Sumaya squeezed her eyes shut, her breath shallow, clinging to the fragile hope that unconsciousness would claim her before the next blow landed. But pain was merciless—it kept her awake, forcing her to endure every second of her suffering.
Her world had shrunk to this moment. The searing agony in her back, the sharp sting of the belt dragging over her raw skin, the coppery taste of blood on her tongue.
"Mom..." she whispered, voice hoarse, barely audible. It wasn't a plea—just a desperate grasp at the only name that had ever meant safety.
Jae chuckled, the sound dark and twisted. His smirk widened, stretching unnaturally across his face as he crouched beside her. He dragged the belt across her arm, letting the rough leather scrape against her raw skin.
"Your mother?" he mocked, his voice dripping with cruel amusement. "She isn't here, little heroine. No one is coming to save you."
The words landed like another strike.
