Chương 92: Chapter 91 – Killer Mosquitoes Leave a Mark

Remarkably, the relocation proceeded without a single complication. With everyone safely transported, Alex and Elena turned to the real crisis: cracking the code on the bioweapon hidden inside Thai's stuffed unicorn. How many weaponized toys had been distributed? If even one succeeded in infection, both the elven and fairy races faced potential extinction.

"Okay, Regina, I hate to do this again, but I need another sample," Alex said sympathetically as Regina rolled up her sleeve.

"Do you think you can save some blood for me? I'm starting to feel empty." She snickered, rolling her eyes and sticking out her arm.

"I should have gone with Illianna and let Roxie be the pin cushion."

"I know, but it's unavoidable. Your blood is the key to the cure." He sighed, readying the needle.

"Your antibodies are what we need to replicate, but first we have to isolate them. Unfortunately, they're not exactly flashing here I am, come and get me! This virus is proving far more elusive than we first thought, but I think we're narrowing it down."

"Do what you've got to do, doc. I don't want to see what happened in Falotopia happen anywhere else." She braced herself as Alex inserted the needle. The sting bit into her skin, sharp and cold. The faint scent of antiseptic mixed with the metallic tang of blood. Regina watched the vial fill, the dark liquid swirling under the fluorescent light. Alex glanced at her arm and shook his head.

"You know, I could just put in a port so I wouldn't have to stick you every time we need a new sample," he said, swapping vials. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

"Doesn't matter, doc. I'm okay either way," Regina said.

"Put in a faucet if it'll move things along." She laughed.

"I don't think we need to go that far, but next time I'll put in a port. I'm running out of veins to tap." He snickered.

"Whatever," she said, half smiling.

"There we go." Alex pulled the needle out and covered the spot with cotton and tape.

"Kind of looks like I was attacked by a band of killer mosquitoes," Regina laughed, eyeing the trail of bandages running up and down both arms. Alex laughed too.

"Well then…" He broke off, unable to find a clever response.

"Hopefully this will be the last sample we need. Go get something to eat, drink some juice, and stay away from the emberbrew."

"Why? Afraid those antibodies will run off while caffeinated?" She laughed. Alex looked at her oddly, not catching the joke.

"No, emberbrew is a natural diuretic. I need you to build up fluids, not expel them," he said matter‑of‑factly.

"Alex, it was a joke," Elena said, entering the room. The door hissed shut behind her, releasing a faint puff of sterilized air. Alex looked from Elena to Regina, then finally snickered.

"Oh, I get it."

"I'm not convinced he does," Elena scoffed.

"Anyway, based on what you've been studying, it sounds like you've isolated a specific antibody in the virus. That should help you locate the matching antibodies in her blood," she said, giving Regina an encouraging smile.

"In plain terms for us non‑scientifically inclined?" Regina asked, having no idea what any of that meant.

"It means we've almost got the bugger surrounded," Elena laughed.

"Guns drawn?" Regina asked.

"Precisely," Elena agreed, while Alex looked completely befuddled.

"Don't worry about it, Alex. Just go bring the samples to the lab." He nodded, gathering the vials with careful precision. The faint clink of glass echoed through the sterile room as the hum of equipment filled the silence.