Deviant: No Longer Human

The reality of her situation began to dawn on Jospehine – she was completely at Wang Xiao's mercy.

Seeing her distress, Wang Xiao quickly produced a vial from his pocket and administered the antidote. "This should counteract the effects. But here's the catch – you'll need to take this every month, and only I have the antidote," he said, his voice steady as he gently poured the light blue liquid into her mouth.

As the antidote took effect, Josephine's muscles slowly relaxed, and a wave of relief washed over her. When she finally regained her ability to speak, she asked with a mix of apprehension and curiosity, "D-Does this mean I have to see you every month for the antidote?" Despite the seriousness of the situation, a playful glint shone in her eyes.

Wang Xiao's lips curved into an almost imperceptible smile. "Yes, but it's no laughing matter. You must be diligent about it," he warned, then added, "Or you could take a bulk supply, but—"

Josephine cut him off, determination in her voice, "No need. I'll come each month." She saw an opportunity in this unexpected twist – a reason to maintain close contact with Wang Xiao.

Accepting her decision, Wang Xiao sighed, his mind shifting back to the immediate problem. "Alright, let's head out. But first, let me clean up this mess. We can't risk anyone else getting exposed to this." His voice was firm, indicating the gravity of the situation.

Josephine nodded, stepping out of the room to give him space. She leaned against the corridor wall, her mind abuzz with thoughts of their day ahead and the unexpected turn of events that had just took place.

Inside, Wang Xiao efficiently cleared away the remaining dust, his movements methodical and precise.

His face was expressionless, but his mind was active, pondering different situations every second.

______

As Wang Xiao emerged from the room, he was greeted by Josephine's faint smile. She reached out, taking his hand with a sense of eagerness that seemed to light up her entire being.

Together, they made their way towards the garage, her steps lively and full of anticipation. Wang Xiao, observing her enthusiasm, allowed himself a small smile, recognizing these moments of unconcious empathy, the ability to mirror the behaviours.

He knew his capacity for empathy was still intact, and unlike others, he could control it, a skill that often proved invaluable.

Upon reaching the garage, a space brimming with an array of cars, Josephine turned to him with a question. "Which car?" she asked, her voice echoing slightly in the vast garage.

Wang Xiao's eyes scanned the lineup of vehicles, each one gleaming under the bright lights. He paused when his gaze landed on a particular car. "Let's take that one," he suggested, pointing towards a sleek gray Audi A5.

It stood out to him not just for its aesthetic appeal but also because it was the only convertible with four seats in the garage. Wang Xiao had always had a preference for open spaces; the feeling of the wind and the unobstructed view a convertible offered was something he enjoyed.

Josephine's eyes followed his gesture, landing on the Audi A5. A smile played on her lips as she nodded in agreement. "Great choice!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement. She quickly moved towards the car, her steps light and graceful.

Booom!

The car, with Josephine at the wheel and Wang Xiao beside her, burst through the palace gates with a speed that was both exhilarating and slightly alarming. Marcus, who happened to be nearby, watched the vehicle zoom past, shaking his head in mild exasperation. "Who allowed this girl to take the car by herself?" he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

Around him, others shared similar expressions of concern – Josephine's driving was notorious for being, at best, 'commendable.'

Inside the car, Wang Xiao's expression remained composed, but a slight twitch of his lips betrayed his amusement at Josephine's bold driving. "Isn't it beyond the speed limits, Josephine?" he inquired as the Drottningholm Palace disappeared behind them at an alarming rate.

Josephine laughed, a carefree sound that filled the car. "No issues," she assured him, her eyes focused on the road. "These cars have special license plates for royalty. No one will make trouble. It's one of the small privileges we still have in this new world order."

Wang Xiao nodded, accepting her explanation. He settled into his seat, deciding to enjoy the ride without worry. The wind whipped through their hair as the convertible sped along, bringing a sense of freedom and adventure.

As they drove, Josephine took Wang Xiao around various spots in the city. Each location had its own story, its own charm. From historic landmarks to bustling marketplaces, each site revealed a different facet of the city's character. Josephine was an enthusiastic guide, her love for her city evident in the way she described each place with passion and a deep sense of connection.

For Wang Xiao, this was an opportunity to see the world through Josephine's eyes, to make her psychological profile — Each choice she made, every word she spoke, offered him valuable insights into her personality. He noted her enthusiasm, the way her eyes lit up with a sense of freedom whenever she navigated through the streets.

It wasn't just about the places they visited; it was about what these moments represented for her – a rare escape from the confines and expectations of royal life.

Their journey eventually led them to a secluded location, a private property nestled amidst lush gardens. The serene green lawn, dotted with trees, offered a stark contrast to the bustling city they had left behind. They pulled up outside a quaint yet elegant restaurant, secluded and almost hidden from the casual eye.

"This restaurant belongs to a friend of mine," Josephine explained as she parked the car. "It's quite hidden, not well-known, but it's one of the best in the country." Her tone held a mix of pride and fondness.

Wang Xiao's gaze swept over the area, taking in the details. The few patrons present were an indication of the restaurant's exclusivity, but the collection of supercars parked outside – from Paganis to Ferraris – spoke volumes about the clientele. This wasn't a place frequented by ordinary people; it catered to a select few who knew of its existence and could afford its luxury.