CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY SIX – THE QUEST FOR THE HEART OF NOX

The next two days passed in a blur of preparation and training. Laura threw herself into the work, partly to distract herself from the growing hunger inside her, and partly because she found she could now absorb and process information at an incredible rate. Logan watched her with a mix of awe and concern. During a rare moment alone, he pulled her aside. "Laura, we need to talk about what happened with the Heart of Nox," he said, his voice low and urgent. Laura sighed, running a hand through her hair. "What's there to talk about, Logan? It worked. I'm stronger, faster, better equipped to face whatever Dr. Carter throws at us." Logan's brow furrowed. "But at what cost? You're different, Laura. And I'm not just talking about your physical changes. There's something... darker about you now." Laura felt a flare of anger, surprising in its intensity. "Darker? Is that what you think of me now? A monster?" "That's not what I meant," Logan backpedaled, reaching for her hand. "I'm just wo