_*]:min-w-0 !gap-3.5">The first explosion came from the facility's east wing—a carefully calibrated diversion designed to draw security away from the northern boratory sector. Viktor monitored the response pattern with enhanced precision, noting the predictable movement of newly-turned guards toward the disturbance.

  "Team Alpha in position," Runner reported through the communication system. "East wing security responding as anticipated."

  Viktor gave the signal, and the primary insertion team moved through the breach point they'd created in the perimeter fence. The resistance fighters moved with disciplined silence, their blood-masked presence undetectable to the inexperienced vampire sentries. Within moments, they had reached the facility's exterior wall.

  A second explosion erupted from the southern power station, perfectly timed to reinforce the impression of a coordinated attack on secondary targets. Through their communication devices, they heard Commander Davis's voice: "Southern diversion executed. Primary target security reduced by sixty percent."

  Viktor led the way through the maintenance access point, moving with the fluid efficiency that banced vampire strength with tactical restraint. Two guards positioned at the interior junction detected them despite the blood-masking compound, but Viktor neutralized them with precisely calcuted force—enough to render unconscious without killing.

  "Maintain formation," he instructed the team as they navigated the facility corridors. His senses extended continuously, tracking movement patterns throughout the complex while following Elena's biochemical signature. "Northern boratory, second level. Security dispersed."

  The team encountered unexpected resistance at the central stairwell—a hastily assembled checkpoint that hadn't appeared in their intelligence. Viktor assessed the situation in microseconds, identifying the optimal approach.

  "Sensory disruptors, then advance in staggered formation," he ordered.

  Runner activated one of the devices they had developed, creating temporary sensory overload for the vampire guards. The effect was immediate—the recently-turned vampires clutched their heads in pain, their enhanced senses overwhelmed by the carefully calibrated frequencies. The team moved past them with efficient precision, advancing toward their primary objective.

  As they approached the northern boratory sector, Viktor sensed the gathering inside—multiple vampires with varied biochemical signatures, and at the center, Elena. Her condition registered through their connection with arming crity—systemic deterioration, advancing viral infection, critical metabolic instability.

  "Primary target thirty meters ahead," he informed the team. "Twenty-three individuals beyond security personnel. Prepare for coordinated entry."

  The final diversion activated with perfect timing—a cascade of security alerts from the lower levels, compelling most of the remaining guards to respond. Viktor moved toward the boratory entrance, his enhanced strength allowing him to breach the reinforced door with calcuted force.

  The scene inside confirmed his sensory data—a makeshift ceremonial space where Keller stood at the center, surrounded by gathered vampires of varying ages and strengths. Elena y on a central table, medical equipment surrounding her, her condition visibly critical even to human observers.

  The interruption created momentary chaos. Keller's eyes widened with genuine surprise before narrowing with scientific calcution. "Impressive timing," he acknowledged, his tone reflecting professional respect rather than arm. "Though ultimately futile."

  Viktor didn't waste energy on response. He moved through the room with preternatural speed, neutralizing three guards who attempted to intercept him. His combat style reflected years of disciplined control—efficient, precise, devoid of unnecessary violence despite his vampire strength.

  The resistance team executed their entry protocol with practiced coordination, securing exit points and creating a defensive perimeter. Runner deployed the remaining sensory disruptors, creating confusion among the less-experienced vampires while the team advanced.

  Viktor reached Elena's side, his scientific assessment of her condition confirming what their connection had already revealed—advanced viral infection, metabolic systems in cascade failure, neurological functions showing critical instability.

  "Viktor," she whispered, recognition flickering through fever-clouded eyes. Her voice, barely audible even to vampire hearing, carried both scientific precision and personal recognition. "Viral mutation... accelerating..."

  "I know," he responded, disconnecting the medical equipment with efficient movements. "We have stabilization compounds prepared."

  Keller had recovered from his initial surprise and moved toward them with several stronger vampires fnking his position. "Her condition is terminal without the transformation," he stated with clinical detachment. "You're interrupting a procedure that would save her."

