Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 82

In the hospital.

Sylvia awoke to pitch darkness, her heart pounding with fear. She could sense someone moving around her.

"Who's there?"

"Who's there?"

Her voice was raspy as she grabbed whatever her hand could find and hurled it into the darkness.

Her frantic actions froze everyone in the room. A sob broke the silence, and a figure rushed towards her. "Sylvia, Sylvia, what's wrong? It's Mom!"

Naomi, tears streaming down her face, moved closer to Sylvia.

Sylvia's hand stopped mid-air, her breathing shaky. "Mom, where are you? Why can't I see you?"

Naomi's pupils dilated, her tears momentarily forgotten. "Sylvia! Don't scare me like that!"

Sylvia stared blankly at an empty space, her voice trembling. "Mom..."

The room fell silent.

broke the

Rupert's friend. After a thorough examination, his expression grew more serious, though he didn't spell out his

he comforted before leaving,

up quietly and left the room. Beside him, Bridget

see how

Outside the ward.

wait for his friend to speak, his usually

you before - her mental state was fragile. How could this have happened?" "Restore her sight!" Rupert's voice was low but terrifying, like a knife pressed to his friend's

could mean a swift and brutal

vision should return This is the first time I've seen such a strong physical reaction to stress. Rupert, what

He remembered

is this really all because

narrowed, his

further, his friend changed the subject.

left, Rupert stood in the smoking area, silently lighting a cigarette. The sight of his reddened knuckles reminded him of the three men he had knocked unconscious. He took a puff, his gaze shifting to Orson,

stepped forward. "Mr.

the smoke, Rupert