The moment Selene saw that man's face, her chest tightened. Her mind spun, and before she could stop it, the past came flooding back.
That night.
She was only a girl back then, sitting on the cold floor outside her mother's room. Tears streamed down her face as her mother's muffled cries reached her through the walls.
She tried again and again to push the door open, but the omegas standing guard stopped her every time. They grabbed her arms, dragged her back, and told her to stay quiet.
Still, she fought and begged.
"Please, let me see my mother! Please!"
They didn't listen. They pushed her down so hard that her knees bruised, and one even slapped her when she wouldn't stop crying.
Inside, her mother's voice broke in pain. Outside, Selene's tiny body shook as she sobbed, helpless.
And then came the sound of footsteps.
