Adelaide's POV
I slid down from the horse, my legs nearly giving out beneath me. My entire body ached, exhaustion weighing me down like a heavy cloak. As I glanced around, realization struck—I was deep in the forest now. There wasn’t a single house in sight, just towering trees and the sound of rustling leaves carried by the wind.
My hand instinctively clutched my stomach, refusing to let go even for a second. It felt as though if I did, something terrible would happen. My baby... I had to protect my baby. No one could take my baby from me. Not even a try again.
I looked down at myself. My clothes were filthy, and tattered from the punishment. My body felt sticky with sweat and grime, and the dull ache in my stomach reminded me that I hadn’t eaten in too long. I was very hungry, but my
