CHAPTER 22: BETWEEN HIS POWER AND MY HEART

Rosalia — POV

"Boss, from what I know, there’s a small hospital up ahead. Should we stop to gather some medical supplies and equipment?" Friedrick asked, his voice hesitant, almost drowned by the hum of the engine.

Cassel didn’t even look his way. "A hospital?" His tone was cold, sharp, laced with irritation. "Do you think there’ll be fewer zombies there, you idiot? We wouldn’t even make it past the entrance."

Liz’s mocking laugh sliced through the tension. Her voice carried the same biting edge as before—strong, fierce, unshaken. It was obvious she had recovered completely.

I couldn’t help but smile, relief blooming quietly in my chest.

After what happened last night, Cassel had needed only two sentences—just two—to crush every argument in the camp. His words, spoken in that frigid, commanding tone of his, had silenced even his father and his half-brother, whose voices had always rung the loudest.

He’d said, word for word:

"My team and my people. If you don’t welcome them—or if you have a problem with their presence—then leave. No one’s forcing you to stay."

Then he added, his eyes hard as steel,

"If you want to survive until we reach City B, behave properly."

It had sounded like a simple warning. But the weight in his voice—the pressure that rolled off him—was enough to make everyone stiffen and fall silent. It wasn’t just authority. It was the kind of quiet, suffocating power that demanded submission. Not even his despicable father had dared to speak afterward.

And then, right before everyone’s stunned eyes, violet sparks had started to flicker around Cassel’s body—dancing like lightning in the dark.

That was when my suspicions turned into certainty.

Cassel had awakened his ability—the Power of Thunder.

The final villain of the story had finally stepped onto the stage.

Cassel was destined to possess overwhelming strength. He was a multi-ability user, capable of wielding more than three types of supernatural powers. It was part of what made him terrifying—and unforgettable.

It was also the reason so many had feared him after the apocalypse. The reason was that countless factions had joined the so-called hero, Cecil, to betray and overthrow him. They plotted behind his back, whispering in the dark. They were terrified—of his strength, his dominance, his mere existence.

Human selfishness had always been the most dangerous weapon.

When I’d first read the novel, I hadn’t understood.

Why?

Why couldn’t they see Cassel’s power for what it truly was—salvation?

In a world crawling with monsters, where corpses devoured flesh and cities lay in ruin, shouldn’t someone like Cassel—someone this powerful—be seen as a treasure, a shield, a hope?

Even now, standing in the same broken world, I still didn’t understand.

But I knew one thing for sure: this world—and everyone in it—had already betrayed Cassel once.

I’d read it. I knew how the story went.

That’s why I made my choice.

I’ll protect him. I’ll protect him so no one can ever hurt him again.

But I won’t stop him from becoming the villain they all once feared.

If he wants to rule this world—or burn it down—

I won’t stop him.

If he chooses to do evil—

I won’t try to make him good.

Because I know better than anyone else—this world never gave him anything.

So I won’t let Cassel give up anything for anyone.

Not even for me.

I turned to look at him sitting beside me. His profile was calm, unreadable, the faint hum of power still lingering around him.

My thoughts shattered when Henry’s teasing voice broke through.

"Hey, little bunny, be honest—did you cry for me last night? Were you scared when I passed out?"

Tsk. This guy... is always annoying.

The sunlight filtered through the car window, painting Henry’s face in gold. His eyes gleamed a bright, mischievous blue—clear, beautiful, and dangerous. But I wasn’t fooled by that noble charm of his.

Anyone who knew the real Henry knew he was a sly fox underneath the pretty mask.

I remembered how he and Liz had woken less than an hour after collapsing last night. They’d both pushed their powers too far, but a bit of rest had done wonders.

Liz’s mental state, though—that had worried everyone. She had been convinced she had almost killed her own teammates, Henry included. The moment she regained consciousness, tears had streamed down her face.

