Stella blinked her eyes open, the sound of rushing water filling her ears. Her body ached, and as she tried to sit up, a wave of dizziness washed over her. The ground beneath her was damp, and when she looked around, she realized she was lying by the riverbank. The soft glow of the early morning sun filtered through the trees, casting long shadows over the water.
"Stella," a voice called from beside her.
She turned her head slowly and saw Inspector Josh kneeling next to her, his face etched with concern. His shirt was torn, and there was a faint bruise forming on his jaw, but he seemed otherwise unharmed.
"Are you okay?" Josh asked, his voice soft but filled with urgency.
