Rebirth Of The Goddess

In the middle of a thick, foggy forest, a young lady was running as fast as she could, frightening and looking back in fear. She was panting so heavily, her chest rising and falling as she tried to find her way through the dark night as she was guided only by the brightness of the full moon. Every time she looked back, she saw the horrible creature still chasing her, running fast as well. Her cries echoed through the forest as she screamed for help, but no one was around to hear her.

The creature chasing her was really terrifying. His entire body was covered in rough hair. He looked irritating and frightening, with one eye glowing blue like sapphire and the other glowing yellow like fire. When the lady turned around again to check how close he was, she tripped over a log and fell to the ground. She tried to get up, but her leg failed to move. She burst into tears, shivering in fear as the monster walked slowly towards her.

"Please... don't hurt me" she sobbed as she crawled backwards in fear while the beast came closer.

"I found you" the monster growled in a deep voice. Just as it reached out to touch her, the lady let out a loud cries.

"Nooooo!" she shouted and suddenly jolted awake, back to reality. She had been dreaming. The cab driver was gently tapping her on the shoulder.

"Sorry, miss. We've arrived at your destination, but you were fast asleep. That's why I tapped you" the driver explained "This is Morgan University Hospital"

"Oh! Thank you" Regina said, now breathing slowly. She alighted from the car and walked to the back to bring down her two pieces of luggage. The driver drove off as she rolled her bags toward the large gate in front of her. Just then, her phone rang and she answered it immediately.

"Cara, I just got here" Regina said, tucking her golden hair behind her ear.

"I just wanted to check on you, birthday girl" Cara said from the other end. "I'm at work, and so far I'm being treated well, all thanks to the first lady's recommendation."

"I hope I'll be treated well here too" Regina said.

"There's a new guy at the office. He's cute" Cara said, giggling.

"Cara, you just started working there last week. Don't be distracted by some cute guy. Remember what the matron always told us?" Regina said.

"We're adults now, Gina. I can have a boyfriend if I want to" Cara said.

"Let's talk later, Cara. I have to go" Regina said and ended the call.

She rolled her bags into the compound of the biggest hospital in Vanceney State, in the Country, Alcantra. As she walked in, a female doctor rushed past her, wiping away tears.

"Hi, please can you show me the way to the admin block?" Regina asked with a friendly smile.

"It's that way. Sorry, I'm in a rush" the doctor answered while still wiping her tears.

"Are you okay?" Regina asked, noticing how sad she looked.

"I'm a new doctor. I arrived last week. But my uncle's wife that I'm staying with told me I only have a week left to stay at her place. I haven't earned anything yet to rent my own apartment" she explained sadly.

"Oh, I'm really sorry to hear that. You can stay with me. Let me get your contact" Regina said, and they exchanged contact.

"I'm Samantha Bush" the doctor said, smiling faintly.

"I'll come and find you once I'm done with my meeting" Regina told her.

"You're so kind. We just met and you're offering me a place to stay" Samantha said, a bit surprised.

"It's nothing. I need a friend actually" Regina said warmly. "Thanks anyway."

"I'm in the anesthetics department. I need to go now" Samantha said.

Regina smiled and nodded as Dr. Samantha walked away. She then walked to the admin block as it was clearly labeled. She knocked on the office door.

"Come in" a voice answered from inside and Regina entered with her luggage.

"Good afternoon, ma'am. I'm here to see Mrs. Frankfurt" she politely said.

"Your name, please?" the woman asked.

"Regina Coles, from Kalcuta" she answered.

"Oh, you're the one recommended by the first lady of Kalcuta. Come with me, the director has been waiting for you" the woman said, standing up and leading the way.

"Director?" Regina said, frowning slightly as she followed her.

"Yes, Mrs. Frankfurt is the director of the university hospital" she said.

In the hospital, inside the CEO's office, a lady walked in, closed the door behind her, and sat opposite the man behind the desk.

"Kate, what was that you were saying on the phone? Why the sudden change of mind?" CEO Morgan asked.

"Dad, you wanted me to become the chief surgeon after Dr. Cyprus leaves, right? That can only happen if I become a neurosurgeon by joining the department" Kate said.

"He's resigning, as you already heard" CEO Morgan said.

