Amara's POV

My body trembled with a mixture of fear and adrenaline. I looked at Eli, his small face pale and confused, and then at Senator Reed, a triumphant smirk playing on his lips. He was playing a twisted, cruel game with my son as his pawn.

"Come, Amara," he said, his voice was smooth. "Join me at the table. It's not every day I get to host such an interesting guest."

I walked over to the table, my legs feeling like lead, and sat down across from my son, a silent promise in my ...