The first thing Viktoria noticed when she opened her eyes was the sound of a machine. Slow and rhythmic.
It took her a moment to place what she was hearing. It was the monitor attached to the bed beside her.
Her eyelids were heavy but she tried to force them open. The ceiling above her was white and unfamiliar.
The bright hospital lights made her blink twice.
Hospital.
The word came slowly to her, as if her brain was just catching up to the rest of her. Her throat was dry. When she tried to swallow, she felt a twinge of pain.
She moved slightly in bed. The IV in her arm jerked. Viktoria scowled slightly. "What…" Her voice was rough.
Immediately, someone moved from beside the bed. "Viktoria?" Viktoria slowly turned her head towards the sound.
Anya was sitting close to the bed. Her elbows were resting on her knees. She looked as if she'd been sitting there for hours. Her confident personality was replaced by tired-looking eyes.
