"Marcus?" Samantha said through the bond. "What are you thinking?"
But before Marcus could answer, Victoria's voice cut through the warehouse again, sharp with amusement: "Oh, this is delightful. You're trying to find a loophole. How very like you, scholar. Always looking for the clever solution."
"There's always a solution," Marcus said, his eyes still fixed on the children.
"Not this time." Victoria's tone hardened. "Children, neutralize the threats."
The change was instantaneous.
Seven pairs of eyes snapped into focus—not with recognition, but with purpose. The blank expressions shifted into something predatory. Calculated.
And then they moved.
Emma phased through her chair, reappearing directly in front of Samantha with her small fist already swinging toward Samantha's throat. Samantha dodged on pure instinct, her hybrid speed barely enough to avoid the blow.
"Emma, stop!" Samantha pleaded, backing away.
