Luis admitted his ongoing probe but disclosed that one pair of "Mutant" was with the Maxwells on Aurora.

The mention of the Maxwell lineage brought a darker shadow to Mitchel's expression. Agitation laced his next words. "If the second injection finds me, what's my timeline?"

There was reluctance in Luis's voice, an urging toward Mitchel's self-preservation, but Mitchel was adamant. "The full truth. I have to know," he insisted with gravity.

Luis' voice carried a soft but grave note. "Three months."

The words hung in the air as Mitchel repeated them, seeking confirmation.

Luis elaborated that "Mutant" unfolded in distinct phases. Initially, the substance melded and interacted internally without apparent harm.

But as the weeks passed, the inflicted person's strength dwindled, their ability to walk slipped away, and muscles wasted away. By the third stage, confinement to a bed was inevitable, leaving nothing but a fragile shell of once robust vitality.

The mind behind "Mutant" had a twisted vision, crafting a demise that would force the afflicted to witness their own decay.

Often, the grip of helplessness gripped so tight that it drove the tormented to contemplate a premature end to their anguish.

In the quiet that followed, Luis sought to imbue a sense of calm.

“The tests indicate just a single dose in your system. The second has not found its way into you. And I'm on the trail of the mind that birthed this malice. Should we discern its makeup, hope for a cure is not lost..."

Before Luis could outline further plans, Mitchel cut in with a heavy command, "Keep Raegan in the dark about this."

A silence fell, with Luis lost momentarily in thought. Despite the weight of his revelation, Mitchel's concerns were singularly fixed on Raegan.

"Raegan should be braced for what's to come... Luis suggested tentatively."

"No," Mitchel interjected firmly, his voice ice over the line. "I don't want to burden her with worry."

“Okay, but..." Luis began but stopped mid-sentence, realizing the futility of his hopeful musings.

With brotherly conviction, Luis assured, "Forget it. You're going to pull through. I've got your back."

As Mitchel's call ended, Matteo remained by the car, patiently awaiting Mitchel's next move.

Mitchel's gaze locked onto the vivid insignia of Crescent, lost in thought until finally, he broke the silence. “Let's go to the office."

The tasks ahead dawned on Mitchel, an overwhelming tide of duty.