Vera’s POV

The world turned into thunder and motion.

The van jolted forward, slamming me against the metal wall. My arms locked around Vanessa’s small body, shielding her from the impact. She whimpered, pressing her face into my chest.

“Shh, baby, I’ve got you.” My voice was steady, though my heart was breaking through my ribs. “Mama’s here.”

Across from us, two men sat in the shadows. Their faces blurred as the van’s interior lights flickered with every bump in the road. One ...