Chapter 97:

The night stretched on, silent and heavy, as I lay curled in Mama's arms, my body still trembling from the lingering fear. I tried to keep my eyes open, terrified that if I closed them, I would find myself back in that dark place—alone, helpless, and afraid. The warmth of my family surrounded me, yet the memories clung to me like shadows, refusing to let go.

Mama gently ran her fingers through my hair, her soft voice whispering reassurances. "Shh, my baby… Mama's here. No one will ever take you away from me again."

I buried my face into her chest, my small hands clutching onto her dress as if letting go would make the nightmare return. "Mama… don't let them take me again…" My voice was barely a whisper, yet it carried all the fear and pain I felt deep inside.

Papa sat beside us, his hand resting over mine, his grip firm yet tender. "Noah, listen to me, son," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "No one will ever touch you again. I swear it. I will destroy anyone who even thinks about hurting you."

My sisters were all gathered around the bed, their eyes filled with sorrow and determination. Sophia placed a gentle hand on my arm. "You're not alone, Noah. We're all here for you. Always."

Olivia's voice trembled as she spoke, her usual confidence shattered by the pain in her heart. "I wish I could take away your fear, little one. But until then, I'll stay by your side. We all will."

Tears welled in my eyes, but I fought them back. I wanted to believe their words, to trust in their promises, but the fear still clawed at my chest. "What if… they come back?" I whispered, my voice shaking.

Mama held me even tighter, pressing soft kisses against my forehead. "They won't, my love. And if they ever dare, I will make them regret the day they were born."

Her voice was filled with such fierce protectiveness that, for the first time that night, I felt a small spark of safety in my heart.

Emily, my scientific genius of a sister, adjusted her glasses. "I will personally upgrade every security system we have. No one will ever get near you again."

Isabella, my military-trained sister, clenched her fists. "I've already put our best guards on high alert. If anyone even steps close to this house with bad intentions, they won't live to regret it."

Charlotte, usually the gentle one, had a fire in her eyes. "And I'll make sure you're always dressed in something that keeps you safe. No more chances for anyone to hurt you."

Mia, my singer sister, wiped away a tear. "I'll sing to you every night if it helps you sleep without fear."

Lily, my quietest sister, simply leaned forward and held my hand. "You're safe, Noah. We'll never let you feel alone again."

My grip on Mama's dress loosened just a little. Their words surrounded me, wrapping me in a cocoon of love and protection. My heartbeat slowed, though the fear still lingered in the corners of my mind.

Mama shifted slightly, adjusting me in her arms. "You'll sleep between Papa and me tonight. We'll hold you close, my love. You don't have to be afraid."

I nodded weakly. "Promise?"

She pressed another kiss to my forehead. "I promise."

One by one, my sisters whispered their own promises, each swearing to protect me, to never let me feel scared again. Their words were like a lullaby, soothing the ache in my heart.

As exhaustion pulled at me, I finally allowed my eyes to close, my head resting against Mama's chest. Her heartbeat was steady, strong—a reminder that I was not alone. That I was loved.

And for the first time in what felt like forever, I allowed myself to believe it.

Outside the room, however, an unspoken vow was shared among my family. The ones who had hurt me, who had dared to take me away—they would pay. No mercy would be shown.

Because no one… no one touched their Noah and got away with it.