Cassia stared at the clock on the wall as it struck midnight, her palms slick with nervous sweat. The card in her pocket was a constant reminder of what was coming. Room 7. Midnight. Live demonstration. The words had burned into her skin since the moment he handed it to her.

The hospital was almost silent at this hour. Only the faint hum of machines and distant footsteps echoed through the sterile halls. She walked quickly, pulse hammering against her ribs. When she reached the door, her ...