As the final layer of bone was removed, a darker hollow space emerged. From that space, dark blood slowly welled up again.
"These are the deep veins surrounding the spinal canal. They are thin and fragile," I informed her. "You need to stop the bleeding just as you did during the incision."
Without replying, she focused a wave of pressure into the hollow. The bleeding slowed immediately. Where it persisted, she sealed the vessels one by one with precise touches of Soulforce. Soon, the space cleared.
Now we could see it.
A pale, faintly glistening membrane stretched across the opening like a protective sheath. This thin layer wrapped around the spinal cord itself.
"Beyond this layer lies the true damage," I said. "You need to remove the dead tissue from the area between the veins."
Ume steadied her breathing.
Once she opened this final covering, there would be no room for error. The next movement would expose the severed spinal cord itself.
