Anatomical diagrams.
Gargoyle physiology.
Detailed breakdowns of cellular structure, mineral composition, the biological mechanisms that govern stone-lock.
And overlaid on top of it all, chemical formulas.
Compound structures.
Synthesis protocols.
"They're weaponizing it," I say.
My voice sounds distant.
Detached.
Like it's coming from someone else entirely.
"They're weaponizing stone-lock."
Cyprian opens another file.
Test results.
Clinical trials.
Subjects labeled only by identification numbers.
SUBJECT G-47: EXPOSURE DURATION 3.2 SECONDS. FULL-BODY CALCIFICATION ACHIEVED IN 18 MINUTES. SUBJECT EXPIRED AFTER 6 HOURS.
SUBJECT G-51: EXPOSURE DURATION 5.7 SECONDS. PARTIAL CALCIFICATION. SUBJECT SURVIVED BUT REMAINS IN PERMANENT PARALYTIC STATE.
SUBJECT G-63: EXPOSURE DURATION 2.1 SECONDS. ACCELERATED CALCIFICATION. SUBJECT EXPIRED AFTER 2 HOURS.
I'm going to be sick.
Actually, physically sick.
"They're killing them," I say.
"Yes."
"They're testing a chemical weapon on gargoyles."
"Yes."
"How many?"
Cyprian scrolls through the files.
His expression is completely blank.
Stone-faced.
But his amber veins are flickering.
Not gold.
