Page 10 of Dissection of Immortal Hearts

“Welcome back, manticore.” The voice carried a blend of contempt and satisfaction. A foul odour mingled with the familiar scent of sea salt.

Before him stood the woman Fate had wielded as a weapon to punish him for all the sins he’d committed during his four-century-long life.

“My hero! A white heart in black armour!” the Queen exclaimed, lingering on the scars across his chest. “Or are you a black heart in white armour? Willing to do anything to justify your falsely altruistic cause?”

If he’d had any strength left, he might have fought back – or at least responded.

“You thought you were saving the species, but all you ever did was entertain me. Unintentionally, you became part of my game.”

She’s lying!She would never have made so many moves against him if it had all been just a game.

Mikhail moved his lips, but his parched throat refused to produce any sound.

“Give him some water! I want to know what he’s trying to say.”

Icy water splashed onto his face. Only then did he realise someone else was in the room. That someone roughly grabbed his chin and poured water down his throat. Mikhail gobbled itall. After days without a single drop, his body absorbed the liquid like a healing elixir.

“How about I tell you a secret, manticore? I’ve never cared whether the species were weakened by disrupted regeneration or not.”

“You’re lying…” Mikhail croaked.

“Not in the slightest.” She strolled towards him. “I only lied when I needed to deceive your Oracle.” She pulled the chain with the ring before his eyes. “The new Oracle has adapted to this world rather quickly, don’t you think?”

The mention of Amelia stirred both his thoughts and his heart. “Why…”

The Queen placed a finger under his chin, forcing his head upright. “Why what, my beautiful captive?”

“Hate me… so much?”

She threw her head back, roaring with laughter. The sound sent painful pulses through his ears. “I don’t hate you. I like you. If I didn’t, would I have kept you alive for so long? You’re not only exceptional physically, but also possess remarkable mental qualities. I rarely see such resilience and determination. Such willingness to trample everything in pursuit of your goals.” She examined him from head to toe. “Did you know that in many parts of the world, there are small medical centres trying to save immortal creatures, but nowhere is there a hospital as grand as yours? Not everyone can manage such a monumental structure. Your single flaw is that you want it all for yourself, but that can be changed.”

Mikhail gathered the last of his strength. “If you like me so much… then why… don’t we ally?”

The Queen raised her eyebrows. “Are you offering me your loyalty?”

He nodded.

She laughed again. “You insult me. Stronger men thanyou have tried to win me over through deceit. Sweet dreams, manticore!”

She was leaving, and his guilty conscience would remain.

‘You want it all for yourself,’the Queen had told him.

Was she right? The only thing he truly wanted for himself was Amelia. Everything else – the Hospital, the Council, the management, loyalty, obedience – existed to serve one purpose.

Revenge.

Or was it for the good of everyone…?

When his breathing grew laboured and his heart started to weaken, his mind wandered back to a time when life had felt simple, black and white, and free of doubt. Free of remorse.

***

Amelia

Hours after discovering the Oracle’s letter, Amelia was tossing and turning in bed. She, who was blessed with the Oracle’s gift, couldn’t reach Mikhail’s consciousness. She was capable of doing so. She’d once seen through Elisanda Grace’s eyes, witnessing the present as Elisanda herself did. But now, when she needed her ability the most, it failed her.

The letter from Gea claimed that visions weren’t her strength. Then what was? She took it out again and reread it. Over and over.