He sneered. “What are you gonna do, soldier boy? Shoot me?”

I didn’t have to. “Leave. Tonight. Or the men I called will make sure you disappear.”

For the first time, fear flickered in his eyes. He grabbed his keys and stormed out. The silence that followed was heavier than any firefight.

I turned to Megan.

“Why?” My voice broke.

“He said she was spoiled… that I was weak,” she whispered through her sobs.

“She’s a child. Our child. And you let him destroy her.”

I didn’t stay that night. Sophie slept curled up against me in the barracks, her tiny hand clutching my sleeve. I promised her she’d never have to be afraid again.