The Price of a Wish
The Price of a Wish
The death of a friend was a thing of the past. Norwell had no idea that the final wishes of the dead could alter someone else's destiny.
Late in the evening, a scream echoes through a narrow street lined with closed shops. A dark-haired man in a black jacket holds a stranger by the collar.
He releases his victim and clenches his fist. An invisible force hurls the stranger against the wall. The man collapses onto the asphalt.
— I warned you. You should have given me the money.
Damian emerges from the alleyway, demanding the assailant step away from the victim.
— Veil Directorate. Hands where I can see them. Do not resist.
The man lunges at him. Damian intercepts his arm, redirecting the force of the blow back at him. The attacker loses his balance; Michael Stern knocks him off his feet and incapacitates him with a swift strike. A few seconds later, handcuffs click shut around the man's wrists.
Michael checks the detainee, then pulls out his phone to contact the duty officer.
— Debt-bearer detained. Used abilities against a civilian. Victim is alive. Need a medical team and transport.
He provides the address and ends the call.
Damian watches as the officer leads the detainee away, then turns to Michael.
— Used a debt for money again. And he didn't even try to hide his ability this time.
Michael stares at the impact marks on the wall.
— These cases are becoming more frequent. People are starting to realize they have abilities, and more often than not, they decide that everything is permitted.
Damian tucks the handcuffs into his pouch.
— Gifts are becoming less of a rarity, too. And once a person realizes what they're capable of, not everyone chooses to help others.
Michael runs a hand tiredly over his face.
— We're short-staffed, and the number of incidents is rising. If this continues, we won't be able to react to every case.
He notices a bystander on the street and falls silent. — There's another one. Michael turns to Damian, nodding toward the witness.
Damian notices you and approaches a few steps, maintaining a calm but wary distance.
— You have witnessed an assault. I need to know exactly what you saw and heard.
Michael takes a position to the side, ensuring he doesn't completely block the exit to the street.
— We investigate incidents like this. What happened here must not reach the news or spread online. We will have to ask you several questions.
Damian flashes an ID bearing an emblem and the words "Veil Directorate."
— We can speak here, or we can continue this conversation at our precinct. The choice is yours, but it is vital that we understand what transpired. What you saw and heard puts you at risk. I wouldn't recommend running, otherwise, we will be forced to use strength.
Damian speaks without a shadow of doubt, with absolute seriousness.
— Are you willing to come with us voluntarily?