Chapter 3

THREE

D ragonTech’s labs were eerily quiet at night. Asher knew she shouldn’t be there, but she couldn’t stop now. Most of the lights were motion-activated, creating pools of illumination that followed her down the hallway. Her security badge took longer than usual to verify at each checkpoint.

The samples waited exactly where she’d left them. Her computer was still running analysis programs, screens filled with data that shouldn’t be possible. As she pulled up the latest results, a notification flashed:

SECURITY ALERT: UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS DETECTED CLEARANCE LEVEL INSUFFICIENT FOR CLASSIFIED MATERIALS PLEASE CONTACT SUPERVISOR

“What the hell?” Asher tried to override the alert, but more kept popping up. Her previously unlimited access to the lab systems seemed to be shutting down.

The lab phone started ringing. Dr. Bennett’s name flashed on the display. She ignored it.

“Warning,” the building’s security system announced overhead. “Unauthorized protocol detected in Lab 7. Please cease all experimental procedures immediately.”

The phone rang again. Lori this time.

The lab doors suddenly locked with a heavy click.

“Final warning,” the system announced. “Security team has been notified. Please step away from all equipment.”

The miraculous serum she’d created earlier gleamed golden under the fluorescent lights. All her calculations showed it should work. The cellular repair capabilities she’d witnessed could be the key to stopping her genetic deterioration. Everyone was trying to protect her, but they didn’t understand – she was protecting herself.

The phone rang once more. Kaylee.

She prepped the syringe, squirting a drop from the needle’s tip. “For science,” she whispered and injected the serum before anyone could stop her.

Heat exploded through her veins like liquid fire. The lab equipment flickered and sparked around her as energy coursed through her body.

“Security breach detected,” the system announced calmly. “Containment protocols initiated.”

But Asher was already beyond hearing announcements. Her world had narrowed to pain and fire.

The lights flashed red as multiple alarms began blaring. Dr. Bennett rushed through the lab door, phone to his ear: “Mr. Draker? We have a problem.”

Her last coherent thought was that she probably should have listened to her friends.