I heard the car door open and close behind me. When I turned slightly, I saw him stepping out, one arm carefully shielding Celeste's belly, his brows drawn together in concern, every movement gentle, protective. Two soldiers materialized from the follow car and flanked them without a word, hands loose at their sides, eyes scanning the road.
I had been pregnant once too.
But at three months, the dog I had raised barked at Celeste, startling her.
That was enough.
Dominic had unleashed two mastiffs on me without hesitation. Their teeth tore into my flesh, ripping through skin and muscle alike. I could still remember the pain, sharp and endless, the way my body collapsed under their weight.
And the child inside me…
Didn't survive.
He had looked at me afterward, expression cold, almost bored.
"Children can come again," he had said flatly. "But if I don't teach you a lesson, you'll never learn your place."
Now, I would never bear a child again.
But at least…
I was free.