Catalina didn't know how long she lay on the floor.
Hours, maybe days. Time had stopped meaning anything.
Her throat was raw from thirst and her stomach cramped from hunger. The baby moved occasionally, small flutters that reminded her she wasn't alone, but those movements were getting weaker.
She knew what Esteban was doing. Starving her and breaking her down until she had no choice but to surrender completely.
And it was working.
She could barely lift her head anymore. Her thoughts moved slowly, like wading through thick mud. Every part of her body ached.
The door opened, and Catalina didn't bother looking up.
Footsteps crossed the cell, then someone knelt beside her. A hand touched her shoulder, gentle but firm.
"Drink."
A cup pressed against her lips. It was water.
She drank