"That's what you don't know. There's a new neurosurgery resident, and Granduncle is now insisting Dr. Cyprus stays because of her. Who does she think she is?" Kate said bitterly.

"But you've already signed up for another department. And you know neurosurgery is the hardest one" her father reminded her.

"I'll be fine, Dad. Trust me. Just call Dr. Cyprus and tell him I'll be working with him. I'm ready to compete with that girl. She can't just show up from nowhere and get the position after D. Cyprus leaves. It's my position as the heir" Kate said confidently.

"Alright, I'll call him" her father agreed.

"Thanks, Dad. But what will you tell Granduncle?" Kate asked.

"I'll find something to say. He'll be happy you're moving into a tougher department" the CEO assured her.

"But Granduncle doesn't like favoritism. I don't meet the standard for neurosurgery" Kate said, pointing out.

"Don't worry about it. I'll tell him what he wants to hear" he said.

Back in the director's office at MUH, Regina and Mrs. Thompson entered one of the beautiful offices and approached a woman who focused on some documents.

"Mrs. Frankfurt, she's here" Mrs. Thompson announced.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Frankfurt" Regina greeted respectfully.

"Dr. Coles, welcome. Please, have a seat" Mrs. Frankfurt said as Mrs. Thompson stepped out.

"Thank you, Director" Regina said.

Mrs. Frankfurt picked up the intercom and spoke briefly. "Is everything ready?... Good. Come to my office later with the driver." Then she turned back to Regina. "We've arranged an apartment for you near the hospital. And you're lucky, our top neurosurgeon who's also the chief surgeon was about to retire, but the chairman asked him to stay because you're the only neurosurgery resident we have, and he agreed."

"That's very kind of him" Regina said.

"My driver will pick you up later to go settle down in your apartment. But I suggest you introduce yourself to the Chief Surgeon and look around the hospital before then. Work starts fully tomorrow here at MUH" Mrs. Frankfurt said.

"Thank you, ma" Regina said with a smile.

"You should be thanking the first lady. She made this all possible" Mrs. Frankfurt said.

After her meeting with the Chief Surgeon, Regina rolled her luggage out and waited under the open shelter in the hospital compound. She took out her phone, ready to make a call, when Kate approached her.

"You must be Regina Coles. Didn't anyone tell you that neurosurgery is the hardest department? I switched out of it because my dad advised me to" Kate said, standing in front of her with arms folded. A few feet away, Samantha who was approaching now quietly stopped to listen.

"It's Dr. Coles" Regina said calmly. "I'll never address a doctor so casually by calling them by their names. And I chose neurosurgery on my own because I have no dad to advise me."

"Why should I respect you, Regina? I checked your profile. You're only twenty one years, and I'm twenty-five" Kate said angrily.

"Age is just a number, Kate" Regina said with a proud smile.

"Who do you think you are that my Granduncle begged Dr. Cyprus to stay just for you?" Kate snapped.

"Maybe luck is always on my side" Regina said smoothly. "And that same luck has brought the CEO's daughter back to the same department she once avoided."

"I guess Dr. Cyprus told you who I am already. Yes, my dad is the CEO of MUH, and my Granduncle is the chairman. Watch yourself, Regina. I'll still succeed" Kate said.

"This is unprofessional, Dr. Morgan" a voice said from behind.

"And it's none of your business, Dr. Strafford" Kate said sharply before turning to Regina. "You, watch out" she said before walking away.

"Dr. Coles, nice to meet you" Dr. Strafford said, offering a handshake.

"Nice to meet you too, Dr. Strafford" Regina said, taking his handshake.

"I overheard your conversation with Dr. Morgan. I liked how you handled it" he said and Regina smiled.

"You can call me Hansel. I work in the emergency department. I'm proud of you, neurosurgery is no joke" he added.

"Thank you" Regina said.

"Are you waiting for someone?" he asked.

"Dr. Coles!" Samantha called out as she rushed over.

"That's my friend, Dr. Bush" Regina said as Samantha joined them.

"See you both around" Dr. Strafford said before walking away.

"He's cute" Samantha said, watching him leave. "But I think he likes you. Anyways, the news is everywhere. People are saying the chairman asked Dr. Cyprus to stay just for you. You must be someone important."

