Artem’s heart pounded in his chest. He had steeled himself for this moment, the moment of final goodbye, yet here was his loyal friend, defying the inevitable. Leo’s soulful eyes locked onto his, and in them, Artem saw a flicker of determination, a refusal to bow out just yet.

The veterinarian, regaining her composure, quickly moved to check Leo’s vitals. Her stethoscope, cold and impersonal, met Leo’s chest, but what she heard was not the weakened, irregular heartbeat she had anticipated. Instead, a strong, rhythmic pulse resonated back at her. She glanced at Artem, her expression a mixture of disbelief and cautious optimism.

— This… this is extraordinary, she murmured, barely audible. I’ve never seen anything like it.