The sharp prick of the needle barely registered at first as it felt like a quick sting—no different from any other injection. But within seconds, a foreign sensation spread throughout Leo's bloodstream.
It started as an icy chill, rushing through his veins like liquid nitrogen, surging from the injection site up his arm and straight into his chest as he shivered involuntarily, a deep, instinctual reaction to something far beyond his body's natural equilibrium.
Then—his pulse skipped.
*Thump.*
His heartbeat faltered.
*Thump.* *Thump.*
A second of silence followed, like the entire world had paused—and then his heart slammed back into motion, hammering violently against his ribs.
His breathing hitched, his muscles tensed, and an overwhelming pressure spread through his entire body.
"Dose Administered…. Pod closing…. Clear" The military doctor beside him said, as he took a step back.
*HISS–*
