This chapter is dedicated to DiamondFarmer and MikeAndVada_Clark. Thanks for the golden ticket.
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The sharp, rhythmic beeping of machines echoed around the dim hospital room. Claudia stirred, a low groan escaping her lips as she tried to sit up. Pain exploded in every corner of her body, her ribs ached, her head throbbed, and her stomach felt hollow, like something vital had been ripped from her.
Her last memory was sitting in the car, flanked by two large men. She had been trying to negotiate, offering promises she knew she couldn't keep. Then came the thick scarf thrown over her eyes, the cloth stuffed in her mouth, and finally, the sharp sting in her neck.
"No," she whimpered, her trembling hands flying to her stomach. She pressed down and felt how flat and soft it had become. Her breath caught.
"No, no, no, my child..." she cried out, the sobs shaking her frail body. Her nails dug into her skin as tears streamed down her cheeks. "You bastards... you killed my baby."
