"Turn it off!" I yelled, pointing at the screen.
Mira leaned against the console, her hand resting near the timer as if she had all the time in the world. "You think shouting commands will change anything? The clock's ticking, Eleanor."
I spun to Alexander. His jaw was set, and his eyes darted between me and the countdown. "There's no way she gives us both options. She wants to corner you. Whatever you pick, she'll twist it."
"Alexander," I snapped. "That doesn't help me decide!"
My mother's voice cut through the chaos. "Eleanor, think this through. You can't save everyone."
I turned to her, rage boiling up. "You don't get to lecture me about choices! Not after everything!"
"She's right," Alexander said. "Focus on what you can control."
