He hesitated, clearly torn.
“Just go,” I said flatly.
He nodded at last and followed K out.
I watched them disappear down the hall, then turned away, trying to hide my shaking fingers.
Even now, just seeing my father filled me with dread.
I rubbed my hands together through my sweatshirt sleeves as I headed to my dorm to change into my uniform. I dressed quickly and stepped back out—Jess was nowhere to be seen.
I drew a small smiley face for Echo before I left. I think she appreciated it.
A phantom brush across my shoulder made me pause, as though she sensed the heaviness in me.
For a moment, I wished Ash was around. Something about that crazy, sweet air mage had touched something in my soul. His energy was electric, bright, warm. Sometimes I wished I could just sit in it—bathe in it—just to feel… something.
Anything.
I had barely stepped into the hallway when someone blocked my path.
“Ivan?”
The big guard stared down at me.
“It’s Friday,” he said.
“But I did the test on Wednesday—”
His grip tightened on my arm.
“It’s Friday.”
I closed my eyes, fists clenching.
Goddamn Dr Marr.
“Fine,” I sighed. “Lead the way.”
Chapter 29
Seph
The lab was just as horrifying today.
Worse, actually. The vials lined up beside me shimmered in different colours, each liquid shifting with its own unnatural energy.
I took my seat without complaint this time in the stark white clean room. Dr Marr stood across from me in full specialist gear and gloves, like he didn’t want to risk even the brush of my skin.
He wasn’t a stupid man.
“We have a special treat planned today, Miss Quinn,” Dr Marr said, voice calm—too calm.
“You aren’t injecting me with those.”
It came out sharp. Immediate. Instinctive.
He paused, the corner of his mouth tilting, almost amused.
