Elena’s POV
I never thought silence could feel this heavy.
The house was too still, like it knew what I was about to do. Every creak of the floorboards, every whisper of the night pressing against the glass windows, felt like a warning. But I couldn’t stay. Not another day.
Not when Dax looked at me like he owned me. Not when every kiss was a cage and every touch stole another piece of my freedom.
Jack’s little shoes were lined neatly by the door. I crouched down, tying the laces with shaking fingers.
“Mommy? Why are we going out so late?” His sleepy voice made my chest ache.
I forced a smile. “We’re just… going on a little trip, baby. Somewhere safe.”
He yawned and leaned against me, trusting without question. That trust felt like a knife twisting in my chest.
Ma
