Natalie~
Easter's grip was tight—desperate. Her trembling fingers pressed into my skin, and her wide, pleading eyes locked onto mine, brimming with raw hope and fear. I had seen that look before. Too many times. In too many lifetimes. It was the look of someone clinging to their last shred of salvation, terrified of being abandoned again.
I opened my mouth, but no words came. The sheer vulnerability in her face was too much. I knew that feeling. I had lived it. I had begged, prayed, and clung to anything that promised a way out—only to watch it slip through my fingers.
Her voice was small. "Please… take me with you. I'll do anything you ask. I don't have anyone else."
I started to respond—something, anything to reassure her that we weren't leaving for good—but then a voice tore through my mind. Sharp. Urgent.
"Mummy Natalie!"
I froze.
Alex.
Beside me, Jacob stiffened, his eyes snapping to mine. "Was that—?"
"Alex," I breathed, a chill running down my spine.
