Van Nostrand screamed as his form continued to twist and contort. He fell to the ground in a fetal position and let loose an agonized cry that felt as if it would shatter the dirt-covered windows. Finally, mercifully, the horrific transformation stopped. Van Nostrand gasped deeply for what seemed like several moments as if his lungs had degraded to the point taking in a decent breath was now an impossible undertaking. Once the gasping dissipated, the only sound in the expansive room was the sound of Townsend’s gun, the repeated pulling of the trigger met with nothing save the announcement the firearm was out of bullets.

“If… this didn’t hurt… so damn much, I… might smile… Agent Townsend. The only… silver lining is… my gunshot wounds… have healed. Th...

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