Chapter 39: Scapegoat

'Dead.'

The word struck like a lightning bolt, sending Zevian's head spinning, his vision blurred with a mix of rage and despair. He stormed towards the operating room, his mind a chaotic whirl of disbelief and determination. No, he couldn't lose her!

Inside the operating room, chaos reigned. Doctors barked urgent orders, nurses moved frantically, and the beeping of machines created a dissonant symphony of impending doom. Evelyn was surrounded all around by medical professionals, her body jolting with every shock of the defibrillators.

"Zev!" Avery's voice cut through the turmoil, tears streaming down her face. Her friend was lying on the brink of death, and she stood there, feeling utterly helpless. 

Zevian shoved past his team, reaching the glass wall, his eyes locking on Evelyn's still form. He quickly went to the door, trying to barge in but his men stopped him.