**Chapter 16: Bleeding into Darkness**

The memories of the previous night's horror still lingered in Ashley's mind like a festering wound, refusing to heal. As she slowly opened her eyes, the bright light of the morning sun stabbed at her like a knife, making her wince in pain. She was met with a sight that made her blood run cold - she was tied to the bed, the sheets stained with her own blood. A wave of panic washed over her as she frantically scanned her body, her mind racing with the worst-case scenarios. Ashley's eyes scanned her abdomen, her heart racing with fear. She was pregnant, and the thought of what Gerald might have done to her sent a chill down her spine. Did he hurt the baby? She tentatively probed her belly, wincing as her fingers brushed against a tender spot. The fear that gripped her was suffocating, making it hard to breathe. As she struggled to free herself from the restraints, a searing pain shot through her wrists and ankles. The ropes had cut deep into her skin, leaving raw, angry wounds that throbbed with every movement. Ashley's eyes welled up with tears as she realized the full extent of her predicament. She was trapped, helpless, and at the mercy of a monster. Ashley's gaze fell upon her body, taking stock of the damage. Bruises and cuts covered her skin, a gruesome testament to Gerald's brutal assault. She could feel the swelling on her face, her jaw aching with every movement. The memories of the previous night came flooding back, and Ashley's mind recoiled in horror. With a Herculean effort, Ashley forced herself to focus on her current situation. She had to think, had to come up with a plan to escape. But as she looked around the room, she realized that she was trapped. The windows were locked, the door barred. Ashley's heart sank, and for a moment, she felt like giving up. But something inside her refused to surrender. Ashley remembered the words Gerald had spoken, the ones that had haunted her throughout the night - "You'll never be free." She knew that she had to prove him wrong, had to find a way to escape, no matter what it took. As she lay there, Ashley made a silent vow to herself. She would escape, no matter what it took. She would find a way to keep her baby safe, to protect it from Gerald's cruelty. And she would make sure that he paid for what he had done to her. The resolve hardened within her, and Ashley's eyes narrowed into a determined gaze. She would not give up. She would not be defeated. She would fight, with every ounce of strength she had, to reclaim her freedom, her life, and her child.