The feral vampire attack had been repelled through a combination of their preparations and Viktor's knowledge of transformed behavior patterns. Though the ferals had eventually retreated after failing to breach the reinforced door, the confrontation had clearly taken a toll on Viktor's already compromised condition.

  Elena observed him with clinical concern as he slumped against the wall, his breathing shallow and movements increasingly bored. The bandages on his wounds remained darkened with seeping blood, showing minimal improvement despite the hours that had passed since treatment.

  "Your healing rate is insufficient to counteract the ongoing damage," she noted, maintaining a clinical tone that helped suppress her instinctive fear of his nature. "The silver is still inhibiting regeneration."

  Viktor nodded weakly. "My system requires... resources... to process the silver and initiate repair." His careful choice of words didn't disguise the underlying reality.

  Elena studied him with scientific detachment. "You need blood."

  "Yes," he admitted, his voice strained. "Though I can continue functioning at reduced capacity for some time."

  Elena's scientific mind processed the situation objectively. Viktor had saved her from the hunters, helped defend against ferals, and maintained clear cognitive function despite his deteriorating physical state. Her observations directly contradicted the assumption that all transformed individuals were mindless predators. As a researcher, she couldn't ignore empirical evidence simply because it challenged established beliefs.

  "I need to gather supplies," she said decisively, checking the security of their hideout. "Will you be able to alert me if the ferals return?"

  Viktor seemed mildly surprised by her question but nodded. "My sensory capabilities remain enhanced despite physical deterioration. I can detect approach patterns at approximately fifty meters under current conditions."

  Elena noted his precise response—another indication of his maintained scientific thinking. "I'll return shortly. Conserve your energy."

  She carefully navigated the hospital corridors, alert for any signs of hunters or ferals. Her destination was the veterinary research section adjacent to the main boratory wing—a specialized facility where animal models had been used for medical testing before the outbreak.

  The veterinary b remained rgely untouched by looters who had prioritized pharmaceutical supplies and equipment with obvious survival value. Elena systematically searched the refrigeration units, locating several vials of preserved animal blood used for comparative testing. She selected samples from various species, methodically beling each container according to source.

  As she gathered the vials, Elena's mind worked through the scientific implications. Would non-human blood provide adequate nutritional value for a transformed individual? Would different animal sources yield varying effects? The questions framed themselves as testable hypotheses in her researcher's mind, temporarily overshadowing the inherent danger of her situation.

  Elena returned to find Viktor in the same position, though his awareness remained acute. His eyes tracked her entrance immediately, followed by a subtle tensing when he noticed the collection of vials.

  "Animal blood samples," she expined, arranging the vials methodically on a small table. "From the veterinary research b. Various species—canine, bovine, porcine, and rodent. All preserved with standard anticoagunts."

  Viktor observed the vials with a complex expression that combined scientific interest and physical hunger. "An interesting approach," he said carefully.

  "I hypothesize that while non-human sources may provide reduced nutritional value compared to human blood, they might still supply basic requirements for cellur regeneration," Elena expined, falling naturally into scientific terminology.

  "A reasonable hypothesis," Viktor agreed, his academic tone belied by the slight tremor in his hands. "Anecdotal evidence suggests varied efficacy across different animal sources."

  Elena noted his reaction with clinical interest. "You've tested this before?"

  "Limited trials," he admitted. "Survival necessity."

  The admission created an unexpected moment of connection—both of them approaching an apocalyptic reality with experimental methodology, adapting scientific principles to unprecedented circumstances.

  Elena arranged the vials in sequence, then prepared basic observation instruments—a notebook for documentation, a timer, and measuring devices improvised from medical supplies. The systematic approach helped normalize the extraordinary situation, creating a framework of scientific inquiry that temporarily superseded the predator-prey dynamic between them.

  "I propose a controlled sequence," she said, adopting the methodical tone she would have used in her boratory before the outbreak. "Starting with the bovine sample, followed by observation periods to document effects before proceeding to subsequent sources."

  Viktor nodded. "Logical approach. May I suggest baseline measurements before administration? For comparative analysis."

