Silence.
The alarms continued screaming.
Seven’s breathing grew louder.
He could almost hear the exact moment the man realized that his report was not producing the correct reaction.
“They’re coming,” Seven said again, higher pitched and breathing heavily.
THe stench of fear was impossible to bare.
Only then did he close the folder.
Softly.
Precisely.
Subject Four’s name disappeared beneath the cover.
He stood.
Seven backed up half a step.
“Excellent.”
The word landed between them like a blade placed gently on a table.
Seven blinked. “What?”
“Excellent.”
“I don’t—”
“The bond works.”
Seven stared at him.
For several seconds, the man’s fear was too stupid to understand.
Then realization began to spread across his face, slow and ugly.
“No,” Seven said. “No, this isn’t a
