"I see that you have proven your research is well-founded, but how do you propose it might translate to a larger specimen, Quenlan?"
"I would have to do further research, but it would need to remain merely theoretical, as the moral and ethical basis of this procedure is highly dubious. I do not feel right enacting it upon a human subject. This process allows for a unique type of neurochemical imprinting."
A low hum of displeasure rippled through the council.
"Well, Quenlan, that is to be discussed at a later time, after it is perfected with smaller specimens, if you please. Now, tell me, what do you call this phenomenon?"
Lucien met the woman’s eyes, wondering why her face was blurry. "Harmony."
He was brought out of the strange memory, with the face he could not quite recall, by the sound of Vesperin’s voice. She peered up at him, her grey eyes wide and still so full of trust. "Referenced where?"
Nessen turned away from the monitors and shuffled toward a small filing cabinet lining the far wall. His movements were slow and deliberate. His voice rose the further he walked, echoing around them. "In old research. Discredited in most circles and viewed as highly dangerous. The methodology was… unethical. But the thorough findings changed Stella theory."
Lucien went very still, his fingers unable to keep their grip on the back of Vesperin’s chair as his hand fell to her shoulder. She jumped slightly and turned to look up again. Whatever she saw on his face made her features grow contemplative.
Nessen opened one of the drawers and withdrew a thick, worn journal. The cover was cracked with age, the edges softened as if it had been read a thousand times. He turned it over in his hands before walking back to them, continuing, "A theory founded on Tarz centuries ago. It proposed a unique synchronization could be found between one with Earth Stella and a normal Soul. This synchronization would alter biological responses. Neural tolerance. Pain thresholds. Cardiovascular strength. " His red eyes flicked to Lucien.
"This synchronization was called harmony. This text is highly sought after. There have been duplicates, but I was able to procure the original years ago—in its native language. I had to use a lingual decoder to translate it. It was auctioned at an underground market. Cost me a pretty penny. When I first met you, your name sounded so familiar, but I couldn’t figure out where I had heard it before. It had been a while since I studied the journal—as time has passed, the findings have grown obsolete." The doctor turned the journal’s cover out so that they could all see. Engraved in gold at the bottom right corner—a name written in the complex, flowing symbols of the Tarzian language. "The works of a Lucien Quenlan."
Silence fell over the lab as all heads turned to him.
Lucien couldn’t meet any of their eyes. He exhaled, low and controlled, envisioning himself in a consultation room. He was used to keeping his composure even when delivering devastating news to families.
"You don’t need to be indirect," Lucien said quietly, finally raising his head.
Somehow—as always—his eyes found Vesperin’s first.
"You made it," Cyrus uttered. His voice didn’t hold a hint of accusation, yet it radiated from him in waves. "Harmony."
Lucien met Cyrus’s gaze, finding a raptness there he was unused to seeing in the incubus. "I helped create it," Lucien corrected, wondering if that was the whole truth. "I—I tried to walk away when I realized what my research was being used for." A shuddering exhale. "I wasn’t successful—not until I met Vesperin. Even then, it cost my life.Bothof our lives."
Rhyden punched a metal table so hard the instruments on it rattled. Embers sparked around his knuckles. A ring on his thumb grew so hot from the fire that the silver started to glow white—yet his skin wasn’t red. He didn’t get burned.
"You fucker. I knew we couldn’t trust you after we connected you to her adoptive parents—I knew it. She’s blinded by you, because you’re Soulbonds," the vampire sneered. "But I know, just because two Souls are bonded, that doesn’t mean they can’t goddamned hurt each other, lie to each other, steal,betray. What else are you keeping from her? Any more fucking skeletons in the closet we should know about? Besides the fact you’re a goddamned mad scientist."
Lucien started to shake his head, then stopped. "The last person I should explain myself to is you, after you drugged her and kept her captive here. Don’t pretend you have moral authority."
Vesperin made a soft sound, but it was swept away as they continued to argue.
"That’s fucking rich, Quenlan. What if it was all true?" Rhyden’s piercing, red eyes swung to Vesperin. "What if this bastard wanted you to think he’s all innocent and good, but he’s been playing you this whole time—what if he was one of the ones to experiment on you? Would you forgive him? Somehow, I wouldn’t put it past you with your goddamned bleeding heart."
Cyrus shot up to a stand, pointing a finger at the vampire. "Leave her out of this. I like you, Rhyden, but if you ever do anything to hurt her, I’ll kill you."
Rhyden barked a laugh. "I’d like to see you try?—"
"Enough!" Vesperin’s voice rang out, silencing them all. Her face was pale, eyes wide with anger. Her heart rate was slightly elevated, beeping on the monitor. "I know." Her voice grew quiet.
"You… know?" Rhyden narrowed his eyes.
Vesperin nodded. "Yes, Lucien would never hurt me." Her hands jerked against her cuffs, and Cyrus leaned over to undo them, nipping at the tips of her fingers as he did so. When she was free, she placed her hand on the circular disc near her chest and shoved it away, ignoring Nessen’s mumbled warning:
"That is very expensive?—"
She sat up and swung her legs over the side of the chair, standing fully. She was a force to be reckoned with, his V girl.
She pinned them all with a deadly look, shoulders firm, as if preparing for a fight. "If any of you ever—and I fucking meanever—breathe a word of Lucien’s research or using harmony on me to anyone, I will kill you. He is the last person who would ever hurt me. He wanted tosaveme." She pointed a finger at Lucien, and he felt the others’ eyes on him as she defended him.
Nessen mumbled his assent, swearing, "I would n-never. I am quite good at keeping secrets. Iamemployed by the leader of Noctis. None of what we do here is exactly legal. I would only implicate myself."
