The moment the containment seal slammed shut, the air changed.
It thickened.
Pressurized.
The atmosphere shifted from breathable to suffocating in the span of a few seconds.
The entire chamber felt as though some unseen hand had closed around it, squeezing slowly but relentlessly. The soft hum from the cradle deepened into a pulse that matched my heartbeat, pressing against my senses until my ribs ached.
Jack reacted first.
He pulled me back against his chest, arms circling tightly around my waist. His breath warmed the side of my neck, fast and sharp. His heartbeat thudded against my spine, grounding me even as the room grew colder.
“Lainey,” he whispered, trying to control the panic rising in my aura. “Stay with us. Do not let this place take your breath.”
But it was already happ