"Not really. I heard the same thing too. He was supposed to retire and never stays for any resident, even if there are many. But he stayed for me. Maybe thanks to the chairman or my guardian" Regina said.

"Dr. Cyprus is the best neurosurgeon in the world. It's no surprise the chairman had to plead to him" Samantha said.

"I just want to work hard and earn that kind of respect" Regina said, lifting her luggage as they began to walk away.

"Be careful with Kate. She's kind of jealous about you. I don't like her aura" Samantha warned.

"How do you know about her? I haven't told you anything yet" Regina asked, surprised.

"I answered your call earlier and heard everything" Samantha said.

"I'll be careful" Regina said and narrowed her eyes as she suspected something odd about the sudden department change.

"Have you found a place to stay?" Samantha asked as they walked together.

"My guardian got me a two bedroom apartment. It's about thirty minutes from MUH" Regina answered.

"Two rooms? I'm moving in tomorrow. Shame on my uncle's wife" Samantha said and Regina chuckled.

"You're welcome. But first, I have to introduce you to..." Regina started, but Samantha interrupted.

"Your boyfriend? I would love to meet the boyfriend of the most beautiful and youngest surgeon I've ever met. You must have graduated at a very young age. When Kate said you were twenty one, I was shocked." she said teasingly.

"I don't have a boyfriend" Regina said, laughing. "I meant my best friend. She's more like a twin to me. Her name is Cara, and she's in Kalcuta."

Just then, Regina noticed a huge billboard across the road. Samantha followed her gaze and smiled.

"He's handsome, right? That's Captain Ryan" Samantha said.

"Hmmm" Regina murmured.

"He's the son of the richest man Vanceney and Alcantra altogether but chose to become a soldier. Every woman dreams of being his girlfriend including me" Samantha said with a dreamy smile.

"I see" Regina said softly.

"Though, it's just a dream that'll never happen" Samantha said.

"You already know that" Regina said.

At that moment, Samantha's uber arrived.

"My ride is here. We'll talk better on the phone, and I'll bring my things soon. Thank you so much for everything. Meeting you today made me feel happy and hopeful" Samantha said warmly.

"You're welcome" Regina said, waving as Samantha left. A few minutes later, Regina's ride also arrived, and she left the hospital compound.

A military bus drove into the army barracks and headquarters in Vanceney City, Alcantra. One by one, the soldiers alighted from the bus and walked into the building.

"Captain" the other soldiers saluted to the Alpha Team captain. The team known as the bravest and most valiant. The captain returned the salute to dismiss them and walked straight to the general's office. He knocked on the door.

"Don't worry, I'll handle it..." the general said to the other person on the phone before hanging up when he heard the knock. "Come in."

Captain Ryan entered and closed the door behind him.

"Sir" he greeted with a salute.

"At ease, Captain Ryan" the general answered, and Ryan relaxed his posture.

"I'm glad to see you back safe and sound. Have a seat" the general said.

"Thank you, sir" Ryan said and sat down.

"News of your victory has spread all over the country. The President himself wants to host you and your team on the armed forces day of remembrance at the Grey House" the general said with pride.

"I was just doing my job, General" Ryan answered modestly.

"Still, it's rare to see someone like you in this line of work. As the son of the richest man in the country, you could have been working in a luxury office at your father's company, yet you chose to put your life on the line" the general said.

"It's what I chose to do, sir" Ryan said calmly.

"Good to hear. You and your team should get some rest and prepare for the visit to the President. After that, you'll have some well deserved time off until the next mission" the general said.

"Thank you, sir" Ryan said, rising to his feet. He saluted and exited the office.

Outside the building, his team waited. When they saw him, they all saluted again.

"Come on, guys. We're off duty now" Ryan said with a smile, and the team laughed.

"Ryan, your car's here" Jeffrey, his long time friend, said.

"Thanks, Jeff. See you all next at the Grey House" Ryan said and walked over to a sleek, brand new sports car waiting for him. One by one, the team began heading off too.

The car pulled over in front of the grand Powers mansion. Several maids were already waiting outside. Ryan got out of the car, and the maids quickly took his bags.

"Welcome, young master" they greeted, and Ryan gave them a brief wave before walking into the mansion.

