Panic finally surfaced.
Robert began to struggle violently against the restraints.
"No!" he shouted. "If that was your plan, then why didn't you do it earlier?! Why wait until now?!"
Eric stopped just inches away, his gaze steady, almost impressed.
"You're still observant," he acknowledged with a small nod. "That's good."
Then his expression shifted, something colder settling in.
"But you still don't understand the real problem. Your actions...your relentless attempts to kidnap Ivy and your decision to side with the superior beings...had already crossed a line that could not be undone."
Robert shook his head.
"You didn't just betray us… You chose extinction over humanity; that thought alone had been enough for her to give a direct order."
Eric mimicked Ivy's tone.
"If the liquid was to be injected into Robert… he was to remain conscious through all of it."
Robert shivered in fright.
"Wait! Wait!" he shouted. "I can help! I know things...important things!"
