*Jessica*

I stood near the door of Felix’s laboratory. Felix was seated at his desk with his cousin Tyler standing between us. I would have preferred to be closer, but I didn’t want to risk causing any more harm than I already had.

Tyler was applying some kind of thick, green paste to Felix’s face. The cheek underneath was swollen, and an ugly shade of purple.

“There,” Tyler said as he applied the last of the paste. “Let that sit for three hours, and you’ll ...