  Elena acknowledged the scientific validity of his suggestion, cautiously approaching to take preliminary observations. She noted his pulse rate, respiratory pattern, and reflexive responses, documenting each measurement with precise annotation. Viktor remained motionless during her assessment, clearly conscious of minimizing any threatening movements.

  "Initial observations recorded," Elena said, returning to a safe distance. "Proceed with the first sample?"

  Viktor hesitated, something like embarrassment crossing his features. "I should note that the consumption process may appear... unsettling."

  Elena appreciated his warning but maintained her clinical perspective. "I'm approaching this as a medical procedure. Observational data is essential for accurate documentation."

  With visible reluctance that further demonstrated his atypical control, Viktor accepted the vial of bovine blood. Elena noted his carefully measured movements as he consumed the contents, documenting both physical responses and her own observations.

  "Initial patability assessment?" she asked, maintaining scientific terminology.

  "Significantly reduced compared to human sources," Viktor replied after a moment, seeming to appreciate the clinical framing. "Approximately 30% nutritional value, subjectively estimated. Oxidation from preservation further reduces efficacy."

  Elena noted his assessment, fascinated by this firsthand account of transformed nutritional requirements. "Onset of effects?"

  Viktor closed his eyes briefly, conducting what appeared to be an internal inventory. "Minimal energy increase. Some reduction in silver toxicity symptoms. Wound healing remains significantly impaired."

  Over the next several hours, they proceeded through the samples in systematic order, documenting reactions and comparative effects with scientific precision. Elena noted that the porcine sample appeared to provide marginally better results than others, while rodent blood showed minimal efficacy.

  The clinical framework of their experiment created an unexpected space of colboration. Elena found herself asking detailed questions about sensory perceptions and physiological responses, while Viktor provided nuanced descriptions that revealed both his scientific background and his unusual self-awareness.

  "The hunger response appears to have both physiological and psychological components," he expined during one observation period. "Physical symptoms include increased salivation, heightened olfactory sensitivity to blood-specific compounds, and pupilry dition. Psychological manifestations involve attention narrowing and impulse control reduction."

  Elena documented these descriptions meticulously. "Yet you maintain cognitive override capabilities," she observed. "How?"

  "Mental compartmentalization techniques," Viktor expined. "Simir to meditation practices, but adapted specifically to isote predatory impulses from executive function." He paused. "My scientific background provides useful conceptual frameworks. Viewing hunger as a data point rather than an imperative creates psychological distance."

  The expnation fascinated Elena on multiple levels. "You've essentially developed a cognitive behavioral therapy approach to managing your transformed state."

  "An apt characterization," Viktor agreed. "Though the efficacy varies with physiological stress levels and time since st nutrition."

  As they continued their experimental documentation, Elena's initial fear gradually receded behind scientific curiosity. Viktor's wounds showed marginal improvement following the animal blood consumption, though his condition remained compromised compared to full health.

  "May I propose a sensory capability assessment?" Elena asked, her researcher's mind already designing experimental parameters. "Baseline measurements of enhanced perception would provide valuable comparative data."

  Viktor agreed, and they established a series of improvised tests using avaible materials. Elena documented his ability to detect minute sounds beyond human hearing range, identify complex chemical compounds by scent, and perceive movement in near-complete darkness.

  "Visual acuity approximately 300% of human baseline," she noted as Viktor accurately described text on a medical bel from an impossible distance. "With significant enhancement in low-light conditions."

  "The trade-off is hypersensitivity," Viktor expined. "Bright light creates proportional discomfort. Direct sunlight causes tissue damage through mechanisms beyond mere photosensitivity."

  Elena added this observation to her growing documentation. "A systemic transformation of sensory processing pathways, then. Not merely enhancement but fundamental restructuring of perception mechanisms."

  As they worked, the clinical focus created a strange normalcy between them. Elena found herself temporarily forgetting to maintain defensive distance as she recorded Viktor's description of how transformed physiology processed different chemical compounds.

