ERYN
They said it was my fault, not my parents of course, it was just the way the world did.
Maybe me, too.
I took my parents to the clinic. My mom’s breathing had been shallow for weeks. My dad’s trembling hands could no longer hold a spoon. The doctors said there was a new drug trial. Second phase. Promising. Experimental.
And it was led by Rhysario Vale.
I didn’t know much about him except he had a reputation. Cold. Ruthless. The kind of man who never smiled unless he wanted something.
When I walked into the sterile white room, he was there. Sitting at the far end, eyes sharp like he was already scanning through me and finding every weakness. I hated that.
I stood with my parents behind me. They looked at me like I was the one who had answers. I didn’t have any. I barely had hope.
Rhysario didn’t say a word for a long time. Just studied us like a scientist dissects a frog. Then he spoke.
“I’m Dr. Vale.” His voice was calm, almost too calm. “This trial might help. But it’s not a c
