Later, Dominic fell unconscious, just as he had two days prior. Austin observed that his eyelids weren't twitching rapidly, indicating sleep rather than a seizure. He checked Dominic's breathing and pulse; the pulse was weak, but there were no immediately life-threatening signs. He considered it a fortunate circumstance amidst the misfortune.

Internally, he wrestled with conflicting emotions. He didn't want to waste time, yet he couldn't leave. He was the sole caregiver for everyone there. What would become of Uncle Dom? Galen? The servants?

Rising, Austin went to the balcony and looked down. The vast estate seemed lifeless. Even the usually vibrant plants and trees appeared dull and withered, their leaves drooping dejectedly.

While the servants rested in their quarters, Austin walked through the garden, occasionally hearing their intermittent coughs and soft groans. He mused, "These people don't know what illness they're suffering from. They think it's just the flu, and they've infected each other."

Dominic had forbidden the servants from going outside, an order they'd obeyed. Initially, few left the estate, as most needs were met internally, and Alexander's men regularly delivered supplies. There was no shortage of necessities.

"Although manageable now," Austin reflected, "no one can endure this much longer. And the virus could change unpredictably."

He glanced at Dominic, sleeping peacefully. Then Austin went outside, descending the stairs to the garden, where the scent of medicinal herbs hung in the air.

Though the precise virus remained unidentified, inaction was unacceptable. Austin prepared herbal soups and gave them to the servants. They trusted Austin and Dominic, readily accepting the soup as medicine. Only Austin knew that while the herbs might boost immunity, they wouldn't cure the virus.

The garden was quiet. Austin circled the servants' quarters, hesitating to approach. Guilt gnawed at him as he listened to their coughs. He felt like a sinner, knowing their suffering stemmed from his actions.

After a few minutes, he turned and left. "Since I started this mess," he vowed, "I must end it. I have to find a way to stop this endless pain!"

Lily tracked the days, realizing she'd been there for three. She'd seen only those delivering meals and the two guards. There was no sign of the mysterious organization, the enigmatic person, or Rick. She seemed utterly alone.

While her food and shelter were secure, and she had freedom of movement, this confinement was far more difficult than the research facility. The windows were purely decorative; there was no sunlight, and she couldn't see the outside world.