The Endgame Chronicles (by Hugh White) novel Chapter 58

Chapter 58

Ethan’s wound was deep. They had just packed it with some standard clotting powder, but the more they used it, the worse the pain became.

When Leonard spread the medicine Hayley had given him over the injury, an indescribable coolness swept away all of Ethan’s pain.

As the bandages went on, a gentle warmth spread through the wound–not hot, not burning, but soothing.

It felt like soaking in a hot spring. His body finally relaxed, his nerves loosened, and color began to return to his

face.

“What the hell is in this she–devil’s medicine? It feels amazing,” Ethan muttered.

“Still calling her that?” Leonard tied the bandage tighter on purpose.

“Argh!” Ethan winced and immediately backed down. “Okay, okay, my bad. Boss. I meant Boss.”

Leonard loosened his grip a little, finished wrapping the wound, and glanced at the small amount of powder left.

“There’s still some left. Use it on the worst spots,” he told the others.

One by one, he dabbed the remaining medicine on his teammates‘ injuries.

The change was instant.

“Whoa, this stuff is unreal,” Gavin said, his eyes wide.

Caleb nodded eagerly. “It doesn’t even hurt anymore!”

“I’ve never used anything like this,” Logan added, sounding amazed.

Derek, arms crossed, muttered, “Guess that she–devil isn’t completely useless. At least she’s got some good stuff.

11

“Derek!” Leonard’s face darkened instantly.

“What? It’s true. We all begged her earlier, and she didn’t lift a finger. If that’s not cold–blooded, what is?” Derek shot back.

He was still bitter. After all, he was the rookie Hayley had nearly driven to tears not long ago.

“Boss saved Captain Caldwell’s life,” Leonard said firmly. “She even looked the other way and let me give you medicine.”

“Hmph! Only because you traded yourself for it.”

“No,” Leonard said, his tone sharp and resolute. “I chose this. I follow her because I want to.”

12

From her spot by the shelter’s doorway, Hayley caught those words. The corner of her lips tugged upward. Leonard was still the same Leonard she remembered.

“Don’t say stuff like that, Leonard!”

“Didn’t you just agree that Captain Caldwell is out of danger now? As soon as he’s recovered, we’ll slip away.” “Yeah, we’ll sneak out together. She’ll never notice.”

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“And even if she does, who cares? There’s no way a girl like her can fight all of us.”

“Exactly. We’re not afraid of her!”

“You’re not afraid of who, exactly?”

Hayley’s voice cut through their whispers. She walked out carrying a massive bowl in her hands.

The group froze mid–conversation. Suddenly, everyone had something fascinating to look at the sky, the dirt, anywhere but her. Not a single one of them dared meet her gaze.

Hayley swept her eyes over them, unimpressed. “Leonard, come eat.”

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