~Hermes~

They pried the elevator doors open just as her body went limp in my arms.

I didn't even remember shouting for help again. I didn't remember the fire team arriving, or the metal groaning as they forced it open. All I remember is the moment her eyes rolled back, her fingers slipping from my shirt, and the way something inside me snapped when I felt her go still.

They rushed in—voices, lights, hands—all of it too loud, fast, and useless.

"Ma'am? Ma'am, can you hear me?"

"No ...