oiding the places she knew Carter might frequent. But one evening, she

eave the building. He looked the s

ng she had been too afraid to say: the truth about Victor's

desk, knowing it was the on

ed her more than the guilt gnawing at her soul. Her heart felt hollow-drained and shattered. She hugg

The memory of her betrayal replayed in her mind like a cursed melody. Every time she thought

ith no conscience, no soul-just a monster in a ta

e..." she muttered, then slammed her fist against her chest. "I gave that d

tter what happens... I have to fix what I destroyed. Even if it means sacrificing myself." Her words c

rom slumber-fierce, focused, and ready to devour an ele

s cloaked her figure-dressed in black trousers, a black long-sleeve shirt

assistant. He was walking out of the back gate, una

es narrowed the moment he sa

ou," she said, her vo

ere," he replied. "

leeve. "I want to retrieve the compa

f trying to read the truth. Her sinceri

pping closer. He stood so near now, he

verything back to Carter,

alked past glancing at them. She looked too susp

he said. "Let's g

he nodded and followed

ace-where no one could overhear,

be of help?" Thompson asked, eyes d

lowered her voice. "You're V

" he replie

m her coat and opened it, re

It'll mess with his senses, make him unstable. When the board

heart pounding. "Wait... what e

ip on reality, but he won't die. After that, we'll admit him to a

is memor

ything at all-he'll come for Carter and me. He'll ruin hi

sitated, st

tion. "Please. Do it for Carter. I've already cost

ompson finally nodded. "Alright. J

been?" she asked, barel

He hasn't let anyone in for

p to keep from crying. She whis

lently, then