Page 5 of Blazing Reactions

A wave of dizziness hit as she reached for her water glass. The glass wobbled.

Everett smoothly caught it before it could spill. Their parents exchanged worried looks.

“I’m fine,” Asher said quickly. “Just tired.”

“Your hands are shaking,” Dr. Evadne observed quietly.

“It’s nothing-”

“Don’t.” Dr. Nathaniel’s voice was unusually sharp. “Don’t tell us it’s nothing when we can see you struggling.”

The room fell silent except for the soft ticking of the antique clock.

“I might have found something today,” she finally said. “In some archaeological samples. The cellular regeneration rates are unlike anything I’ve seen.”

Her parents exchanged that same strange look she’d seen from her friends earlier.

“Perhaps you should focus on more conventional treatment options,” Dr. Evadne suggested carefully. “Dr. Bennett mentioned some promising new trials-”

“Mom, please. I know what I’m doing.”

“Do you?” Everett asked softly. “Because from where we’re sitting, it looks like you’re running yourself into the ground chasing miracles instead of taking care of yourself.”

“I’m trying to save my life!”

“By risking it?” Dr. Evadne’s voice cracked slightly.

Asher stood abruptly, the room spinning. “I need air.”

She made it to the balcony, gulping in the cool night air. Her phone rang – Lori’s number.

“Whatever you’re thinking about those samples, stop,” Lori said as soon as she answered. “Dr. Bennett just called me in a panic.”

“Since when are you and my mentor best friends?”

“Asher, please. Just wait until tomorrow. Something’s not right about this.”

“I have to go.” Asher hung up as another wave of dizziness hit.

Her phone immediately rang again – Kaylee this time. She turned it off.

Back inside, her parents had moved to the living room. Her mother was pretending to read while obviously watching her every move. Their father had given up pretense entirely, his worried gaze following her as she gathered her things.

“I should get back to the lab,” she said, bracing for the protest.

“Asher...” her mother started.

“Just to check on some running tests. I’ll go straight home after.” The lie tasted bitter, but necessary.

“Promise?” Dr. Evadne’s voice was small.

“Promise.” Another lie. “Love you all.”

She hugged them each quickly before guilt could change her mind.

THREE

DragonTech’s labs were eerily quiet at night. Asher knew she shouldn’t be there, but she couldn’t stop now. Most of the lights were motion-activated, creating pools of illumination that followed her down the hallway. Her security badge took longer than usual to verify at each checkpoint.

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