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Chapter_198
As Whitney spoke, her mind raced with the weight of what she was about to ask. The urgency in her voice wasn’t just for Natalie’s sake—it was for her own survival. She had lost so much already: her trust in Ludwik, the love she had once felt, and now, the fragile thread of hope she’d been clinging to. But in this moment, none of it mattered. Natalie’s life was on the line, and Whitney knew she had to do whatever it took to save her.
The figure in front of her, shadowed under the dim streetlight, listened intently, their face hard to read. They had always been pragmatic, a person of few words and even fewer promises. But they had never turned their back on Whitney, not when it mattered most.
“I know you’re desperate, Whitney,” the person said, their tone even but with a trace of concern. “But what you’re asking for is dangerous. You understand that, don’t you? There’s a cost to this—more than just what you’re willing to risk for Natalie’s health.”
Whitney swallowed, her throat dry, but her resolve didn’t waver. “I’ll pay whatever price it takes. I don’t care about the cost. If this is the only way to save her, then we do it. Please.”
The other person took a long pause, their eyes scanning the dark alley as if weighing their next words carefully. Finally, they spoke, their voice low but firm. “You know what this involves, don’t you? It’s not something we can undo once it’s done. And if you go down this path, there’s no turning back.”
Whitney nodded, her gaze unwavering. “I’m already too far in. I’ll do whatever it takes.” Her voice cracked with emotion, but she quickly regained her composure. “Natalie’s life is all that matters right now. I’m not letting her slip away.”
The figure stepped closer, their gaze softened for just a moment before they spoke again. “Alright. But I’m warning you—what we’re about to do will not only change things for her. It will change everything. Your life, Ludwik’s, and even Elaine’s… all of it will be altered forever.”
Whitney’s heart pounded, but she didn’t flinch. “I don’t care anymore. Just tell me what I need to do.”
There was a heavy silence as the figure met her gaze, a strange glimmer of understanding passing between them. Finally, they pulled out a small vial from their jacket pocket, holding it out to Whitney. It was filled with a liquid, dark and unidentifiable in the low light.
“This is what you need,” they said, their voice steady. “One dose, and Natalie’s condition will stabilize. But remember, this comes with a price. Not just to you, but to everyone around you. The consequences of using this will ripple through all of your lives. Are you sure you want to go through with it?”
Whitney’s hand trembled as she took the vial, her fingers cold from the fear coursing through her veins. She knew the cost, knew the consequences—but she couldn’t afford to hesitate now.
“I’m sure,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
The figure gave her a final, lingering look before turning to leave, their footsteps echoing in the empty alley. Whitney stood frozen for a moment, the vial clenched tightly in her hand. She had crossed a line now. There was no turning back.
But for Natalie, she would do it. Whatever it took.
