mr

s. But this pain is different. It isn't just from the bruises or the beating. It's deeper. Something sharp and unnat

oo

inst the restraints. The metal bites into my skin as I shift, trying to move, trying to understand

again. Not

n your body rejects the life inside it. In the nine months that I've been Calvin's slave, I've lost three children. Thre

but I knew my body, and it's not time for my period yet. There's too much blood. I

... no

yes to know it's Lysaa. Her presence is like a tiny flicker of warmth in the coldness that surrounds me. She's the only o

I can hear the sorrow in it. She's seen me like this

mmering with unshed tears. Her usual cheery demeanor is gone, replaced by a sadness she tries so hard to hide. Her hair is

s, barely audible. "I'm bleedin

o the dark stains on the bed beneath me. She hesitates, glancing towar

in my throat. "It's not time for my period. I- I don't know

onflict in her eyes. She knows what I'm asking of her. She knows the r

e says softly, shaking her head

esperation. "Lysaa, I'm scared.

might refuse. But then she nods, wiping at her eyes quickly. "I'll get the docto

te down hard on my lip to keep from crying out. My mind spins, the memories of the previous miscarriages crashing over me like waves. The

o away. It only gets worse, spreading through me until it's all I can feel

*

ash in her neck is wide and deep, still oozing thick, black blood down her chest. Her eyes are hol

aw, and empty. Her hands cradle her

sses, her voice distorted and unnatur

words won't come. I'm frozen in place as she steps

wanted him, didn't you? You wanted Calvin so badly that you r

e trembling with fear. "I

rage, her hand wrapping around m

mrynn. You took ev

eam, but the

from the nightmare. The room is dimly lit, and the sound of soft murmurs reaches my ears

oman with graying hair and sharp, intelligent eyes. Dr. Thorne. The Pack's doctor. She's

whispers, her voice

ser to the bed. Her face is etched with concern, and I can t

rynn?" Dr. Thorne asks, h

the words. "I don't... I don't know,"

ng to soothe the panic she can see in my eyes. "There'

ief washing over me for a mom

beating, the... forced intercourse. Your body is reacting to the brutality it's end

y stomach churn. I glance over at Lysaa, her face pale as sh

Dr. Thorne says softly. "And with the state your body is in, if you