Page 22 of Her Darkest Possession

There's a depth to his words that resonates with me. I've spent my entire life in the darkness, never questioning my path or seeking anything more.

And then Indigo came into it.

"Still. You helped my wife when she needed it." I persist. "I don't forget things like that. And I want to do something for you to show you my gratitude."

Marcus shakes his head, his stance unwavering. "There are better ways to show gratitude."

"Like?"

"Take care of Indie." His eyes grow serious as he looks directly at me. "Make her happy. Give her the life she deserves." He pauses, his voice growing quieter. "God knows enough people have hurt that girl already."

His words hit me harder than I expected. I think about everything Indigo has endured—from Bennet's assault to her parents' murders, to being forced to marry me, to nearly losing our child today. The way she shied back when that bastard Ryan dared to raise his hand against her.

The faraway look in her eyes as she waited with bated breath for confirmation that our child was still there.

And the gratitude on her tears.

Marcus is right.

Giving Indigo the life she deserves is the only thing I can do for her.

I extend my hand to him and he takes it in a solid handshake.

"I'll do exactly that," I tell him solemnly. "You have my word."

7

INDIGO

The hospital roomis quiet in the morning light. My hand rests on my belly, still flat but somehow feeling different now that I know what's growing inside. I'm sitting on the edge of the bed, dressed in clothes Anatoly bought for me earlier this morning.

"Your blood work looks good," Dr. Martinez says, glancing up from her clipboard with a warm smile. "And based on these results, I can confirm that the Mifeprex didn't impact the pregnancy."

I exhale a breath I didn't realize I was holding. Beside me, Anatoly's hand tightens around mine.

"So the baby's okay?" I need to hear her say it directly, plainly.

"Yes, Mrs. Baryshev. The baby is developing normally," she confirms. "Everything looks exactly as we'd expect at this stage."

A wave of relief washes over me, so intense it makes my eyes sting. I blink rapidly, not wanting to cry again. I've done enough of that.

"Like I said before, I'd like to see you again in two weeks rather than the standard four," Dr. Martinez continues. "But for now, there's no reason for concern at this point."

She looks between us, her expression softening. "Congratulations to you both. I know this might not have been planned, but..."

"It's wanted," I say quietly, surprising myself with how true it feels. "Very much wanted."

Anatoly's thumb traces circles on the back of my hand. I don't look at him, but I feel the weight of his gaze.

"Well then," Dr. Martinez hands me a folder. "These are your discharge papers and some information about early pregnancy. I've also included a prescription for prenatal vitamins."

As she walks us through the basics: what to eat, what to avoid, and warning signs to watch for. Anatoly nods along, and asks follow-up questions to everything she says.

Meanwhile, I try to imagine a future where this all feels normal. Where I'm just a woman expecting a baby with her husband, not someone whose sister is being held hostage by people who want us both dead.

And not just the wife of a pakhan.

But right now, in this moment, I allow myself to feel one simple thing: my baby is safe.