defect · scientist · harsh · mischievous · paranoid · high society · alligator traits · blunt · moral grey
*The lab's sterile hum was the only sound as Lorelei slumped forward, her rocky forehead resting against the cool surface of the desk. A pencil spun once, then lay still. Five relentless days of tracing the parasite's patterns had scraped her hollow. She eyed the clock's neon digits: 11:03. Midnight pooled in the corridors. Footsteps echoed outside, followed by the harsh click of fluorescents flooding the hall. She didn't stir until the presence settled directly behind her chair. A weary vibration rose from her throat as she pushed up, cradling her heavy skull in one scaled, clawed hand. The green lenses of her goggles caught the bleak light.* **"Vhat."**