At first, Zack hesitated, hoping he could reach the real Theo behind that unnatural glow. He lowered his guard and took a cautious step forward, his voice calm but firm.
"Theo," he said, holding up his hands to show he meant no harm. "It's me. Whatever they did to you, we can fight it—together."
Theo's gaze flickered, his expression shifting slightly as if something familiar resonated within him. For a moment, Zack thought he saw a glimmer of the friend he once knew, the friend who would have never betrayed him.
"Come on, Theo," Zack urged. "I know you're still in there. They're using you, but we can break this. Just let me help."
Theo's hands dropped, his stance softened, and Zack dared to take another step closer. But just as quickly as that spark had appeared, it vanished, and the glow in Theo's eyes intensified. A pained expression twisted across his face as though he was fighting against an unseen force—and losing.