"Ryan, my dear!" Mrs. Powers called joyfully, coming down the stairs to hug her son. "I'm so happy you're back safe and sound."

"Thanks, Mum" Ryan said, gently pulling away from her hug. "Where's Dad?"

"He should be home soon, but he hasn't been around much lately" she answered.

"Why not?" Ryan asked, starting to unbutton his military uniform.

"Work at the company has been overwhelming. That's why I keep telling you to quit the army and come help your father. Please, Ryan" she said.

"Mum, I chose this work. I want to serve in the army, just like grandfather" Ryan said firmly.

"Who in their right mind chooses such a dangerous life? You're my only son and you're not getting any younger, you're 28 now. Won't you settle down and give me a grandchild! My friend, Mrs. Birkliff, already has two grandchildren" Mrs. Powers complained.

"I shouldn't have come home. I should have gone to my villa" Ryan said, clearly annoyed. Just then, a voice called out from the kitchen.

"Dinner is ready, Mrs. Powers" Cynthia announced.

"Cynthia?" Ryan said, surprised.

"Ryan!" Cynthia called in a squealed tone and ran into his arms, hugging him tightly while grinning. Mrs. Powers looked on fondly, smiling at the reunion.

"She's been here since this morning. I got to know you were coming home because of her" Mrs. Powers said.

"I've missed you so much" Cynthia said.

Just then, another voice came from the doorway. "Hope I didn't miss anything" Mr. Powers said as he entered, a maid trailing behind with his bag.

"Dad!" Ryan said and shook his hand firmly.

"Come on, son. Don't just shake my hand, give me a hug. Cynthia's not the only one who deserves one" Mr. Powers joked, and everyone laughed. Ryan hugged him too.

"I made your favorite meal" Cynthia said excitedly. "Let's eat now that Mr. Powers is home."

"She's right. Let's have dinner" Mrs. Powers said.

Later, Ryan and Cynthia sat in the living room chatting.

"When did you return from Mozaq?" Ryan asked.

"Three months ago and this time for good. I came back seven months ago but heard you had already left. I've missed you so much, Ryan. All our fun times and long talks" Cynthia said.

"What have you been up to? And how's Mrs. Macaulay?" Ryan asked.

"Mum's still in Mozaq, but I decided to stay here in Vanceney. It's the city for big shots. Didn't I tell you I launched my fashion house?" Cynthia said.

"I know. Do you know Jeffrey Connor?" Ryan asked.

"Jeffrey Connor?" she repeated, thinking. "My manager mentioned a name like that. He seems to be a regular customer at my store."

"I told him about your store. He's one of my closest friends in the army" Ryan said.

"Thank you, Ryan and thank you for supporting my business too" Cynthia smiled.

"What about your boyfriend?" Ryan asked.

"Ryan, I told you we broke up three months ago, just before I moved here. That idiot accused me of sleeping with you. I tried to explain that we've been friends since we were kids, but he didn't believe me. Well, he's out of the picture now. Guess he left me for you" Cynthia teased, and Ryan chuckled.

"You didn't give me the full gist about your break up" she said.

"Nothing much Cynthia. She broke up with me just as I was about to introduce her to my parents. She said she couldn't bear with my line of work. I heard she got married five months ago. That's all" Ryan said.

"Our fiancées broke up with us. Maybe we were meant for each other" Cynthia said playfully with a wink.

Just then, Mrs. Powers appeared on the staircase and called "Ryan."

Ryan turned around.

"I need to talk to you" she said.

Ryan got up and went to her while Cynthia stayed seated, munching snacks and watching TV.

"What's it, Mum?" Ryan asked.

"She's been here all day. Are you two in a relationship now?" Mrs. Powers asked.

"Mum, you know we've been friends since high school. We're not dating" Ryan said.

"She's a lovely girl, from a good family, and has her own business. If you two end up together, I would be so happy" she said.

"You just want a grandchild, right? I'll adopt one for you" Ryan teased.

"I don't want an adopted grandchild, Ryan. I want your own child. You're getting older. I don't want to grow old in a silent house with no children around. That's why I appreciate Cynthia. She visits me often and sometimes sleeps over. She keeps me company. You're both single, so take a chance" she said.

