Everything burned.

Noa couldn’t see.

I couldn't think.

Couldn’t breathe.

The green gas slid into his lungs like silk dipped in venom. It didn’t choke. It was seductive.

It whispered.

Obey.

His knees hit the floor like thunder.

Somewhere far away, he heard Alessio shouting his name his voice raw, furious but it sounded distant. Like a dream underwater.

Noa blinked slowly.

Sabine’s face hovered above his.

Smiling. Cold. Perfect.

Her voice slithered into his ears like honey wrapped around ...