They talked until dawn.
Sasha's father told her everything—or as much as he could manage before his voice gave out and his broken body demanded rest. Maya took notes on her phone, her witch's mind cataloging details for later. Luc sat in the corner, silent, watching Sasha like she was something precious he was terrified of losing. Rhys stood by the door, arms crossed, ready to fight anyone who tried to interrupt.
Daniel Laurent had been twenty-three years old when he volunteered for Project Chimera.
"I was stupid," he said, his voice rough with memory. "Young and stupid and desperate. The recruiters said it was a medical study. Said they'd pay enough to save my mother's life. She was sick—really sick—and I would have done anything." He stared into the fire. "I didn't know they meant sup
