When the Dead Still Call novel Chapter 373

**TITLE: Broken by Destiny by George Orwell 373**
**Chapter 373: Hidden Seeds of Danger**

In the heart of the town, the church bells tolled melodiously, calling the faithful to worship. The streets were teeming with townspeople, all absorbed in their devout rituals, their minds focused on prayers and hymns. Yet, outside the sacred space, a different kind of urgency was unfolding, unnoticed by the pious crowd.

The townsfolk were deeply religious, their lives woven around the threads of faith and tradition. As Amelia and Jeremy made their way through the quiet outskirts, a sense of unease settled in Amelia’s mind. She found herself lost in thought, her mind spiraling back to that mysterious herb they had encountered earlier. What could it possibly be? The question gnawed at her, an itch she couldn’t scratch.

Jeremy, ever vigilant, walked closely beside her, his senses heightened. He was acutely aware of the potential dangers lurking in the shadows, ready to protect Amelia at a moment’s notice. They pressed on, determination etched on their faces, until they finally arrived at the secret planting site.

Before them lay a sprawling expanse of vibrantly colored plants, their hues almost unnaturally bright against the backdrop of the earthy ground. The sight was both captivating and unsettling, a vivid display that felt out of place in their familiar surroundings.

With a hint of sarcasm, Jeremy quipped, “Don’t tell me they’re growing poppies?” His tone was light, but the underlying concern was palpable. He couldn’t fathom anyone being audacious enough to cultivate something illegal in broad daylight.

Amelia shook her head, her brow furrowing in concentration. “Doesn’t look like it,” she replied, her voice steady yet tinged with apprehension. She crouched down, her curiosity compelling her to examine the plants more closely. Leaning in, she inhaled their scent, searching for clues.

As she scrutinized the foliage, a frown creased her features, her expression shifting from intrigue to alarm. “These are extremely rare herbs,” she finally declared, her voice low and serious. “They’re not commonly used for treatment or medicinal drugs. Instead, they’re primarily utilized in genetic research aimed at altering human genes.”

Jeremy’s eyes widened slightly as he absorbed her words. “You mean to say there are people out there studying how to restructure human genes?” he asked, incredulity lacing his tone.

“Exactly,” Amelia replied, her voice growing more impassioned. “Imagine a world where even ordinary individuals could possess the innate gifts that only the most brilliant minds are born with—all through gene modification.”

She paused, reflecting on the implications of such a reality. Some individuals harbored wild ambitions, believing that by extracting DNA from exceptionally talented people, they could reshape those who lacked ability or were unwilling to learn. On paper, the concept was alluring. If successful, it could usher in an era of unprecedented intellectual prowess, propelling the nation toward remarkable growth and innovation.

Yet, the darker side of this ambition loomed large in Amelia’s mind. The extraction process could inflict severe harm on the naturally gifted individuals, leaving them vulnerable and damaged. And if the experiments went awry, the repercussions could be catastrophic for those subjected to the modifications, potentially leading to chaos and devastation.

Jeremy broke the silence, his voice calm yet firm. “The individuals you’re speaking of—they belong to an organization known as the Alchemist Guild.” His words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of truth. He had never concealed anything from Amelia; trust flowed freely between them.

“You know about them?” Amelia’s brow arched in surprise. “Have you had any dealings with them before?”

Jeremy nodded, a flicker of concern crossing his features. “Plenty of times,” he admitted, glancing at her with an intensity that suggested there was much more to the story.

He noticed the spark of eagerness in her eyes, a hunger for knowledge that made him smile faintly. “You’ve probably heard about my father’s strange disappearance and the subsequent declaration of his death?”

“A little,” Amelia replied, her curiosity piqued. The whispers had circulated through their social circles, tales of mystery and intrigue surrounding the Curran family.

The Currans had gone to great lengths to obscure the truth, yet rumors had a way of slipping through the cracks. Speculation ran rampant, with people concocting all sorts of theories about what had transpired and the bizarre circumstances of his vanishing act.