Page 175 of Echoes of Shattered Light

He moved stiffly, his shoulders slumped, and when I looked closer, I saw the manacles binding his ankles together.

“Is this her?” Cara asked.

Dr Phillip Marr straightened slowly, pushing himself upright.

“It’s her,” he said, offering me a weak smile. “Hello, Persephone. It’s good to see you again.”

“I can’t say the same,” I spat.

Cara nodded approvingly, as if pleased with my answer.

“So, you have everything you need,” she said, turning to Marr. “You will perfect my virus.”

“That was the agreement,” Marr replied, dipping his head. “But I expect you to honour your terms.”

“Your human experiment—the one you’re so protective of—is safe. For now.”

My breath caught.

“Echo…” I whispered.

Marr met my eyes knowingly. He nodded once. But it was enough.

She’s here.

Her smile flickered. “So long as you remember that.”

Marr simply nodded. “I understand.”

Cara turned back to me, her smile sharp and wolfish.

“Welcome to the snake pit, Persephone.”

She stepped a little closer.

“You’ve just become my new best friend.”