Viktor performed the turning ritual with scientific precision, combining his blood with chemical compounds they had theorized might help maintain cognitive function during transformation. The mixture contained enzyme stabilizers and neural protectants designed to preserve cognitive pathways throughout the process.

  "Beginning transformation sequence," Viktor noted into the recording device, his voice maintaining clinical detachment despite the circumstances. "Time, 2:49 AM. Modified compound administered simultaneously with transformation vector."

  He monitored the vital signs dispyed on the salvaged medical equipment, documenting each fluctuation with methodical attention. The first stage began within minutes—elevated heart rate, spike in body temperature, increased neural activity across all monitored wavelengths.

  "Initial response consistent with primary transformation patterns," Viktor observed, adjusting the supplemental compounds flowing through the intravenous line. "Temperature elevation exceeding standard parameters by seventeen percent."

  The abandoned clinic's generator hummed steadily, powering the essential equipment Viktor had configured to track the transformation process. Outside, the night remained quiet, the earlier battle having moved away from their location. This isotion provided the controlled environment necessary for the procedure, though it also meant they had only each other to rely on if complications arose.

  "Stage one progressing rapidly," Viktor noted at the three-hour mark. "Cardiovascur response shows accelerated pattern compared to standard transformation timeline."

  He adjusted the monitoring equipment, his movements precise despite having been awake for over forty-eight hours. The scientific focus that had defined his existence since long before transformation provided structure amid uncertainty.

  At the six-hour mark, the second phase began—the cardiovascur shutdown that preceded systemic reconfiguration. Viktor watched as Elena's heart rate slowed dramatically, then stopped completely. Though he had observed this process in boratory settings, experiencing it with Elena required every fragment of his scientific discipline to maintain objective documentation.

  "Cardiovascur cessation confirmed," he noted, voice steady despite the ftline tone from the monitoring equipment. "Beginning cellur reconfiguration phase. Time, 8:52 AM."

  Throughout the day, Viktor remained in constant attendance, adjusting compound mixtures, documenting physiological changes, and maintaining the precise environmental conditions optimal for transformation. The neural monitoring equipment showed sporadic activity—unusual during this phase, potentially indicating the effectiveness of their cognitive preservation compounds.

  "Neural patterns maintaining baseline organizational structure despite cellur reconfiguration," Viktor observed with cautious optimism. "Potentially significant deviation from standard transformation response."

  As evening approached, the third phase began—neural reconfiguration, typically accompanied by complete consciousness loss. Viktor monitored the brain activity patterns with particur attention, looking for the signature disruption that had preceded his own loss of identity during transformation.

  "Neural reconfiguration proceeding with atypical pattern preservation," he noted. "Hippocampal and frontal cortex activity maintaining organizational coherence despite systemic transformation."

  The equipment registered a sudden spike in all vital measurements—the critical junction where cellur and neural systems either integrated successfully or colpsed into catastrophic failure. Viktor adjusted the compound flow with microsecond precision, his vampire reflexes allowing interventions impossible for human physicians.

  "Critical integration phase initiated," he documented. "Administering final neural preservation compound."

  Throughout the night and into the second day, Viktor maintained his scientific vigince, documenting each phase with clinical precision while implementing the theoretical protocols they had developed together. The transformation progressed through stages never before documented in scientific literature—a secondary transformation with modified compounds, potentially creating something unique in the post-outbreak world.

  "Seventy-two hours post-initiation," Viktor noted, his voice showing the first signs of fatigue despite his vampire endurance. "Transformation proceeding with notable deviations from standard patterns. Cognitive structure maintenance exceeding theoretical projections."

  He allowed himself a moment of tentative optimism. The monitoring equipment showed patterns suggesting unprecedented preservation of neural organization throughout the transformation process. Their theoretical compounds appeared to be functioning as designed—maintaining the essential structures that defined Elena's unique mind while allowing the physiological transformation to proceed.

  "Entering final integration phase," Viktor documented at the ninety-six hour mark. "Cardiovascur restart anticipated within thirty minutes."

  He prepared the final compound mixture—designed to ease the transition from transformation back to consciousness, potentially mitigating the overwhelming hunger that typically dominated new vampires. This was their most theoretical intervention, based entirely on hypotheses they had never had opportunity to test.

  "Administering transition compound," he noted. "Time, 2:47 AM. Exactly ninety-six hours since transformation initiation."

  The monitoring equipment registered the first heartbeat—different from human patterns, the distinctive rhythm of vampire physiology. Viktor watched as the vital signs stabilized into their new baseline, the transformation physically complete while the most critical question remained unanswered: had Elena's mind survived intact?

  "Transformation physically complete," Viktor documented, his scientific detachment finally showing cracks as he moved closer to the examination table. "Cognitive assessment pending consciousness return."

  Now came the moment that would determine whether their theoretical interventions had succeeded or failed—whether the person who awakened would still be Elena, or something else wearing her form. Viktor prepared for either outcome, honoring the promise he had made before the transformation began.

  All he could do now was wait, and hope that science had accomplished what had never before been achieved—a transformation that preserved not just the body, but the essential self.