"Congratulations. You're officially free," Jade laughed.
The automatic glass doors slid open.
Warm sunlight spilled across the hospital entrance as Elysia stepped outside for the first time in days.
She paused for a moment, inhaling deeply before slowly letting the breath leave her lungs.
For the first time in five years, she felt free.
She felt genuinely happy to be exactly where she was, with the people beside her.
Almost absentmindedly, her hand drifted to her stomach.
It was still flat, but touching it had already become a habit.
"Careful now," her mother reminded gently.
She had arrived a few minutes after the news bulletin announcing that the Windsors had offered a reward for information leading to Elysia's whereabouts.
"I'm fine, Mom..." Elysia groaned, unable to hide the
