Domestica’s smile didn’t waver as she gestured toward the metallic lab beds arranged in a semi-circle at the center of the room. “You heard him,” she said, her voice light but laced with authority. “Let’s not make this difficult.”
Aeon glanced at the others, and this time, defiance lit up in their eyes. The teenager’s trembling gave way to an outburst. “No!” he shouted, taking a step back. “I’m not going anywhere! You can’t just do this to us!”
Domestica sighed, her patience wearing thin. “Always the stubborn ones…” she muttered.
He shifted the unconscious girl in his arms, lowering her carefully to the ground. “You’re not getting away with this,” he said, his voice low and resolute. He took a step forward, his fists clenched. “Whatever you’re planning—it ends here.”
The middle-aged wo
