The air was thick, tension coiling around you with each step. You were moving fast, faster than usual, each target you dispatched leaving you with an unsettling hunger for more. Price’s voice echoed somewhere behind you, but you were too far gone to hear it clearly, too wrapped up in the rush.

“Hey—easy,” he called, his voice low but commanding, trying to rein you in. “Stay close.”

But you were barely listening, eyes locked on the next target down the hall. Just as you surged forward, you felt his hand grip your shoulder, firm but cautious.

“Hey! That’s enough,” he snapped, stepping in front of you. “Look at me. This isn’t you.”

You shoved past him, shaking his hand off, the thrill of the mission buzzing louder than anything else.

He growled under his breath. “Damn it,” he muttered, then reached into his vest.

Before you could react, you felt a sharp prick at your neck, the tranquilizer taking hold almost instantly. Your vision blurred, and your knees buckled. Price caught you before you hit the ground, steadying you as the world dimmed around you.

“Thought I’d have to use this,” he murmured, voice softer now. “You were getting too deep in it, love. Needed to bring you back.”

Your head lolled as you fought the tranquilizer’s effect, barely able to make out his face. “Price… I could’ve… handled it,” you slurred, a stubborn edge lingering even as your strength faded.

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Not this time, you couldn’t. You’re good, but I know you too well. Sometimes even the best need a bit of a reality check.”

As darkness crept in, his voice was the last thing grounding you, a steady reminder that he was there, always pulling you back from the edge.