Her eyelids felt heavy as she tried to open them. A loud beep startled her, causing her to move uncomfortably. Footsteps sounded nearby, followed by a scream and the sound of someone running away. Despite her efforts, she couldn't open her eyes. A heavy blow to her head had rendered her unconscious, there was a strong smell, perhaps blood. She felt someone moving hands around her, still with her eyes closed.
Now, voices surrounded her, but disorientation and pain blurred her senses. She lay there, unable to distinguish much, simply allowing herself to be.
The voices grew nearer, and the touch of arms prompted a whimper. She was being lifted, cradled in strong arms against a chest. Valeria tried to open her eyes or focus on the voices, but unconsciousness took her again.
"He's stable. He