  "Fascinating," she murmured when he detailed the heightened detection of iron compounds in blood. "The sensitivity threshold must be recalibrated at the receptor level, not just in neural processing."

  "My hypothesis exactly," Viktor agreed, momentarily animated by shared scientific interest before catching himself. He carefully restored the physical distance between them that had momentarily narrowed during their discussion.

  The small gesture of self-regution reminded Elena of their fundamental opposition—predator and prey engaged in temporary scientific colboration. Yet even this realization was tempered by growing evidence that such categorization was overly simplistic. Viktor's maintained humanity, expressed through both ethical restraint and scientific curiosity, defied easy cssification.

  "The animal blood has provided minimal improvement," Elena noted, returning to her clinical assessment. "Approximately 15% accelerated healing based on wound measurement, but significantly below optimal recovery rate."

  "Yes," Viktor confirmed. "Animal sources provide basic maintenance at best. The molecur structures differ too significantly from human blood for optimal nutritional value."

  The implication hung unspoken between them—human blood would provide better healing. Elena processed this information scientifically rather than emotionally, adding it to her growing understanding of transformed physiology.

  "I'd like to continue systematic documentation," she said, reviewing her notes. "Particurly regarding the cellur regeneration mechanisms. If we understood the precise interaction between silver and transformed healing pathways, we might develop more effective treatments for silver toxicity."

  Viktor looked mildly surprised at her continued scientific interest despite the inherent danger of his condition. "A comprehensive documentation would have significant practical value," he agreed cautiously.

  Elena began organizing her notes into a more formal structure, creating categories for sensory capabilities, nutritional requirements, healing mechanisms, and cognitive functions. The familiar process of scientific documentation provided a framework for processing her extraordinary circumstances.

  "I propose we establish a standardized terminology," she said, highlighting terms in her notes. "Current descriptions of the transformed condition rely on popur culture references rather than scientific cssification."

  "Agreed," Viktor said, showing genuine interest in the intellectual exercise. "The term 'vampire' carries significant cultural baggage that impedes objective analysis."

  "Would you prefer 'transformed individual'?" Elena asked, demonstrating unexpected consideration for his perspective.

  Viktor considered this. "Perhaps 'post-viral transformation subject' for clinical documentation purposes. Though I recognize the efficiency of shorter terminology in communication contexts."

  This simple exchange—discussing the scientific naming of his condition—further normalized their unusual colboration. Elena found herself appreciating Viktor's analytical mind and scientific perspective, characteristics that transcended his transformed state.

  As evening approached, they completed their initial documentation session. Elena had filled several pages with detailed observations, creating the beginning of a systematic study of transformed physiology based on direct observation rather than panicked encounters.

  Viktor's condition had stabilized following the animal blood, though he remained weakened. The silver toxicity had diminished enough to allow minimal wound healing, but his recovery remained significantly compromised.

  "I should rest," he said, carefully adjusting his position to minimize wound disturbance. "Metabolic conservation improves healing efficiency in the absence of optimal nutrition."

  Elena nodded, reviewing her notes. "I'll continue organizing our observations. The data already challenges several assumptions about transformed physiology."

  As Viktor closed his eyes, maintaining a carefully non-threatening posture even in rest, Elena reviewed the extraordinary shift in her circumstances. Just days ago, she would have considered any of the transformed to be mindless predators to be avoided at all costs. Now she was conducting scientific experiments with one, documenting observations that contradicted everything she thought she knew about the condition.

  The scientific framework had provided unexpected common ground, temporarily bridging the predator-prey tension between them. Through the lens of research methodology, they had found a shared nguage and purpose that transcended their opposed natures.

  Elena continued documenting her observations, periodically checking Viktor's condition as he rested. The animal blood had provided minimal sustenance—enough to prevent deterioration but insufficient for proper healing. This fact registered as scientific data in her notes, though the implications for their continued alliance remained unclear.

  What was clear, however, was that their shared scientific curiosity had created something unprecedented in this transformed world—a colborative investigation between human and vampire, predator and prey, united by the fundamental desire to understand, document, and analyze the nature of reality, even when that reality had become a nightmare.