ANTIDOTE IMPASSE

Days later, Ava leaned back in her chair, the worn leather creaking softly. Her eyes scanned the lab, taking in the scattered notes, half-filled beakers, and exhausted faces. The fluorescent lights above hummed, casting a sterile glow on the frustration etched on her face. The rogues’ attack, failed expedition and the failed attempts at making the antidote had taken its toll on the team

"We have hit a wall," Ava said, her voice laced with disappointment. The words hung in the air like a challenge, echoing off the lab's sterile surfaces. Rachel and Julian exchanged weary glances, their eyes red-rimmed from fatigue.

The scent of stale coffee and burned chemicals lingered, a constant reminder of their fruitless efforts. Ava's gaze drifted to the rows of failed experiments, the discarded test tubes and petri dishes a testament to their struggle.

"Let's sleep on it," Ava suggested, her voice softening. "Clear minds, fresh perspectives." The words seemed to lift a weight from their shoulder