"How are you feeling?" Valeria blinked, her vision clearing as she took in her surroundings. Memories of the operation flooded back to her—the fear, the uncertainty, and finally, the overwhelming relief of waking up to find Markus by her side.

She reached out to Martha, her hand finding hers in a silent gesture of gratitude. "I'm... I'm okay," Valeria murmured, her voice still hoarse but filled with newfound strength. "Tired, but okay. Argh, my back hurts.” 

Martha nodded ...