Lolly rushed to him — pressing her forehead to his.
"Eko… it's me… please hear me…"
His breathing slowed.
His glowing eyes shifted toward her.
"L-L… Lolly…?"
She cupped his face. "Come back to me."
He struggled against the straps — not violently, but desperately.
"Don't… let me turn…"
Geo cut the restraints.
Eko fell into Lolly's arms, shaking uncontrollably.
"L-Lolly… I can't… control…"
She held him tightly.
"I won't let you go."
Her voice pierced the darkness inside him.
His red eyes softened — faintly returning to normal.
For the first time, he spoke clearly:
"I love you."
Lolly froze — breath trapped.
Geo turned away, heart breaking again.
But there was no time to dwell.
The alarms blared.
Soldiers rushed in.
Eko stood up — barely — and growled:
"No one touches them."
His claws extended.
And he attacked.