“H-hey!”

              “It’s a simple enough task Aiva. Either you do it yourself or I will.”

              But she didn’t want too. The markings on her skin came to the forefront of her mind. Unlike any rash she’d ever had and growing. It now covered her arm from elbow to shoulder; black, mottled and rough.

              Her uncle’s hand hovered menacingly close so she began with shaking fingers. White noise filled her head, keeping thoughts at bay. Right above her belly button was the small circular section of discolored skin.

              Scott adjusted his glasses and squinted down at her midsection. His mouth dropped open. Byron was behind him doing much the same. They stared for longer than was comfortable and Aiva began to squirm. The sudden chilled touch of an alcohol wipe against her stomach made her jump and recoil. Scott straightened up and turned to look at Joshua, an unsure smile playing upon his lips. “She has the mark.”

              Aiva opened her mouth to ask him what he meant when Scott pulled a syringe out of his pocket, flicked the top off, and pushed it firmly into Aiva’s neck in one seamless motion. Her skin gave little resistance to the cool sting. She’d barely felt the pin prick before the solution was working its way through her veins. Her eyes dropped as she fell back into her chair, limp.