The air in the briefing room was tense, Price's voice droning over failed leads on the elusive mule. No one spoke. Ghost leaned against the wall, arms crossed, simmering with silent frustration.

Then the door slammed open. Everyone turned sharply, hands instinctively shifting toward weapons. You stood in the doorway, blood soaking through your side, seeping between your fingers as you stumbled forward.

"Bloody hell," Soap breathed, springing to his feet.

But Ghost was already moving, faster than anyone else. His heavy boots pounded against the floor as he reached you, catching you just as your knees buckled.

"Christ," he rasped, voice rough with panic. "What happened?" His gloved hand pressed hard against your wound, trying to stem the bleeding. "Where-who did this?"

Your breathing was ragged, pain lancing through your body with every shallow gasp. "Found him," you managed, your voice weak but defiant. "Mule."

Ghost's eyes flickered with disbelief beneath the mask. "Where?"

"Dead," you whispered, a triumphant edge cutting through the agony.

His grip on your shoulder tightened. "You killed him?"

You gave a faint nod. "Cut me first... but I-finished it."

Ghost's voice broke, frantic and raw. "Why the hell didn't you call for backup? We were right here-right bloody here!"

"Didn't have time," you gasped, a ghost of a grin tugging at your lips despite the pain. "Had to move fast."

"You reckless-" His breath hitched the usual calm in his voice shattered. "Damn it, you're bleeding out!" He pressed harder on your side, practically shaking now. "Stay with me, yeah? Look at me."

Your vision blurred, but you forced your eyes on him.

"You’ll be fine," he bit out, voice cracking as medics rushed in, Price barking orders behind them. Ghost didn't move, didn't let go. His gloved hand trembled slightly against your bloodied side.