Elena's POV The medicine in the syringe flowed steadily into the IV line, disappearing into the transparent tube with deceptive calm.

The masked doctor watched the final drop merge with the fluid already dripping toward the bed, and his eyes curved faintly above the surgical mask. It was not relief that flickered there.

It was triumph.

For a brief second, he allowed himself to savor it.

Then his pupils dilated.

A presence loomed behind him before instinct could even warn him to turn.

His ...