**Chapter 18: Shadows of Deception**
Part 18
The fluorescent lights of the hospital waiting area seemed to hum in sync with Luka's racing thoughts, casting an eerie glow on the somber faces of John and Doug as they sat in stunned silence. The air was thick with unspoken questions, and the weight of Victor's sinister plans hung like a dark cloud over them. Luka's mind was still reeling from the events of the past hour, and he couldn't shake the feeling that Victor was still out there, watching and waiting. As they sat there, a nurse approached them, a look of concern etched on her face. "I'm afraid Sophia's not doing well," she said, her voice low and urgent. "She's experiencing some... unusual symptoms. Dr. Patel is with her now, but I think it's best if you all prepare for the worst." Luka's heart sank, and he felt a wave of panic wash over him. What was happening to Sophia? And what did Victor have to do with it? He stood up, his eyes locked on the nurse. "What kind of symptoms?" he asked, his voice firm but laced with concern. The nurse hesitated before speaking. "She's... she's seeing things that aren't there. Hearing voices. We're not sure what's causing it, but Dr. Patel thinks it may be related to whatever Victor did to her." Luka's eyes widened in horror as he exchanged a worried glance with John and Doug. They quickly followed him to Sophia's room, where they found Dr. Patel monitoring her vital signs. "What's going on, Doctor?" Luka asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Dr. Patel's expression was grim. "I think Victor may have given her something, something that's affecting her brain. We're running some tests, but I have a feeling that this is just the beginning." As they watched, Sophia's eyes fluttered open, and she gazed up at Luka with a confused expression. "Luka?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "What's happening?" Luka's heart ached as he took her hand. "Shh, Sophia. You're safe now. We're here for you." But Sophia's gaze drifted past him, her eyes locking onto something that wasn't there. "He's coming," she whispered, her voice filled with fear. "He's going to hurt us." Luka's eyes met Dr. Patel's, and he saw the concern reflected back at him. What was happening to Sophia? And what did Victor have planned? Just then, the hospital's security system crackled to life, and a voice echoed through the intercom. "We have a situation in the hospital. A patient has gone missing. We need all staff and visitors to remain calm and stay in their current location." Luka's heart skipped a beat as he exchanged a worried glance with John and Doug. What was happening? And who was the missing patient? As they waited for answers, Sophia's grip on Luka's hand tightened. "I see him," she whispered, her eyes wide with fear. "He's right behind you." Luka spun around, but there was no one there. Yet, he couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched, that Victor was still pulling the strings from the shadows. Dr. Patel's voice cut through the tension. "We need to sedate her. We can't let her get any more agitated." Luka nodded, his heart heavy with worry. As they worked to calm Sophia down, he couldn't help but wonder what Victor had planned, and how they could stop him before it was too late. The darkness closing in around them seemed to grow thicker, more oppressive, and Luka knew that they were in for a long and difficult road ahead. But he was determined to uncover the truth, no matter what it took.