*Crash!*
Lightning split the sky, illuminating Southport Manor in jagged white light. Moments later, the east wing plunged into darkness.
“Power's out again," muttered the steward in the hallway. “Someone check the backup generator!"
Erin sat on the edge of her cot, pulse racing. The storm had come faster than expected.
And the suppressant wasn't working.
Her hand trembled as she tried to steady the empty vial on her nightstand. Her veins burned—memories surging like electric pulses. Screams. Surgical masks. Alarms.
*“Test subject non-responsive—"*
No.
She stood and stumbled into the corridor, vision blurring.
---
In the guest room, Ashton opened his eyes to the sound of thunder.
“Lights?" he called.
No response.
He sat up slowly. The manor groaned in the wind. Then—
A faint
