Darkness began to creep across the edges of my vision. The white smoke filled my nostrils, cold and piercing. My lungs felt like they were burning with ice. I could hear Serena's screams muffled by the thick glass, but my consciousness started to falter.
Not here. Not yet, I whispered to myself.
I forced my hand toward the pocket on my tactical belt. My numb fingers fumbled for the small tube containing emergency oxygen stabilizer. With a single jerk, I plunged the needle into the base of my neck. Warm liquid flowed in, triggering adrenaline that exploded the fog in my head. I coughed hard, spitting out the bitter taste of the gas, then quickly pulled out the spare mask hidden in my sleeve.
"Juri, are you still there?" My voice was strained, almost drowned out by my own heavy breathing
