I should’ve been trembling in fear, but adrenaline shot though me. This was the chance I’d been waiting for.

A window into Doctor Nagi’s circle. The first step toward making a real difference. And an opportunity to investigate a potential threat against the Ravens and surviving Red Helixes.

But I’d be opening myself to exposure every second. One word from the girl about my past—if she could access it—and I’d be the one on a truth serum drip.

At best.

At worst, Doctor Nagi would draft me into one of his experimental genetics programs… The ones parents whispered about to keep their children in line.

I’d be under a microscope every second I was involved in this. The only ray of hope was that I’d passed whatever background checks Doctor Nagi had run before inviting me here or I’d already be dead.

My fingertips tingled, not with fear, but with excitement.

Risk or no risk, I couldn’t refuse this opportunity.

I extended my hand across the table. “I’d be happy to help in whatever capacity you need me, Doctor.”

“Good.” Doctor Nagi returned a firm shake and then stood, pushing back his chair. “I’ll introduce you.”

“If you don’t mind, I’d prefer to glance at her files first.” I needed to check her genome as soon as possible. There was every possibility I’d worked with her data while studying with Eva.

“All in good time,” Doctor Nagi said. “First we’ll assess her reaction to you.”

The subtext of his pleasant voice was clear enough. I was being allowed a peek, but had at least one more test to pass before Doctor Nagi really let me in.

Tension coursed through my muscles as I followed him down the hall.

I wouldn’t fail here. I couldn’t.

No matter what color her helix, or what her powers were, one girl wasn’t going to break me.

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

QUANTA

I lay on the sofa in my padded prison cell, smooshing my face into a pillow.

Who was the Raven in glasses? And why in the sweet name of cheesecake was he coming here? I just couldn’t wrap my head around it.

Closing my eyes, I tried to focus on the layers of time, but all I could pick up were a few meaningless snippets from the past.

My near future? Nada. Nai. Niente.

Abyss of nothingness.

I’d only stumbled onto a few blanks like this in my whole life, but they always meant something big was coming. The last time was the night before Nagi’s squad abducted me from Eva.

Bone-deep shivers rolled through me and I scrunched into a ball. I did not like where this was going. Not at all.