There was a moment of silence as Horace processed this, understanding that Ariana must be involved. He knew Theodore wouldn't take action without a compelling reason.

The duo descended to the dimly lit basement level three via the elevator. The floor was filled with identical, unmarked doors, all secured by fingerprint locks.

Passing by one of the rooms, they heard the distressed cries and shouts of patients inside. Theodore stopped at a corner room, and alone, he unlocked it with his fingerprint and stepped inside.

As the door shut behind him, the beeping of medical equipment filled the room, and Helen lay on a hospital bed.

Helen shifted, her eyes fluttering open to the silhouette of a man next to her bed. Trying to prop herself up, she realized with a jolt that she was still locked in anesthesia's hold; all she could muster was a feeble whimper, aimed at Theodore.