Bill staggered back, clutching his head. Clara grabbed his arm, worried, but he waved her off. The voice continued:
"Template Selected: The Hulk. Integration commencing. Strength and durability enhanced. Warning: Control required to prevent full transformation."Before he could process it, the precinct doors burst open, and two officers dragged Lily out in cuffs. Her eyes were wide, tear-streaked, and her hands glowed faintly orange—proof of her fire-based mutation. "Dad!" she cried.Seeing her like that, helpless and scared, ignited something primal in Bill. His muscles tensed, his skin prickled, and a low growl escaped his throat. The officers froze as Bill's frame seemed to swell, his shirt straining at the seams. He didn't turn green or grow to ten feet tall—not yet—but the air around him crackled with power."Let her go," he said, his voice a dangerous rumble.The officers hesitated, then one drew a stun gun. "Stand down, freak!"Big mistake. The taser darts hit Bill's chest—and snapped against his skin like twigs. He roared, lunging forward, and with one swipe of his arm, sent the officer crashing into a wall. The other dropped Lily and ran. Bill scooped his daughter up, his strength effortless, and turned to Clara. "We're leaving. Now."