Luis elaborated that âMutantâ unfolded in distinct phases.
Initially, the substance melded and interacted internally without apparent harm.
But as the weeks passed, the inflicted personâs strength dwindled, their ability to walk slipped away, and muscles wasted away.
By the third stage, confinement to a bed was inevitable, leaving nothing but a fragile shell of once robust vitality.
The mind behind âMutantâ had a twisted vision, crafting a demise that would force the afflicted to witness their own decay.
Often, the grip of helplessness gripped so tight that it drove the tormented to contemplate a premature end to their anguish.
In the quiet that followed, Luis sought to imbue a sense of calm.
âThe tests indicate just a single dose in your system.
The second has not found its way into you.
And Iâm on the trail of the mind that birthed this malice.
Should we discern its makeup, hope for a cure is not lostâ¦â
Before Luis could outline further plans, Mitchel cut in with a heavy command, âKeep Raegan in the dark about this.
â
A silence fell, with Luis lost momentarily in thought.
Despite the weight of his revelation, Mitchelâs concerns were singularly fixed on Raegan.
âRaegan should be braced for whatâs to come⦠Luis suggested tentatively.
â
âNo,â Mitchel interjected firmly, his voice ice over the line.
âI donât want to burden her with worry.
â
âOkay, butâ¦â Luis began but stopped mid-sentence, realizing the futility of his hopeful musings.
With brotherly conviction, Luis assured, âForget it.
Youâre going to pull through.
Iâve got your back.
â
As Mitchelâs call ended, Matteo remained by the car, patiently awaiting Mitchelâs next move.
Mitchelâs gaze locked onto the vivid insignia of Crescent, lost in thought until finally, he broke the silence.
âLetâs go to the office.
â
The tasks ahead dawned on Mitchel, an overwhelming tide of duty.
In a change of scene, Katie found solace in Lucianaâs place, her eyes brimming as she confided in Luciana about Mitchelâs coldness.
Luciana comforted, âKatie, donât fret.
Iâm here, and I trust you wholeheartedly.
I acknowledge your baby.
â
The comfort found in Lucianaâs words bolstered Katieâs resolve, her attentiveness to Luciana growing.
In the quiet introspection that followed, Katie couldnât help but lament her ploy that had led to Lucianaâs fall, all designed to lure Mitchel back.
After all, Lucianaâs unguarded trust was far more pliable than Mitchelâs guarded nature.
As the evening waned and conversation with Luciana dwindled, Katieâs phone stirred to life with a buzz.
Masking her emotions, Katie handed Luciana the medication with a cheerful guise.
âLuciana, your medicineâs ready.
â
With a warm smile, Luciana accepted and drank with Katieâs gaze firmly upon her.
Once Luciana was comfortably nestled in bed, Katie gently urged, âTime to sleep.
â
Lucianaâs slumber was swift, as it always was.