Infected

In the darkness, Callie examined the needle hole on her arm. In a desperate attempt, she squeezed her arm, allowing more blood to flow, staining her sleeve in the process. She continued squeezing and tried to rid as much of the substance from her body as possible. Minutes passed, then hours. Callie lay sprawled on the cot, her body wracked with pain. Hot and cold sensations alternated, and beads of cold sweat formed on her forehead. Gradually, she passed out. *** In Carl’s office, a soldier reported the serum’s effects on Callie. ‘She’s running a high fever, but hasn’t asked the guards for help.’ ‘Stubborn,’ Carl remarked with a cold smile. ‘Let’s spread the news. If Elias truly cares about that girl, he’ll take action.’ The soldier acknowledged the order and left. Carl contemplated the unfolding drama. Callie’s feelings for Elias, Dylan’s loyalty—everything hinged on the impending events. With Elias’s demise, Carl envisioned a victorious return to the capital, where his lifelong ambit