Maya’s POV
The old house by the river felt cold even with the lights on. Victoria stood in the middle of the room. Her men watched every move we made. The little girl held my hand tight. The boy stayed close to Sarah. I felt my stomach twist. We were trapped again. I thought, I ran so far to keep these children safe. Now we are back in the dark with powerful people who want to own them. I survived too many hard nights. I cannot let them take my family.
Victoria looked at us one by one. “You all thought you could hide. But the family always finds its own. The children stay with me. The rest of you can leave if you behave.”
Chloe stepped forward. Her voice was strong. “No. They are my brother and sister. I left my father for them. You will not take them.”
Marcus stood beside her. “Chloe
