"Your Highness, what should we do now?" Milton asked anxiously.

"How should I know? I'm just as lost as you are." Tristan's face was full of despair.

He continued, "Dr. Strum and Dr. Carmel are dead. The outbreak is already out of control, and now there's some kind of poisonous mist that destroys everything it touches. How am I supposed to deal with this? My head feels like it's about to explode."

"Perhaps we should retreat while we still can," Milton urged. "If that poisonous mist continues its advance, this city is doomed. Staying here would only put your life in danger."

"Retreat? Where should I go? Once Harbortown is gone, so is my future." Tristan looked utterly defeated.

Everyone knew containing the outbreak was a test from Valon. If Tristan succeeded, he'd secure the right to inherit the throne, but failure would end his chances for good. He'd fought too hard and come too far to let the crown slip away now.

"As long as you're alive, Your Highness, there's still a chance t