Aliyah’s POV

I stared at the ceiling long after my tears had dried on the pillow. My chest still ached from the weight of last night’s decision, but somewhere in the cracks of my heart, a new vow had taken root. I would protect this child. No matter the cost, no matter the sacrifices, this child would live and never know shame.

I whispered it to myself, again and again, like a prayer, like a battle cry. “I’ll protect you.”

And I meant it.

By dawn, something in me shifted. ...