  "Your procedure would corrupt what makes her unique," Viktor countered, lifting Elena from the table with careful precision. Her weight registered as armingly reduced, further evidence of her deteriorating condition.

  Keller's scientific curiosity overrode his territorial response. "You have an alternative treatment protocol?" he inquired, genuine interest evident despite the circumstances.

  "One you wouldn't value," Viktor responded, moving toward the exit where the resistance team had secured their retreat path. "It preserves free will."

  The gathered vampires, uncertain in this early post-outbreak period without established hierarchy or protocols, hesitated rather than intervening directly. Most had attended out of curiosity or political opportunism rather than loyalty to Keller specifically.

  Commander Davis's voice came through their communication devices: "Primary extraction route secured. Thirty seconds to rendezvous."

  Keller made one final attempt to assert control, signaling his security forces to block the exits. The resulting conflict erupted with chaotic intensity—newly-turned vampires with unpracticed abilities against disciplined resistance fighters with specialized weapons. Viktor moved through the chaos with Elena secured against him, her condition deteriorating with each passing moment.

  "Runner," Viktor called, "northeastern corridor."

  The young man appeared at his side, providing coverage as they moved toward the extraction point. Viktor's enhanced strength allowed him to carry Elena while still neutralizing threats—his movements precise despite the emotional urgency underlying each action. Two security guards attempted to intercept them at the corridor junction, but Viktor incapacitated them with efficient precision, never risking Elena's safety in the process.

  They reached the extraction point where Commander Davis waited with the remaining team members. "Primary target secured," she confirmed through their communication network. "All teams initiate full extraction protocol."

  As they moved through the secured exit route, Viktor conducted continuous assessment of Elena's condition. Her pulse had weakened further, her temperature elevation indicating advanced viral progression. Through their physical contact, he sensed the cellur deterioration accelerating throughout her system.

  "Stay with me," he murmured, the words carrying both scientific determination and something more complex. "We have stabilization compounds prepared at the sanctuary."

  Her response came not through words but through their connection—a faint acknowledgment, her scientific mind still functioning despite her body's failure. The biochemical link between them provided data that words could not—her consciousness fading, metabolic systems approaching critical thresholds.

  The team moved through the night with practiced discipline, the extraction proceeding according to established protocols. Viktor maintained constant vigince, his enhanced senses tracking pursuit patterns while monitoring Elena's deteriorating condition. Each passing minute brought her closer to systemic failure, adding urgency to their carefully controlled retreat.

  As they reached the forest perimeter, Runner confirmed what Viktor had already detected: "No pursuit signals. They're regrouping rather than following."

  "Keller prioritizes research security over immediate recapture," Viktor observed, his scientific understanding of the other vampire's psychology providing tactical insight. "He'll analyze our extraction methods before attempting recovery."

  Commander Davis directed the team toward their concealed vehicles. "Rendezvous at secondary location in thirty minutes. Medical preparations are standing by."

  Viktor secured Elena in the transport, the vehicle modified to accommodate medical equipment. As they moved through the darkness toward sanctuary, he maintained physical contact, the biochemical connection between them providing continuous monitoring of her condition.

  Her eyes opened briefly, scientific crity breaking through the fever. "The stabilization compound," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Will require... modification for viral variant..."

  "I know," Viktor replied, recognizing that even now, her scientific mind remained their greatest asset. "I've already prepared three variant formutions based on your research notes."

  A faint smile touched her lips before consciousness faded again. Through their connection, Viktor sensed her trust in his scientific capability—the certainty that he would find the solution that Keller, for all his resources, could not.

  The mission had succeeded, but the true challenge still y ahead. The race against Elena's accelerating viral infection would require every fragment of scientific knowledge they had accumuted together. As the vehicle carried them toward sanctuary, Viktor maintained his methodical assessment of her condition while preparing the scientific protocols that would be necessary upon arrival.

  The rescue was complete. The treatment had yet to begin.