Whitaker and Maestro ducked to fit through the passageway. Alyssa had to be forced through by Quasimodo, the young woman fighting him all the way. On the other side of the doorway they noted the archaic script within the symbol’s framework: ALL LIFE UNDER ONE. It had served as the entryway to the Menagerie. Now they were within a short distance from the Umbilical collar. Alyssa continued to struggle against Quasimodo’s grasp. “You’re more trouble than you’re worth,” he told her.“Let me go!” Quasimodo grabbed her by the hair and forced her to her knees. “You’re starting to piss me off.” “Good.” She slapped his hand.“Little spitfire, aren’t you?”She continued to fight back.Quasimodo struggled to maintain control. “Hey, Cap, is she my toy to play with now?”“Don’t kill her. Just bleed her out slowly. Leave something for whatever’s left on the other side of that Ankh.”Quasimodo withdrew his knife, the blade sliding neatly from its scabbard. He looked down at her with a savage smile.
