The air still carried the sharp, bitter smell of burnt chemicals from Fuse’s flashbang, mixing with the cold, sterile scent of the lab. Leah and Fuse had already taken out Victoria’s two guards. Their moves were quick, calculated and brutal. The guards dropped hard to the floor, unconscious. But there was no time to celebrate. The victory felt empty. The low, eerie hum coming from the containment unit in the center of the lab filled the room with dread. Behind the thick glass, Victoria stood calm and focused, her fingers dancing over her control panel.

“She’s starting the merge protocol!” Leah shouted, her voice tight with urgency, eyes locked on...