The cold marble tiles pressed hard against Claire's back as a sharp, blinding pain radiated through her spine.
The injured woman lies on the marble floor, struggling to breathe with visible pain.
SFX: Heavy breathing, groaning
Claire: (Gasping) God... my chest... I can't catch my breath...
The world above her spun in dizzying circles as the luxury décor blurred into meaningless streaks of color and light.
Every single movement sent white-hot agony shooting through her ribs and limbs.
Claire: (Whispering) They... they actually tried to murder me for the family estate...
Above her on the upper landing, the muffled sound of Victoria's fake distress drifted down like a sick joke.
Claire: I can't... I can't just lie here and let them steal everything my father built.
Her right arm felt heavy as lead, trapped awkwardly beneath the torn fabric of her grey sweater.
She forced her muscles to contract, biting her lower lip until the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth.
Claire: (Groaning softly) Move... just move your arm, Claire. Please, God, give me strength.
The distant hum of the penthouse climate control system mocked her agony as she fought against the creeping darkness.
Her fingers brushed against the soft wool lining of her pocket, searching for the one lifeline she had left.
Will her trembling hands find what they are looking for before consciousness fades away completely?