The alarm cut through the lab like a scream. Red lights stuttered against glass walls, painting Nicolas and Vera in violent flashes of crimson and blue.

The world had turned into a heartbeat — mechanical, furious, alive.

Nicolas dragged Vera behind the overturned table just as one of the tanks exploded. Shards of glass rained over them, hissing steam burning the floor.

The first of the Originals stepped out.

It was tall — taller than Nicolas — its body sculpted, eyes electric blue. Its ...