The gale whipped across the fractured edge of the 101, carrying the scent of ozone and the damp rot of ancient wood. The squad stood at the precipice, the vines of the Sky-Reef plunging into a sea of bioluminescent green clouds.
Below them, deep within the knot of roots, a heavy, rhythmic thud vibrated through the fossilized concrete. A Level 80+ heartbeat.
Will didn't order the descent yet. He turned his back to the abyss, his eyes locking onto the pale face of Elias Thorne. The former mercenary was staring at the glowing violet vial in Will's hand—the Tier-2 Mutation Serum.
"When we faked your death, what happened to your family?" Will's voice cut through the wind. "You said P.A.C.I.F.I.C. uses them as a leash. If they think you're dead, why keep them?"
Elias flinched. He looked away, staring at the rusted husk of a commuter van.