"Alright, Mum. I'll think about it" Ryan said.

"I'm going back to my husband. You two should enjoy the night. Good night" she said.

"Good night, Mum" Ryan said and went back to the living room.

"You know, I always sleep in your room whenever I stay here" Cynthia said with a smile.

"Well, let's go to my room then. It's getting late and I need to rest" Ryan said.

"Are you sure? You know you don't allow us sleep together before" she said, teasing.

"That's because you had a boyfriend. Now we're both single" Ryan said, and Cynthia smiled.

"Let's go" she said, and they both headed to his room.

Inside, Cynthia stood in front of the mirror, tying her short brown hair into a bun.

"I'll be right back, I left my phone downstairs" Ryan said and left the room.

While he was away, Cynthia removed all her clothes and walked into the bathroom. After taking her bath, she sat in front of the mirror to moisturize her skin, wearing a transparent nightgown. Ryan entered the room and saw her.

He walked up and stayed behind her, placing his hands gently on her cheeks as he looked at her through the mirror.

"Come on, Ryan, I just applied face cream" she laughed.

"You still haven't stopped pampering your skin" Ryan said playfully, taking the cream from her.

Cynthia quickly stood and tried to take it back, giggling. In the struggle, she almost slipped, but Ryan caught her. Their eyes met. His hands were on her waist and hers around his neck. They held the gaze, and Ryan's eyes roamed over her transparent gown. He could see her breast through it and his body started betraying him at the moment. It's been long he had been with a woman and right now, he can't resist this temptation. He leaned forward and kissed her. Cynthia returned the kiss like she had been waiting for it all her life.

Suddenly, Ryan pulled back and went to drop the cream in his hand on the table. He walked back to Cynthia who was still standing. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that."

But Cynthia pulled him close to her again, her breast pressed against his sturdy chest.

"You don't need to say sorry. I've loved you since we were kids. I only dated Dennis because you never asked me out" she said.

"Are you sure you want this?" Ryan asked, and Cynthia nodded.

He kissed her again, more deeply this time. Their hands explored each other's bodies. Ryan carried her to the bed, still kissing her. As soon as Cynthia lay on the bed, Ryan gently pulled the strap of her gown off her shoulder and began kissing her neck and chest. His hands found her breasts and he began fondling them.

Cynthia felt his arousal pressing against her. He stopped kissing for a moment and unzipped his trousers.

"When was the last time you did this?" Cynthia asked, rubbing her thighs seductively.

"Since Kieran left me. That was like a year ago, maybe" Ryan answered. "And you?"

"Months ago, when I was still with Dennis" she answered.

"Well, forget Dennis. Think about me now" Ryan said as he kissed her thighs, pulling up her gown.

"I should give you a proper homecoming" Cynthia seductively said as she sat up. Ryan looked at her, intrigued.

She stood up and turned Ryan around, then she pushed him gently on the bed. He lay back, and she climbed on top of him.

"You're going to enjoy this" Cynthia said with a confident smile, and Ryan smiled back.

At the Morgan University Hospital, doctors and nurses moved around, attending to patients in their various departments. An ambulance suddenly drove into the hospital compound, and paramedics quickly rolled a woman out on a stretcher. They pushed open the double doors that led into the emergency ward.

Nurses and doctors rushed towards them, while the woman's parents were asked to wait at the reception.

"She sustained blunt force trauma to the head from a fall" the paramedic explained quickly. "She was unconscious on arrival, GCS score is 6. We've stabilized her, but her vitals are dropping fast."

"Is the chief surgeon around?" one of the doctors asked.

"Yes, I'll go get him now" a nurse responded and hurried off, while the emergency team began attending to the patient.

Meanwhile, inside the doctors' resting area, Dr. Regina Coles was enjoying her short break. She was eating and video chatting her best friend, Cara.

"How's work going on your side, Miss Diplomat?" Regina asked, grinning.

"Not as stressful as yours" Cara answered. "Where's Samantha? Is she staying with you now?"

"We're not in the same department, but hopefully we'll get to work together in the future. And yes, she's living with me now" Regina said. "Her uncle's wife let her down badly, so I took her in. She's been helpful in the house. Somebody has to replace you here and keep me company."

