Zayn's POV
"Alpha, the serum has failed again." Elijah's voice carried the disappointments as he placed the latest lab report on my mahogany desk. My fingers tightened around the edges as I scanned the results, my frown deepening with each paragraph. The serum that had miraculously saved Elijah and Austin four years ago remained stubbornly ineffective on every subsequent test subject.
"Why?" The question slipped through my clenched teeth before I could stop it. The same formula, the same administration protocols - it made no scientific sense. "We've accounted for every variable. Age, weight, blood type, even lunar cycle exposure during treatment. What are we missing?"
Elijah shifted uncomfortably, his polished oxfords scuffing against the Persian rug. "Should I... initiate surveillance on Austin Woods again? Perhaps there's some physiological factor we overlooked—"
