It only takes a few more seconds for Pepper to wriggle free. Cain's assurances are a relief, but it doesn't prevent the mesmerized horror with which she watches his back start to repair before her eyes. She would have been dead many times over if he hadn't moved in front of her.

"We should get out of here," she says, echoing Tony's call. Pepper starts to stand, ignoring the burning in her lungs, when the world tips over. Her head is spinning and she sits down rather suddenly. "Uh. I'm not sure I can stand up. Super dizzy."

Vertigo or not, she should be able to see Tony and Valdis by now. Right?

"Something's not right," she mutters.