Greystoke Industries - Penthouse - Early Morning
The sun had just started to rise, yet the tall buildings and other structures within the city allowed the darkness to linger some. Nevertheless, the darkness did not stop the city from waking up. The voices, vehicles, sirens, construction, and other noises of the city could all be heard high up in the penthouse of Greystoke Industries.
However, it was drowned out by sudden rhythmic clashes of metal. Gripping tightly onto the steel bar, William was steadily working his way up and down the salmon ladder.
He had needed to drastically increase his daily physical regiment in order to even remotely resemble the physique he once held. For the most part, he maintained the form of a predator - a combination of leanness and muscle.
Still, it was the adrenaline and exertion which was keeping him alive...
For year's, William's body had been fighting off an ailment of unknown origin. All that the top scientists and researchers could tell was that it appeared as if nanites had somehow made their way into his bloodstream via his heart. To make matters worse, the nanites appeared to be replicating.
Over time, it had drastically slowed down the rate of his healing ability - causing him to appear aged. It also affected his strength and agility as well. His researchers had developed a serum which acted like transfusion agent - flushing out the toxic nanites from his bloodstream with often violent results.
However, since the nanites kept replicating, this treatment was at best a short term alternative. For the time being, William was starting to feel empowered once more. His face and body had begun to return to their original appearance - with the exception of his hair being grey in color.
William looked up as he gripped the steel bar tightly. Flexing his core and breathing steadily, he lunged his body upwards rung by rung. Finally reaching the top of the salmon ladder during that set, he began his descent.
As he brought down the steel bar on the third rung from the top, he failed to lock in the right side securely. In the blink of an eye, his body came crashing down.
In the past, William's lycan physiology and reflexes would've kicked in - allowing him to land perfectly on either his feet or at least in a crouched position. However with the toxic nanites coursing through his veins, he was unable to. With a loud thud, his body crashed onto the hard floor...
Immediately, his immortal guards entered and rushed towards his aid - only to be stopped as William raised his arm to signal them back.
"I'm fine..." he said in an exhausted tone. "I'll be fine... you can go now..."
As the immortals left his presence, William sat up on the floor and rested his arms on his knees. The sun finally peaked over the large buildings in the distance and lightened up the entire room. Placing his hand above his eyes so that he could see more clearly, William took a moment to actually notice the rising sun.
The last time he did so was just... so long ago... before he was a king... before Greystoke Industries... back when it was just him and a few close allies... back when it was just the pack...
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