Suddenly, the entire lab was swallowed in a blaring dark-red light. Sirens wailed as the monitors connected to Esme's chamber spiked violently, warning after warning flashing across the screens.
Ray's heart sank deeper and deeper with every sound—yet his face stayed cold, unreadable, as his eyes stayed locked on Esme.
He knew the truth: the world would never forgive him for this. Not his children, not his in laws, not anyone. But Esme would. Because Esme knew him. She knew how much he loved her, and she would understand—he had no choice.
Inside the tank, the water began to bubble, churning like it was boiling from within. Esme's body jerked and writhed in the liquid, veins straining under her skin as if they were about to burst.
And then—
Her scream ripped through the lab.
"AHHHHH!"
It was sharp. Piercing. A sound that cut through bone and soul, leaving the air trembling with her agony.
