Jessamyn clutched her belly, the faint stirrings of life within her igniting a fierce protectiveness. Her mind was a storm of fear and determination; she could not afford to be caught—not now, when her child's life hung in the balance. The murmurs of the Altanian soldiers grew louder, their voices a menacing chorus that seemed to close in around her like a tightening noose. She strained to hear Hamilton's voice amidst the tumult. If she was in danger, wouldn't he make some attempt to protect her?
But there was only the oppressive noise of the soldiers and the gnawing silence where his voice should have been.
Jessamyn's heart raced with dark thoughts. Was Hamilton hurt because he had tried to shield her? Had they punished him for treason? The uncertainty consumed her, each second dragging out into an agonizing eternity as she awaited her fate.
Then, amidst the cacophony, a loud and familiar voice rang out, slicing through the chaos. "I am here!"
