*Bael's POV*
The sound that tears from Runze's throat is unlike anything Bael has ever heard—a raw, agonized scream that vibrates straight through Bael's chest and rattles his core.
Bael clamps his hands tighter around Runze's trembling shoulders, bracing his weight as Runze curls inward, straining every muscle in his exhausted body. Bael's jaw aches from how hard he grinds his teeth. His heart hammers against his ribs in a frantic, helpless rhythm. He would give away every asset, every company, every breath in his lungs just to take this excruciating pain away from Runze.
"That's it! Continuous pressure, Mr. Runze!" Dr. Xi's voice cuts sharply over the steady, frantic beep of the heart monitor. "Just a little more!"
