The sharp scent of antiseptic filled the air.
When Yue Ning opened her eyes, the world swam in and out of focus. Her eyes took in the sterile white walls, dim lights, and the rhythmic beeping of a heart monitor. Pain radiated from her ribs, spreading like a slow fire across her chest.
Her throat was dry and her lips... cracked.
"Where… am I?" she croaked, her voice hoarse.
'Host… you are safe… for now…'
The mechanical voice was faint, static laced in every word.
Her pupils trembled. "System?"
'Yes… system—reboot… seventy-two percent complete…'
She tried to sit up, but the pain made her gasp sharply. Her hand went to her side, feeling the bandages wrapped tightly around her waist.
Her memories rushed back—the sound of tires screeching, the black sedan, the impact.
"Someone tried to kill me…" she whispered.
'Affirmative,' the system replied weakly. 'Target… identified as… external threat linked to Madam He's directive.'
