The sterile laboratory hummed softly with the sound of machinery, its cold, metallic surfaces gleaming under harsh, artificial lights. Two researchers stood by a glowing console, their faces obscured by masks and glasses, but their voices carried a mix of intrigue and concern.
"E-3183's readings are… unusual," said the shorter one, gesturing to a screen displaying a chaotic array of data. "We've had purebloods before, but nothing like this. His regenerative properties are off the charts, even for his kind."
The taller researcher leaned closer to the screen, narrowing their eyes. "It's not just the regeneration. Look at his blood composition. The magical resonance levels are spiking beyond what our instruments can measure. It's almost like his body is… adapting."
The shorter one frowned. "Adapting to what?"
"To us," the taller replied grimly. "To our methods, our experiments. He's not just surviving—he's evolving."
They exchanged a glance, the weight of their discovery hanging heavy between them.
"Do we report this to Master Velnar?" the shorter one asked hesitantly. "If he knows E-3183 is this… unique, the experiments will only escalate."
The taller researcher's expression hardened. "We don't have a choice. Master Velnar purchased him for this very reason. He expects results, and he won't tolerate delays."
At the mention of the name, a chill seemed to settle over the room. Master Velnar—a name spoken in hushed tones even among the facility's staff. The cloaked figure who had bought Max wielded an authority that inspired both fear and reverence.
"Fine," the shorter one said reluctantly. "But we'll need to tread carefully. If we push him too far, he might…" They trailed off, leaving the unspoken words hanging in the air.
...
Back in the holding chamber, the atmosphere was tense. The door remained shut, but the echoes of distant activity seeped through the cracks, keeping the captives on edge. Tarren leaned against the wall, his scaled face set in a scowl as he glanced at Lynara, who sat cross-legged on the floor, her glowing blue veins faintly illuminating her pale skin.
"Think they'll bring him back?" Tarren asked, breaking the silence.
Lynara shrugged, her voice quiet. "They always bring them back. The question is what's left of them when they do."
Grall, sitting in his usual corner, let out a low grunt. "Vampire or not, he's just another toy for them. We all are."
"He's different," Lynara said softly, her gaze distant. "I can feel it. His presence… it's stronger than any of us."
Tarren scoffed. "Strong or not, he's strapped to the same table we all were. Strength doesn't mean much when you're up against people like them."
Lynara didn't respond, her eyes flicking to the door as if expecting it to open at any moment.
"You've got hope," Tarren said, his tone almost accusatory. "I can see it. That's dangerous in here."
"It's not hope," Lynara replied, her voice steady. "It's instinct."
Grall shifted, his deep voice cutting through the tension. "Instinct won't save him if they decide he's more useful dead than alive."
The room fell silent again, the weight of Grall's words pressing down on them all. Tarren muttered something under his breath and turned away, while Lynara closed her eyes, her glowing veins pulsing faintly in the dim light.
...
Meanwhile, in the observation room adjacent to the lab, Master Velnar stood silently, his tall frame cloaked in shadow. He watched the researchers work through the glass, his expression unreadable. The faint glow of runes etched into his gloves pulsed rhythmically, their light reflecting off his dark, angular features.
"E-3183," he murmured, the name rolling off his tongue with a hint of curiosity. "You're proving to be quite the investment."
An assistant approached cautiously, holding a clipboard. "Master Velnar, the latest results show unprecedented adaptability. His resilience exceeds all previous specimens."
Velnar turned his head slightly, his piercing eyes locking onto the assistant. "And the risks?"
"Minimal, for now," the assistant replied, though their voice wavered. "But if we continue at this pace… there's a chance his body might destabilize."
Velnar's lips curved into a faint smile. "Then we shall proceed carefully. I won't have him breaking before we unlock his full potential."
The assistant bowed slightly and retreated, leaving Velnar alone with his thoughts. He turned back to the glass, watching as Max's unconscious form was prepared for the next round of experiments.
"You're stronger than you realize, E-3183," he murmured. "And I will see just how far that strength can go."
...
In the holding chamber, Lynara broke the silence again. "Do you think he remembers what it was like before?"
"Before what?" Tarren asked, his tone laced with irritation.
"Before all this," Lynara said, gesturing vaguely around the room. "Before they took him."
Grall let out a low chuckle. "Does it matter? Memory won't help him. Won't help any of us."
Tarren shook his head. "She's talking about who he was. A pureblood vampire? If that doesn't mean power, I don't know what does. But in here, it's useless."
Lynara's glowing veins pulsed faintly as she looked down. "I just think… if he has even a fragment of who he used to be, maybe that will keep him alive."
Tarren sighed. "Hope, instinct, memory… call it whatever you want. But in here, survival is all that matters."
The door creaked faintly, and all three fell silent, their gazes snapping to the source of the sound. The noise stopped, leaving only the oppressive weight of waiting. For now.