15

"Leave," Amara uttered, her voice a mere whisper.

"I won't," Max replied firmly.

To their surprise, the door swung open, and Amara's breath caught in her throat. Standing there was a boy who bore an uncanny resemblance to Max, yet his eyes were a striking blue. Perhaps her exhaustion was playing tricks on her, Maybe he was tired of yelling to Max

"What are you doing here?" Max asked the boy, his voice a mix of concern and irritation.

The boy looked up at him, sadness flickering in his gaze, mingled with a hint of fear. "I heard screaming," he said, his voice trembling as he tried to meet Amara's eyes, his own welling with unshed tears.

"Leave now," Max commanded.

"But Dad..." the boy said with unspoken emotions.

"Axel, leave!" Max yelled at the little boy. Scared, Axel quickly closed the door behind him.

Max turned to Amara, running a hand through his hair as he approached her. He took one of her hands.

"Let my hand go," Amara said firmly.

But Max tightened his grip, tying her hand to the bed.

"Great," Amara replied sarcastically. " Now I can't run."

Max knew what he had done was foolish, but he couldn't think of any other option. He glanced at her one last time before turning and leaving the room.