She expects the sharp sting searing through her skull before the needle even punctures skin. Rey grits her teeth in attempt to dull her reaction to the pain. Nick doesn't need to know how much it hurts. Undine did, but Rey didn't let that stop her.

"Good news, I'm not brain-fried." Rey forces a curt laugh, bringing a hand to the side of the needle to make sure that it's correctly in place.

Also good news -- it is.