**Fractured Light**

The stars outside seemed to twinkle in sync with the racing thoughts in Ashley's mind as she gazed out into the night. Ender, still perched on her lap, began to squirm, his chubby little hands grasping for her face. "Mommy, I wuv you," he cooed, his voice like a gentle balm to her frazzled nerves. Ashley smiled, her eyes welling up with tears as she hugged him tight. As she held Ender close, she felt a surge of protectiveness wash over her. She would do anything to keep him safe from the toxic influence of Alev, to shield him from the pain and fear that had become a constant companion in her life. The memory of Alev's latest outburst still lingered, the sound of his angry words and the sting of his blows etched into her mind like a scar. Ashley's phone buzzed again, her mother's text lingering on the screen like a beacon of hope. She took a deep breath and began to type, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she poured out her heart to her mother. The words spilled out in a messy, cathartic stream: the bruises, the fear, the feeling of being trapped. As she hit send, a weight lifted off her shoulders. She felt a glimmer of hope, a sense that she wasn't alone in this darkness. Her mother would know what to do, would offer guidance and support. Ashley's eyes drifted closed as she leaned back into the couch, Ender still snuggled into her chest. The sound of Franklin's gentle snores and Ender's soft breathing created a soothing melody, one that seemed to wash away some of the anxiety that had been building inside her. For a moment, she felt at peace, the fractured light of her life momentarily mended. But the reprieve was short-lived. Alev's voice, low and menacing, echoed from the doorway. "What's going on here?" he growled, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene before him. Ashley's heart sank, her mind racing with fear. She knew that tone, that look. It was the precursor to a storm, one that would leave her battered and bruised. Ender, sensing the tension, began to whimper, his tiny body trembling in her arms. Ashley's instincts kicked in, her protective instincts on high alert. She stood, her eyes locked on Alev's, and took a step forward. "Leave us alone," she said, her voice firm, a hint of steel underlying the words. Alev's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. For a moment, Ashley thought she saw a glimmer of the monster that lurked beneath his surface, the one she had glimpsed in the early days of their relationship. But then, his expression smoothed out, his voice taking on a silky, menacing tone. "Oh, Ashley," he purred. "You're not going anywhere. You're mine." The words sent a shiver down her spine, a cold dread creeping up her neck. Ashley knew she had to act, to find a way out of this toxic situation before it was too late. She glanced down at Ender, his big blue eyes looking up at her with trust and adoration. She would do anything to keep him safe, to give him a life free from the darkness that had haunted her for so long. As she stood there, her heart pounding in her chest, Ashley made a vow to herself. She would rise above this, would find a way to shatter the chains that bound her to Alev. The spotlight might shine brightly on her as Halsey, but it was about to illuminate a different side of her – one of strength, resilience, and hope.