"You better not be replacing me!" Cara said with a playful look. "We've been besties since we were babies."

"I'm joking" Regina laughed. "No one can ever replace you. Samantha just keeps me company at home and she's a good cook"

"Your place is so beautiful compared to mine" Cara said.

"Girl, this is Vanceney City where the president and the elite lives. You can't compare it with Mae city in Kalcuta. The First Lady really tried for us though with the best accommodations" Regina said.

"So, are you on break now? And what's up with that Kate girl?" Cara asked.

"Yeah, I'm on break. As for Kate, I have no business with her. She hangs around the operating room but barely does anything. Her dad is the hospital's CEO, anyways" Regina said.

"Is your supervisor treating you well at least?" Cara asked.

"Dr. Cyprus is amazing. I'm glad I'm working under his guidance" Regina smiled. "By the way, you never told me about that guy I saw on your status."

"Oh, Gina! That's the new guy I mentioned. He's helping me process my transfer to Vanceney. I want to come over. Mae and Kalcuta is dead boring without you" Cara said.

"I thought..." Regina started, but a call interrupted her. "Cara, I have to go. Let's talk later" she said quickly before answering her call "Yes, Chief, on my way"

She immediately threw on her lab coat and rushed out.

In the hallway, a group of doctors passed by as they whispered among themselves.

"Wait... The Chairman's around?" one asked, shocked.

"Yes, he just returned from overseas. We better be extra careful" another said.

"He won't be leaving soon. There's a neurosurgery case. You know how he loves to watch the neurosurgeons and cardiothoracic perform" someone else said.

"Well, those are the toughest surgeries, but I trust Dr. Cyprus and the cardiothoracic team."

"Too bad Dr. Cyprus doesn't have more neurosurgeons in his department" one of them sighed. "It's just him, one resident, an intern who knows nothing, and the CEO's daughter. Meanwhile, cardiothoracic has five competent doctors."

"That's exactly why the Chairman values Dr. Cyprus so highly. He doesn't want him to leave yet" another added as they entered their department.

Regina arrived in Dr. Cyprus' office where he was already seated with Kate and an intern.

"Sorry I'm late, Chief" Regina said as she quickly took a seat. Kate scoffed at her.

"We have a new case. Emily Abraham. She had an argument with her husband and was pushed down the stairs. She was found unconscious and brought in here" Dr. Cyprus briefed them.

"How long has she been unconscious?" Regina asked, while Kate and the intern listened.

"Thirty minutes, but she's been stabilized. I've asked for the OR to be prepped and her CT scan to be done" Dr. Cyprus said.

"While she was being moved for the scan, her GCS dropped even lower and her pupils are blown" Kate added.

"That suggests a subdural hematoma" Regina said.

"Exactly. If the bleeding is much, we'll need to open up her skull immediately" Dr. Cyprus said. Just then, a lab tech entered.

"Here's Mrs. Abraham's scan, Dr. Cyprus" he said, handing over the clear film before leaving. Dr. Cyprus studied it briefly, then passed it to Kate, who passed it to Regina, then the intern.

"Dr. Coles is right. It's a subdural hematoma, and the bleeding is much" Dr. Cyprus confirmed.

"There's a midline shift as well" both Kate and Regina said at the same time.

"She's got no time left, does she?" Gabriel, the intern, asked as he handed the scan back to the chief surgeon.

"No" Dr. Cyprus said grimly. "There's a massive clot on the right hemisphere pressing against her brain. If we don't relieve the pressure now, she'll fall into a coma that's if she's not already halfway there."

"We should go for a craniotomy" Kate said.

"No. We'll start with a burr hole to reduce the pressure. If it's not enough, we'll move to full craniotomy. The bleeding is causing her brain to shift" Regina explained. Kate looked irritated.

"You're both right. Gabriel, get the OR ready and call Dr. Mary, the anesthesiologist" Dr. Cyprus said. Gabriel walked out.

Meanwhile, the Chairman, the CEO, and Mrs. Frankfurt were walking down the hallway after leaving the VIP section.

"What about the patient's family?" the CEO asked.

"They're waiting patiently, hoping the surgery goes well" Mrs. Frankfurt answered.

