Chapter 5 - The Unbroken Command
Nicholas was dragged out of the emergency room, weeping and begging his mother to fix it. Patricia followed them down the hall, screaming threats that grew fainter and more pathetic with every step, while Gregory stared at the floor, knowing their empire was ruined before the sun would even rise.
The hospital room returned to a quiet, peaceful stillness.
I sat back down on the edge of the bed, wrapping my arms around Abigail. She buried her face in my shoulder, her tears wetting the heavy fabric of my uniform jacket.
"It's over, baby," I whispered, holding her tight. "They're never going to touch you again. I promise."
"Thank you, Mom," she sobbed, her grip on my sleeve finally relaxing as the tension of the last year drained from her body.
They had thought that because they had money, connections, and status, they could treat my daughter like property. They thought that a mother who spent her life fighting wars overseas wouldn't know how to fight one in her own backyard.
But they had completely forgotten the most important rule of engagement:
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Never attack the home of a commander when she’s still wearing her armor.
I smiled, holding my daughter close as the morning light began to break through the hospital window—completely victorious, completely free, and ready to bring my girl home.
