Behind Elias, Director Mercer nodded his head and murmured, "You're doing well. Keep the samples cold and labeled. These patterns could rewrite everything we've lost. Your name will sit on every vial in this wing if you do this right."
Elias hated that his chest tightened in response.
He hated that a small, pathetic flame inside him flickered at being seen.
The creature felt it and turned cruel. There. That is your true god. Not saving anyone. Not her. Your name on something. Your name on paper. You would sell the sun for a signature.
Elias clenched his teeth until his jaw ached.
He moved to close the shoulder cut.
He reached for sutures.
Mercer's hand landed on his wrist.
It wasn't rough.
It wasn't paternal.
It was ownership.
"Wait," Mercer instructed. "We need a deeper core sample. We're not here for surface structure. You know that."
Elias jerked his arm free. "A deeper sample risks unnecessary damage."
"She will heal."
