TWENTY-FIVE

Juliette realizes Warner has deliberately trapped her with a blindfolded toddler to force a display of her abilities. With no safe option and the spikes about to rise again, Juliette memorizes the room’s dangers and rushes toward the child, intending to use her clothing as a barrier.

Before Juliette can protect herself or the boy, the floor trembles and the spikes begin to emerge. Juliette yanks the child into her arms, exposing the boy to Juliette’s lethal skin. The boy screams in agony, then goes limp, while Juliette is overwhelmed by guilt and the familiar horror of hurting someone against her will.

Warner praises Juliette over the speakers, confirming that Warner has been watching through a hidden observation window. Juliette shifts the boy to reduce skin contact, holding him by his diaper until the boy revives. The child’s screams turn from pain to terror, but Juliette keeps holding on because putting him down while the spikes are active would likely kill him.

When the spikes withdraw, Juliette releases the boy. The boy runs, accidentally bumps Juliette’s bare legs, and collapses again in pain. Juliette is devastated by the impossibility of comforting him, and her grief turns into rage at Warner for forcing her into the situation.

Driven by fury, Juliette charges the observation window, breaks through concrete and glass with her bare hands, and grabs Warner by the neck and clothing. Guards aim guns at Juliette, but Warner orders them not to shoot. Warner is less frightened than fascinated, pointing out that Juliette has just broken through concrete, revealing a destructive strength Juliette did not know she possessed.

As Juliette’s anger fades, shock and fear replace it. Juliette realizes her power may include more than a lethal touch, and Warner watches with eager fascination. Juliette warns Warner that if Warner ever forces Juliette into such a position again, Juliette will kill him and enjoy it.