his hand lingering a fraction of a second too long. "I've got this, Kolton," Luther said, his voice low and soothing, his eyes never leaving Kolton's. With a quiet confidence, he stepped into the hospital room, the soft hiss of the door closing behind him a stark contrast to the chaos that lay within.

As he made his entrance, he was greeted by a chilling scene of a nurse drenched in a pool of blood, alongside the defiant and pale-faced Ember clutching the jagged glass tightly, resembling a villain straight out of a horror film. "Don't approach me any closer," she said, attempting to prevent Luther from getting any nearer. Her voice was laced with desperation, her eyes flashing with a mix of fear and defiance. Luther's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze burning with a quiet intensity. He took a step closer, his movements slow and deliberate, his eyes never leaving hers. The air was charged with tension, the only sound the soft beeping of the hospital machines. Luther glimpsed a dagger adorned with a unique design showcasing inscribed patterns that resembled a specific symbol linked to "The Owls." This symbol is recognized as an indication that can be employed to fabricate a very lethal threat. Luther's discovery ignited a sense of caution as he speculated that "The Owls" might have infiltrated the hospital. Nevertheless, they were hesitant to act because Alexander's associates encircled the hospital grounds.

Just that, huh?" he inquired with a playful smirk on his face, glancing down at her hands clutching the shattered glass. His eyes lingered on her fingers, noticing the way her knuckles were white with tension. As he spoke, his voice took on a low, husky tone, his words dripping with a sense of calm control. Ember's eyes flashed with a mix of fear and defiance, her chest rising and falling with rapid breaths. The air was charged with tension, the only sound the soft beeping of the hospital machines. "Do you want Cross to see you in this chaotic state?" he asked, the smirk still lingering on his face. His eyes locked onto hers, his gaze burning with a quiet intensity. Upon mentioning Alexander's name, it became evident that Ember's demeanour shifted, her eyes flashing with a mix of fear and anxiety. The mention of Alexander's name seemed to have a profound effect on her, causing her to hesitate for a moment. Luther's smirk grew wider, his eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement as he watched Ember's reaction. The dagger, still visible on the bedside table, seemed to be a silent witness to the unfolding drama.

As he turned to leave, his gaze met Ember's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. The air was charged with tension, the only sound the soft beeping of the hospital machines. Luther's eyes seemed to bore into her very soul, as if searching for something hidden beneath the surface. Luther realized he had struck a nerve and made his way out, instructing Ian to tidy up the room and summon the doctor to care for her. His eyes lingered on Ember's pale complexion, noticing the way her skin seemed to glow in the soft light of the hospital room. It was still before eight, and the physician on duty hadn't begun their shift yet; only the on-call doctor was available. Ember remained on the hospital bed, observing his fading silhouette. One hand concealed her face, and a sorrowful smile formed on her pale complexion, with a solitary tear trickling down. Her eyes seemed to hold a deep sadness, a sense of longing that was palpable in the air. Luther's footsteps echoed down the hallway, the sound fading into the distance. Ember's gaze lingered on the empty space where he had stood, her heart heavy with emotion. The scent of disinfectant and the soft hum of the fluorescent lights seemed to fade into the background as she lost herself in thought.