With a heavy heart, Sera entered the smaller section of the house, inexplicably drawn to the little girl. She couldn't pinpoint the exact reason for her fondness—perhaps it was the child's pouty lips, big brown eyes, or her overall endearing presence. Regardless, the girl had become a vulnerability to Sera.
Cradling the weighty little human in her arms, Sera stepped into the living room where a group of men awaited her. Their varied sizes and expressions startled her momentarily, as she was unaware of their presence. It was evident, however, that whatever was about to unfold would not be in her favor.
Locking eyes with the man who claimed to be her father, his gaze grew colder, and Sera broke the tense silence. "What is it?" she asked, cutting through the murky atmosphere of confusion.