Cassel had handled it effortlessly. He’d told her it wasn’t her fault, showed her the unidentified zombie that caused it all, and just like that—her guilt had eased.

Not just hers. The others, who’d been tense and cautious around her, had finally exhaled, their fear dissolving into relief.

But that night... no one had truly slept.

The thought that zombies could evolve powers like humans had chilled everyone to the bone. The fear sat heavy in the air, pressing down until dawn.

By sunrise, we had left camp and sped onto the empty highway. The pale morning light glistened on the cracked asphalt. Thankfully, the road was silent—no civilians, no movement, which meant fewer zombies.

Henry turned again, his grin wicked.

"What’s with that look, bunny? That hurts, you know. Don’t stare at people like they’re mentally ill."

I rolled my eyes as he clutched his chest dramatically, pretending to be wounded.

Before I could say anything, his expression hardened.

His playful tone vanished.

"We really do need to gather some supplies before reaching City B," he said, casting a glance at Cassel before continuing. "From what I heard on the radio, the military base we’re heading to is collecting all kinds of resources at the entrance checkpoint. Which means... you’ll have to pay if you want to get in."

Liz let out a bitter sigh.

"Human society never changes. It used to be money—now it’s food and supplies. But with all these people in our group, can we even afford entry?"

Cassel didn’t react at first. His gaze stayed fixed on the road, the hum of the car filling the silence. He wasn’t someone who ignored his subordinates’ concerns, especially when it came to things that could affect the future of the team.

Finally, his cold, steady voice cut through the quiet.

"It doesn’t matter. We can stop along the way to gather food and other materials. We’ll focus on ourselves and tell the others to do the same. We’re already protecting them and getting them to safety. Beyond that, they’re responsible for their own survival."

A faint smile tugged at my lips as I listened.

His answer wasn’t cruel. It was honest—harsh, but real.

In this shattered world, every person had to bear their own weight.

The others seemed to agree. I saw their shoulders ease, heard the quiet sighs of relief.

From their faces, I could almost hear their thoughts—

They had feared Cassel might keep following his father’s pathetic orders, shouldering everyone’s burden.

They weren’t bad people.

If the others we traveled with had been decent, hardworking survivors, the team would’ve accepted them. But they weren’t. They were leeches—cowards hiding behind stronger backs, living off stolen supplies.

Even the kindest hearts had limits.

Henry nodded, his sharp eyes thoughtful.

"Boss, I’ve got an idea. Not sure if you’d be interested in hearing it."

Cassel arched an eyebrow, silent but attentive.

God, that single movement—just the tilt of his brow—how could something so small feel so dangerously enticing?

Give me a break.

He had no idea what he was doing to me.

After everything that happened last night...

I tore my gaze away from him, forcing my attention down to my lap.

Last night, after feeling utterly humiliated in front of the villain I had once adored, I’d rummaged through my bag—the one I’d grabbed from the mall—and taken out a few clothes, some makeup, and basic hygiene items.

Thank god I’d thought to bring them.

Now, I was wearing a knee-length skirt in deep royal blue, with elegant silver patterns stitched near the hem.

No accessories—not that I had any left to wear.

But I’d applied a touch of makeup.

Don’t ask me why. Don’t ask why I cared about looking decent when the world was burning.

Or why I’d forgotten that I used to hide behind those thick, ugly glasses.

Because with Cassel here, no one would dare to touch me.

I knew exactly how protective he was of his people. And I was one of them now.

Besides... I couldn’t stand the idea of looking shabby in front of him—my favorite villain.

What if he thought less of me?

Impossible.

Even though the others’ curious stares this morning had made my skin prickle, I could endure it—for him.

Especially after catching the way he’d looked at me earlier... the faint spark in his gaze, the way his voice had lowered when he’d told me to ride with him.

The memory drew an involuntary smile to my lips.

Then Henry’s voice shattered the quiet again.

"If we use Rosalia’s power, I think we can get those supplies easily—without losses or fights."