A loud bang echoed as the door slammed shut, sealing me in isolation.
I gritted my teeth and dragged myself out. Blood smeared across the marble floor, leaving a ghastly trail behind me. The air was heavy with iron and pain.
---
The next time I opened my eyes, I was in a hospital ward. The sterile scent of disinfectant filled my lungs.
A nurse stood beside me, holding a clipboard and speaking softly.
“Ms. Locke, I’m sorry. We couldn’t save your baby. Would you like us to help arrange... the handling of the remains?”
Her voice was gentle, but her eyes brimmed with pity.
I took the document from her hand calmly.
“Please call a courier for me.”
---
Meanwhile, at the club, Alaric and his friends were still enjoying themselves when the manager rushed in, pale-faced.
“Mr. Vane, something’s happened—your wife... she’s had a miscarriage.”
Alaric froze.
Just then, a delivery man approached with a package.
“Are you Mr. Vane? This parcel is for you. It must be signed for... personally.”
