Keldon grabbed Tarian's shoulder and spun him around, slamming him against the wall. His brow furrowed as he took a deep breath. Keldon jabbed his finger into Tarian's chest. "Tarian, you can't keep bothering the scientists."

"Caleb secured their live sample of that shifting monstrosity," Tarian said, brushing Keldon's hands off before he straightened his jacket. "Didn't you hear Caleb's report? That thing wore his face, making it even more dangerous."

"I know," Keldon said, stepping back and lifting his palms. "But you're not helping them."

"If that monster had approached either your team or Engrim's, we wouldn't be having this conversation." Tarian rubbed his temples as his chest swelled. He grabbed Keldon's shirt and pulled him close. "So, if my constant visits help expedite their work, they're worth the headache."

"But they don't!" Keldon pushed himself away from his friend, his eyes narrowing. "That's what I'm trying to tell you. Your visits cause nothing but chaos, and it takes far too long to reclaim their original calm."

Tarian's face tightened as he stared into the sky. He reached for the doorknob, giving it a sharp twist before shoving the door open. "They'll survive the intrusion. It took ten darts to put that thing in its cage...