As Brandon turned around to check one of the other monitors, Marzella reached out and grabbed his hand, stopping him.
"There is something I want to tell you, Brandon."
Her grip was surprisingly firm, her fingers trembling slightly against his wrist.
Brandon turned back to face her and he could see the conflict in her eyes.
Marzella took a deep breath, her long black hair falling slightly over her shoulders as she looked up at him.
"I... I haven't been completely honest with you," she muttered in a quieter voice than usual.
"The research… it's not for medical treatments. I've been trying to create something... a man who can naturally wield ether."
She paused, looking at his face for any sign of anger or disgust.
"I know it sounds dangerous. Maybe even wrong. But I've spent my entire life chasing this. And now... with your help... I think I can actually do it."
