Chapter 13: The Awakening of the City
"Toby!" Evelyn broke free from the stunned guards and ran to the boy, lifting his small, frail body into her arms.
His breathing was nearly imperceptible. The massive surge of energy had exhausted almost every ounce of his life force. Marcus rushed over, kneeling beside them, his voice choked with emotion.
Sirens wailed in the distance. News helicopters, drawn by the blinding flash of light, circled overhead, broadcasting live footage to millions of households across the nation. The entire country watched as the legendary corporate titan Raymond Cross dropped to his knees in front of the dying child and began to weep.
"What did I do?" Cross sobbed, his voice raw. "What have I done to him?"
"You took what was never meant to be bought," Evelyn said bitterly, holding Toby tightly against her chest.
She pressed her forehead against the boy's cold cheek. "Please, Toby. Don't go. You taught me how to walk again... please teach me how to live without you."
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A single tear fell from Evelyn's eye, landing on the boy's pale cheek.
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