Wolfram

Over the next few days, Jake's life became increasingly chaotic. He couldn't hide his new arm anymore. The serum had done more than just change his appearance—it was as though the very essence of who he was had shifted. His tungsten arm made everyday tasks almost impossible. He couldn't write. He couldn't type. He could barely even eat without causing a mess. And all the while, the nagging voice of uncertainty stayed in his mind.

But there was something else. Every time he caught a glimpse of Lucy on campus, something inside him stirred. She didn't know anything about the serum. She didn't know what had happened to him. And yet, every time their eyes met, he felt like she was somehow watching him more closely than he realized.

Jake had hoped to avoid her for a while—hoping to get his new power under control—but life had other plans.

It was during one of his attempts to sneak into the library without drawing attention to his metallic arm that Jake accidentally bumped into Lucy. Literally. He turned a corner, caught his foot on a book bag, and nearly knocked her over.

"Jake?" Lucy said, surprised, but not angry. "What are you doing here?"

"Uh, just... just walking," Jake mumbled awkwardly, trying to hide his arm behind his back.

Lucy, however, wasn't fooled. She squinted at him, her eyes narrowing. "What happened to your arm? Is that... steel?"

Jake swallowed hard. He didn't know how to explain it. How could he? But Lucy didn't wait for an answer. Instead, she moved closer, her voice softer now.

"Jake, look... I know something's going on. You've been avoiding me, and I don't know why. But whatever it is, I can help." She paused. "I don't know what you're going through, but you don't have to do this alone."

Jake's heart hammered in his chest. Here was Lucy, the girl who had always been so vibrant, so alive, so *unattainable*—and she was offering to help him. He was speechless.

"I... I don't know if I can trust anyone," Jake finally admitted, feeling more vulnerable than he had ever felt in his life. "But I can't hide this forever."

Lucy smiled gently. "You don't have to. But you have to trust me, Jake. If Rex Steel's serum is still out there, and people are looking for it, you're going to need help."