The silence in the room was so thick that even the faint hum of the ceiling light felt loud. None of them moved. Lisa’s hand was still on the door handle, her pulse beating fast against her wrist.

Bruce’s jaw was clenched tight, every muscle in his face stiff. Xavier hadn’t said a word. His eyes flicked between the Gamma and the phone in his hand, still half expecting this to be some sort of trick.

The Gamma’s voice broke the silence first. Calm. Controlled.

“What are you doing in my ...