Miguel POV
The heart monitor's rhythm had stabilized, but the tension in the OR was heavier than ever.
I stood frozen against the glass, my palms pressed flat, watching Diego's still body beneath the bright surgical lights. Dr. Chen's voice cut through the quiet hum of machines.
"Electrical interference detected along the neural interface. Vitals unstable. We need to contain it—now."
The dual heartbeat continued flickering on the screen, chaotic and unnatural.
Dr. Kumar, the anesthesiologist, spoke rapidly. "BP dropping—systolic down to 80. He's losing ground fast."
Dr. Chen's hands were steady, precise. "Scalpel. I'm isolating the main lead. Dr. Martinez, be ready to assist with micro-suction once I expose the implant."
The air felt thick, every movement calculated. A surgical nurse handed over the scalpel with practiced calm.
Miguel's father broke the silence behind me, his voice low but strained.