"You're really going to watch the surgery, brother?" the CEO asked.

"You know I love watching neurosurgeries and I want to see how the new residents are doing, Kate especially" the Chairman said.

They moved to the viewing area in the OR, just as Emily Abraham was wheeled in quickly. Inside, Dr. Cyprus, Regina, and Kate were already in their scrubs and preparing for the surgery.

"Dr. Morgan, you'll be leading this one" Dr. Cyprus said as they entered the hand washing room.

"Let Regina take the lead while we assist, right?" Kate suggested, looking directly at Regina.

"There you go, Dr. Coles" Dr. Cyprus said, and Regina's nerves rose. She had only ever observed surgeries or studied them but had never performed one before.

"Yes, Chief" she answered nervously as she washed her hands.

In the operating room, the patient was unconscious and ready. The beeping of machines filled the room. Dr. Mary was about to scrub in Dr. Cyprus, but he signaled her to dress Regina instead. Dr. Mary raised a brow in surprise, but Dr. Cyprus nodded firmly. She obeyed and helped Regina with gloves while Gabriel set up the tools.

"The Chairman is watching" Dr. Mary whispered, and everyone turned slightly to see six eyes from the observation gallery watching. Kate bit her lip. Her granduncle was watching. She instantly regretted suggesting Regina lead the surgery.

"Vitals are steady. Dr. Mary, monitor her BP. We can't afford any drop during the incision" Dr. Cyprus warned.

"She's stable for now. Blood pressure is within range" Dr. Mary said.

"Alright, Dr. Coles. This is your first major neurosurgery under me. You'll make the first incision" Dr. Cyprus said.

"Yes, Chief. I'm ready" Regina said nervously, her hands trembling slightly. "Scalpel."

Gabriel handed her the scalpel while Kate and the observers watched closely.

"Make a small incision above the ear. Go gently, the dura underneath is fragile" Dr. Cyprus guided her.

Regina began cutting, her hand steady. "I can see the bone now" she said.

"Good. Use the drill for the burr hole. Dr. Mary, keep an eye on intracranial pressure."

"Pressure is holding steady" Dr. Mary confirmed.

Regina drilled cautiously through the skull. Blood soon appeared, dark and threatening. Dr. Cyprus helped suction the excess blood.

"There's the hematoma. It's larger than expected. I'll suction carefully to avoid disturbing nearby tissues" Regina said.

"Exactly. Take your time" Dr. Cyprus encouraged her.

"Her BP is spiking! Intracranial pressure rising!" Dr. Mary suddenly alerted.

"Step back now" Dr. Cyprus ordered gently and then took over. "Dr. Mary, give her another dose of mannitol."

As he worked quickly to remove the clot, the tension in the room thickened.

"Vitals are stabilizing again" Dr. Mary said moments later.

"Clot's out. Time to close up" Dr. Cyprus said, stepping back for Regina to finish. Kate assisted with the sutures. Together, they carefully closed the incision and secured the bone flap. Regina exhaled deeply, steadying herself.

"Vitals are normal. No signs of further bleeding" Dr. Mary announced.

"She'll be moved to the ICU now. Next 24 hours are critical. Good work, everyone" Dr. Cyprus said. In the observation area, the Chairman sat back in relief.

The team walked out of the OR, removing their gloves and masks as they wiped sweat and cleaned their hands. Regina dabbed her forehead.

"That spike in pressure... I didn't expect that" she said. Kate silently observed her as Dr. Mary walked away.

"That's why you must always be ready for anything. The brain is unpredictable, especially after trauma. But you handled it well for your first major surgery" Dr. Cyprus said as they all walked to his office.

"But what if the clot was deeper? Or she had made the wrong incision? She could have..." Kate began, but Dr. Cyprus cut her off.

"She didn't. She did everything she was trained to do. The surgery was successful, despite how serious it was" he said.

Inside the office, they all sat down.

"I felt like I was losing control for a second" Regina admitted her fear "but I knew I couldn't panic."

"There will be more surgeries ahead. Each one different. Keep learning" Dr. Cyprus advised.

"I'll go through her chart again later" Regina said.

"I'll join you, Dr. Coles" Gabriel said cheerfully.

Kate just sighed in annoyance.