Ashlyn didn't attack Marissa. She grabbed Marissa's hand with both of her own. Her grip was iron-tight, desperate and claw-like.
"Sister! Please!"
Ashlyn's voice changed instantly. It went from a cold whisper to a high-pitched, terrified scream that shattered the peaceful garden atmosphere.
"I beg you to spare us!" Ashlyn shrieked, throwing her head back so her voice would carry. "My child did nothing wrong! Please, Marissa!"
Marissa froze. Her brain took a split second to catch up with the sudden shift in reality. She tried to pull her hand away.
"What are you doing?" Marissa hissed. "Let go of me!"
She tugged her arm, trying to break Ashlyn's grip. But Ashlyn held on, digging her nails into Marissa's skin. To anyone watching from a distance, it looked like a struggle. It looked like Marissa was shaking her.
"Please don't harm my child!" Ashlyn continued, her voice cracking with fake sobs. "I know you hate me, but the baby is innocent! I beg of you!"
