They pulled her back just in time as Sera's claw sliced the air where her face had been.
Sera threw her head back and laughed. Loudly. Wildly.
"Oh dear Elshienne," she said, straightening her back, her eyes glowing brighter. "No one forced me. This was my plan. From the very beginning. Everything… all of it."
The machine lights suddenly went dark. A hiss sounded as the restraints released. Mirae and Junhee's bodies fell forward and hit the cold floor.
"Mirae!" Elshienne cried, rushing to her side.
"Junhee!" Nathan and Sion helped the boy up, both of them trembling as they checked for signs of life.
They were unconscious. Breathing—but weakly.
Elshienne held Mirae close, her hands shaking as she touched her forehead, brushing her damp hair away. She looked back up at Sera, pain written all over her face.
"What are you?" she asked quietly. "Why… Why would you do this? Why, Professor?"
