Feral → newt, tmr

Chapter 23: RightArm

The syringe gleams coldly, and Katherine feels a chill crawl up her spine. She watches as Mary kneels by Brenda, injecting the serum into her arm. The effect is almost immediate. Brenda’s labored breathing steadies, her chest rising and falling with a newfound rhythm.

Thomas exhales, stepping closer. "How long will that give her?"

Mary looks at him, her face a careful mask. "It’s different for everyone. A few months, maybe. But that’s the catch, isn’t it? She’ll always need more."

The words hang in the air, suffocating. Katherine’s jaw tightens as she shifts her weight, trying to process everything. Mary moves to a nearby table, rummaging through a black backpack until she pulls out a sleek, pen-like device.

"I have something that belongs to you two," Mary says, holding it up. Katherine’s eyes narrow as she studies the small tube of light green liquid inside. It’s mesmerizing, almost glowing, and it sends a shiver through her.

"You two conducted an experiment with your blood," Mary explains. "It worked—to an extent."

Katherine steps forward, suspicion and curiosity battling in her mind. "What is it?"

Mary doesn’t hesitate. "This is the only remaining sample of that serum. It can neutralize a Crank, keeping them asleep for a week. But during that time, it weakens them… until death."

"A killer serum," Katherine mutters, her lips curling in distaste.

"For a certain extent, yes. But the serum interacts with immune blood and the Flare. It’s not a cure—only a temporary solution." Mary extends the device to Katherine. "It’s your creation. It’s yours."

Katherine shakes her head, recoiling slightly. "I don’t want it. You keep it."

Mary chuckles softly, shaking her head. "You gave it to me for safekeeping. And now you’re here, asking questions again. Aren’t you?"

Thomas steps in, taking the device. He studies it, turning it over in his hands as if it might give him answers. "You said this is the only sample. What happened?"

Mary’s expression darkens. "You didn’t trust WICKED. Before Thomas handed me the coordinates, Katherine burned everything—labs, research, everything."

"That’s manic," Katherine mumbles, her voice tinged with disbelief. "Even for me."

Mary’s lips twitch with a faint smile. "That’s what Janson said. He thinks you’re insane."

Katherine chuckles dryly. "For once, the bastard’s right."

Thomas hands her the device, and she pockets it with a reluctant sigh. The weight of it feels heavier than it should. Questions swirl in her mind, clawing for answers. She presses her fingers against her temple, trying to ground herself.

Mary watches her carefully. "Is there something bothering you, Katherine?"

Katherine hesitates, her throat tightening. She picks one question, the one that’s been gnawing at her. "Why are they using twins as a single subject?"

Mary’s expression softens. "The same reason they use twins as leading subjects. Immune twins are rare. Most twins aren’t born immune." She pauses, letting the information sink in before continuing. "Separately, your blood is less powerful than a normal immune. But together? Your combined biology creates a new level of resistance to the Flare. Your brains are interconnected in a way that’s… unique. That’s why WICKED keeps twins together. No matter what, you must stand together."

Thomas and Katherine exchange a look, unspoken understanding passing between them. Katherine feels the familiar weight of her brother’s presence—a tether, a lifeline.

"So, the trials," Thomas starts, his voice strained. "They’re about us?"

Mary shakes her head. "No. WICKED is chasing the cure. If one method doesn’t work, they try another. They don’t care how much damage they cause." Her gaze shifts between the twins. "But twins like you? You’re their most valuable subjects. You’re rare."

Katherine feels her pulse quicken. "And our specific roles?" she presses.

Mary nods knowingly. "Thomas—your brain is more advanced with technology. And you, Katherine… you’re the fighter. Unpredictable. Uncontrollable."

"And crazy," Katherine adds, a weak smile tugging at her lips.

Mary’s voice is firm. "Not crazy. Resilient. It’s your strength, even if you don’t see it." She glances toward Brenda, her tone softening. "Thomas, you know she can’t come with us, right?"

The words hit like a hammer. Katherine watches her brother’s shoulders tense, his eyes fixed on Brenda’s fragile form. Without thinking, she reaches out, placing a hand on his arm.

"We’ll figure it out," she whispers. "We always do."

And for a moment, despite the chaos, they stand together, two halves of the same whole.