The maids nodded and escorted Arette up the stairs. Her body ached with every step, her heart heavy with despair. As they reached her room, they shoved her inside, locking the door behind her.
She fell to her knees, sobs wracking her body. She clutched her stomach, fear gnawing at her insides.
Her breaths came in ragged gasps as the reality of her situation crashed over her. She had tried to escape the monster, to find freedom for herself and her unborn child, but now she was back in his clutches, more trapped than ever. The pain in her belly grew sharper, and panic surged through her.
"No, no, no," she whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Please, not my baby."
