Rhea was quick, but Cameron was quicker. The moment she raised her hand, he'd already caught her arm, twisting it sharply while simultaneously covering his nose. He seemed to avoid inhaling the airborne powder. Cameron smirked. "Rhea, you're still too naive, and you've underestimated me."

Rhea, her arm restrained, remained unfazed. Slightly bending her back, she smiled at Cameron. "I've never underestimated you, Uncle Cameron. I know these tricks are nothing to you, so…"

"So what?" Cameron, staring sternly, felt a prickle of unease. He felt no discomfort elsewhere.

Rhea simply smiled. "Don't you feel uncomfortable anywhere?"

Immediately, Cameron felt numbness spreading through his body, beginning in the hand gripping her arm. He involuntarily released her, the numbness intensifying. Sensing something amiss, he grabbed his wrist, discovering a tiny needle embedded in his palm.

"I know you wouldn't be easily drugged," Rhea said, straightening and stretching her slightly sore limbs. "The powder was merely a distraction. You're feeling numbness beyond your arm, aren't you?"

She was right. Cameron felt his throat and tongue going numb. He tried to call for help, but found himself speechless. 'What kind of drug is this? Its potency is surprising.'

His eyes widened as he lunged at Rhea, but she easily evaded him. She smiled, leaning closer. "I'm much weaker than you, so I had to use my own methods! I've hidden them all on my clothes!"

She gestured to her sleeves, revealing numerous tiny needles he'd completely missed. Their sheer number evidenced meticulous preparation.

"Uncle Cameron, you're incredibly strong. I increased the dosage, but I didn't expect you to last this long. Anyone else would have passed out already." Rhea's smile, usually sweet, now held a devilish glint. Excitement shone in her eyes as she continued, "I didn't want to do this, you treat me well. But you wouldn't have gone easy on me. I merely used Anastasia for my research—I'm not going to kill her. She should be honored to contribute to science; she'll leave her mark on history. You were heartless first, so you can't blame me."

"Or rather, you should thank me. Uncle Cameron, you're the first lab rat for R18. Future generations will know your name!" Her smile broadened, almost prideful.

Cameron grasped her meaning partially, but his eyelids grew heavy. He finally succumbed to the drug and passed out.

Rhea waited before approaching him. "Uncle Cameron? Are you there?"

Silence answered her.