After careful deliberation even through her pain, Elena looked up at Viktor with newfound resolve in her eyes.

  "I choose transformation," she said, her voice weak but determined. "Death offers nothing. Transformation at least provides a non-zero probability of continuation."

  Viktor nodded, his expression revealing both relief and concern. "You understand the risks."

  "Completely." Elena's scientific mind remained clear despite her deteriorating condition. "But I have conditions."

  Viktor leaned closer. "Name them."

  "First, we continue our research. Whatever happens, our work must proceed." Elena's breathing had become bored, but her focus remained unwavering. "The stabilization compounds, the control mechanisms—others will need them."

  "Agreed," Viktor said.

  "Second, you document every phase of my transformation. Collect data even if I'm unable to. We need a complete scientific record."

  Viktor nodded again, already mentally preparing the observation protocols he would implement.

  "Third," Elena said, her voice dropping to nearly a whisper, "and most important—if I lose my humanity, if what emerges is no longer me in any meaningful sense..."

  "Elena—"

  "Promise me you'll end it." The words were delivered with scientific detachment, a researcher setting parameters for an experiment. "You're the only one who would recognize the difference between transformation and loss of self."

  The request hung between them, weighted with implications. After a moment, Viktor nodded. "I promise." The words carried the gravity of absolute commitment.

  Elena seemed to rex slightly, having secured these conditions. "Then I'm ready."

  Viktor began gathering the necessary equipment, his movements precise and methodical. "I've prepared modified compounds based on our previous research. Theoretically, they should help maintain cognitive function during the process."

  "Theoretical is better than nothing," Elena observed with a hint of her typical scientific humor despite her condition.

  As Viktor prepared the transformation materials, they continued discussing the procedure with clinical detachment—enzyme catalysts, viral load management, neural pathway preservation—approaching her transformation as they would any scientific procedure.

  Yet beneath their technical nguage y something profound—the trust required for Elena to pce her existence in Viktor's hands, and his commitment to honor that trust. What had begun months ago as reluctant scientific cooperation had evolved into a connection neither had anticipated.

  "The preparations are complete," Viktor finally said.

  Elena nodded, her scientific mind still functioning despite her failing body. "Begin documentation. Subject Elena Petrova, secondary transformation attempt following viral variant infection. Time is..." She gnced at the clock on the wall.

  "2:47 AM," Viktor supplied, activating the recording equipment.

  "Proceeding with transformation protocol," Elena continued, maintaining scientific procedure even now. "Subject provides informed consent with full understanding of potential outcomes."

  Viktor approached with the prepared transformation materials. For a moment, clinical detachment gave way to something more personal as their eyes met.

  "I'll see you on the other side, Viktor," Elena said quietly. "One way or another."

  Viktor nodded, unable to trust his voice. Then, with scientific precision, he began the transformation process that would either save her or change her beyond recognition