Quinn!" My mate's commanding voice echoed through the house as he violently threw open each door, searching methodically. He knew exactly where I was—this was his twisted ritual, hunting me down before unleashing his rage, accusing me of hiding. How could anyone not flee from such a creature? I wanted to call out from the bathroom, to tell him I was there, but my voice wouldn't obey. Nausea consumed me, my body wracked with pain and exhaustion. The Alpha had stripped me of household help, forcing me to manage everything myself despite my deteriorating condition. I was too fragile to resist, too broken to speak against him—just another "useless, pathetic Luna" in his eyes. I had to try, had to summon enough strength to show him I was coming. My trembling fingers knotted the towel around my torso as I pushed myself toward the door. He burst through before I could reach it. The impact slammed the heavy door into my skull, sending me crashing onto cold, wet tile. Sharp pain splintered through my head while my stomach twisted violently, and my legs refused to support me anymore. I huddled there, shaking—terror far outweighing the chill—my arms wrapped protectively around myself, utterly defenseless.