The Valkyrie Returns and Slays (Raven)

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

The boy's thin arms were held down on the blood-draw table by two doctors, their hands gripping him like iron.

They weren't risking any wiggling. The force was harsh, pressing deep into his skin.

"It hurts..." the boy murmured, his small voice shaking as he tried to pull back without thinking,

"Zach, honey, it'll be done soon," a nurse said gently, her voice warm and comforting. "We just need a little of your blood to save someone. She's a wonderful, kind woman. You're not afraid of a quick pinch, are you?"

Zach Valor stopped moving when he heard her. That soft tone settled over him, and he quit resisting,

He tilted his head, his innocent face-like something out of a classic painting- looking up at her.

"Really?" he asked, his voice quiet but genuine.

The nurse locked eyes with him, those big, trusting eyes full of hope, and felt a stab of guilt.

But then she remembered the hefty bonus she'd get if Mrs. Grayson pulled through fast.

Pushing the feeling aside, she nodded. "Yeah, little guy. One quick sting, and that nice lady gets to live. You're the bravest kid I've ever met-no pain's going to stop you."

Zach's expression hardened with resolve. "Okay! If it saves her, I'm not scared."

that his big sister was gone for

pleaded to change it, but

if it wasn't his

into his thin vein.

quick, they'd chosen a big,

a jolt, racing up his small arm

His whole body flinched.

still!" one of the doctors

on his lip, tiny teeth digging in

stung his eyes, but he blinked them

didn't want to let the nurse

her-the kind woman who might be someone's

didn't want anyone else to feel

pain,' he told himself. 'I can take

and his lips turned from

every moment a fight against pain so intense he could've passed out. But he held

bag was full,

stop?" The nurse's voice

paused, glancing at

harm Zach's growth. Any more, and he

wasn't enough for the