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"It means this wasn't some natural mutation." I swipe through several images. "Someone designed this. Someone created this virus specifically to target transformation cells."

"You're sure?" His voice drops dangerously low.

"One hundred percent." I point to a particular sequence. "The pattern is synthetic. Nature doesn't create viruses with this kind of precision."

Onyx's hand curls into a fist. "Who would do this?"

"Someone who understands shifter DNA better than most shifters do, or someone who had access to some help from a shifter." I rub my eyes, exhausted after hours of non-stop work. "The question is why? What's the endgame?"

Before Onyx can respond, the lab door slides open.

"You need to come upstairs," Leo says. "Now."

"What's happened?" I ask, already pulling off my latex gloves.

"Just come."

Something in his tone makes my stomach clench. Onyx and I follow him upstairs to the main living area, where Evan and Axl are standing in front of the large television mounted on the wall. They both turn as we enter, their faces mirroring Leo's grim expression.

On the screen, a stern-faced man in a military uniform stands at a podium. The chyron identifies him as General Hammond.

"...urge all citizens to remain vigilant," he's saying. "If you spot an infected shifter, do not approach. Contact authorities immediately using the emergency hotline we've established."

"What the fuck is this?" I whisper, moving closer to the screen.

Hammond continues, "The Crimson Plague represents a clear and present danger to public safety. Infected shifters lose control of their transformations, becoming violent and unpredictable."

"That's bullshit," Onyx growls.

"Despite our best efforts," Hammond says, "our research indicates there is no cure for this virus. Therefore, containment is our only option."

My blood runs cold. "Containment?"

"All shifters must be quarantined immediately. Additionally, those who have had direct contact with infected individuals must also be tested and isolated."

"They're going to round us up," Leo says quietly.

Hammond's face hardens. "Let me be clear: if shifters wish to continue living peacefully within human society, cooperation is mandatory. Those who resist will be considered threats and dealt with accordingly."

"Dealt with?" Axl repeats, his usual playfulness gone. "Does he mean killed?"

"The safety of our citizens is paramount," Hammond concludes. "We will not allow this plague to spread further. Thank you."

The press conference ends, cutting to a panel of commentators already debating the announcement. Evan mutes the television.

"They're going to slaughter us," Onyx says, his voice deadly calm.

"They can't do this. They can't just decide to 'put down' infected shifters like they're rabid animals." I feel sick even as the words leave my mouth.

"They can and they will," Evan replies, his jaw tight. "The public is already terrified of shifters. This just gives them permission to act on that fear."

"But that's fucking genocide! … They're talking about mass murder." Onyx argues.

Leo crosses his arms. "Hammond's been pushing anti-shifter legislation for years. The Crimson Plague is just his excuse to do what he's always wanted finally."

"Hang on," Axl interrupts, looking confused. "I've heard about this virus, but I never really paid attention. What exactly does it do?"

"It destroys a shifter's ability to control their transformations," Leo explains. "You start shifting randomly, painfully. Parts of your body transform while others remain human. Eventually, your organs fail from stress."