Arthur finally moved, stepping in to check the control panel and stability readings. He exhaled in relief. “It’s okay. Nothing’s broken. Just—don’t touch anything again. You could’ve gotten hurt.”
I glared at him. “Oh, so now you remember this is a lab?”
He looked guilty. “I didn’t notice—”
“Of course you didn’t,” I cut in coldly, sarcasm curling around every word. “You were far too busy playing knight-in-shining-armor.”
His Adam’s apple bobbed as he backed up half a step. “Lora, watch your tone—and your identity.”
Identity?
I laughed bitterly. “Give it a few days. Once I’m gone, you won’t need to worry about mine anymore.”
Before he could respond, a sharp scream shattered the air.
“Ahhh!”
It was Loren.
Corrosive waste had erupted from one of the backup pipes. The stench was suffocating, the liquid bubbling on the floor.
“Loren! Get away from there!” Arthur shouted. His expression twisted in panic as he lunged forward, shielding Loren with his entire body.
“Don’t move,” he said hoarsely, clutching her close. “Be careful!”
Loren trembled, eyes wide. She turned and, in her panic, slammed the emergency safety door shut—locking me inside.
I froze.