The lab shook again. Sparks danced across the steel floors, red warning lights stabbing through the shadows. Every monitor screamed. I froze, pulse hammering, stomach twisting. This wasn’t just a system failure; it was Tyrus. He was inside. Every line of code, every flash of data, screamed his presence.
Vordon’s hand found mine, tight, possessive. “Veronica, what’s happening?” His blue eyes were wide, urgent. Fear, pride, desire, all tangled in that one look. My chest ached at the sight.
“I don’t know yet,” I hissed, forcing my fingers to move over the console. Adrenaline ripped through me, sharp and consuming.
Jealousy flickered. Vordon was standing so close, worried for me, not noticing the way my stomach twisted for his touch. But there was no room for distractions. Focus. Survival.
