Chapter 99. Sparrow

Joan POV

My head throbbed, my skull ached, and it felt like it would burst open if I moved.

My eyelids were heavy, but I forced them open. Darkness greeted me first, making me doubt whether I had really opened my eyes.

Had I gone blind overnight? Where was Aaron? Why was the whole house in darkness?

I tried to call for him, but something was blocking my mouth. A gag. My eyes widened as memories slowly crept back, piece by piece.

I was in danger. My baby was in danger. We had been taken.

I wriggled my wrists, feeling sharp pain where the restraints cut into my skin. My hands were tied behind my back. That explained the ache.

I jerked against the chair, trying to break free. My heart pounded wildly, each beat louder than the last. The more I struggled, the deeper the restraints bit into my skin.

That would leave bruises.

"Don't. It'll only hurt you more," a man's voice broke through the darkness, and