Elena’s POV
The moment my body hit the ground, I twisted, shielding my stomach, but it wasn’t enough. My left side slammed into something sharp, and a scream tore from my lips as pain exploded through me, so fierce it stole my breath.
The cloth still covered my head when the kicks started.
Again and again, boots crashed into my body. I screamed, begged—pleaded for them to stop—but it only grew worse. Then, just as suddenly, it ended. Silence fell like a blade.
With shaking hands, I tore the cloth away and struggled to my feet, clutching my belly, terrified of what I might find.
Then he moved.
A soft, steady kick.
Relief flooded my lungs as I sucked in a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. My son was alive.
I spun, searching for whoever had saved me.
No one.
Then, from the s
