nor

s and hushed voices. The air smelled of antiseptic and regret.

with pity, looked down at me. "Ele

as parched, my voice a raw croak.

ht as she adjusted my IV drip. "A severe fall, and... well,

my hand raised in anger. Joshua's furious roar. The sea

e continued, her voice softening with an air of pr

me, the hushed tone, the unspoken sorrow. I alre

ting news, entered the room a few minutes later. His face was

dent, considering the trauma to your body and your history of repeated mis

ave your life. No more children for Eleanor Wheeler. The stark re

My body was empty. My dreams, utterly shattered. Not ju

head, tears springing to my eyes. "No, you don't underst

there's no other way. Your uterus was too damaged. Another pregnancy would have ki

e, an endless torrent of grief and despair. This was my punishment. For loving the wrong man. For trusting the wrong sister. For being

at is this nonsense I hear about you needing a blood transfusion? Do you know what you ar

vans said, stepping between us. "She's just received som

evastating is that you're holding back on the blood! Harlow needs it

eding heart. He was still only thinking of her. Only of t

my voice eerily calm, though my body trembled uncontrollab

was quickly replaced by irritation. "Oh, for God's sake, Eleanor! You're being dramatic! You've had sev

voice was a flat, emotionless dirge. "And the blood... it's mine. It's the last thing

ing my arm, his grip like iron. "You will give it to me, Eleanor! Y

ting her!" Dr. Evans tried to inte

ys were selfish, Eleanor!" He reached into his coat pocket, pulling out a small, velvet bag. He opened it, spilling its contents on

am tore from my throat. "You monst

is eyes gleaming with a sick triumph. "And if you don't give me that b

bies. Held hostage. Even in death,

ine. Take it. Take whatever you want. But I swear on t

You always were so pliable." He signaled to the nurses, who, un

herhood, to nourish the child of my betrayers. Each drop felt like a part of my soul bein

nto shock!" Dr. Evans cried, rushing

g. Just finish it." He watched, his eyes fixed on the bag of my blood, a look of grim

n. My vision blurred, the sounds of the room fading into a distant hum. My body gave out. The last thing I re

eft. Nothing but the burning embers of a hatred

ife. I closed my eyes, a single, resolute thought ech