Leo's body jolted violently on the bed, but his eyes remained closed, the heart monitor still painting a terrifying flatline. Gritting his teeth, Zhane recharged the paddles and pressed them down again.
"Clear!" His voice grew louder, edged with desperation.
Still nothing.
Zhane's hands trembled as he prepared for a third attempt. His heart twisted painfully in his chest, and before he could stop himself, he shouted at Leo, his voice raw.
"Leo! You can't die! Hera would be devastated—do you want to break her heart? Do you want her crying herself to pieces over you? You have to fight, damn it! Fight!"
Zhane shot a glance at the other doctors, signaling urgently for another charge.
"Clear!"
The paddles hit Leo's chest again—and then, blessedly, the monitor beeped. Once. Twice. A steady rhythm followed.
"We've got a heartbeat!" one of the doctors cried out, tears brimming in his eyes.
