The tension in the air thickened again, like a storm cloud rolling back in.
Chris reached out and gave Ethan's shoulder a firm pat. "Ethan," he said quietly, "you don't have to do this. I know exactly what's going on."
Ethan's icy stare softened. He turned to Chris, eyes bloodshot. "I'm sorry, man. If I hadn't told you to kick that thing, none of this would've happened."
Chris gave a crooked smile. "Don't blame yourself. I was the one who got careless."
He paused, then added, voice low and rough, "You know, Ethan, you've always been the guy I looked up to most. Being your brother-in-arms—that's the thing I'm proudest of. But if… if I really do turn into one of them, I need you to end it. Don't let me become a monster."
His eyes shimmered, and he blinked fast.
"No way. Don't talk like that." Ethan activated his ability, eyes narrowing as he focused on the wound on Chris's foot.
