I exhaled slowly, trying to settle my racing heart before answering. “Speak to me.“

“I appreciate the sentiment, Shannon,” I cut in, my voice turning grave as I braced myself. “But you didn't call at dawn just to offer congratulations. Has something gone wrong at the Guardian Quarter?”

“No, no chaos,” Shannon whispered, her voice barely audible over the line. “I’m just calling to let you know I’ve dispatched the third dose of the serum—for both your father and Jennifer. If the rain holds off, it should reach you by late afternoon.”

“Shannon, that means the world to me,” I murmured, a wave of relief washing over me. “I don’t...