Chapter 104. Trapped

Alison’s POV

The morning sun streamed through my window, casting a golden glow across the room. It felt deceptive, too peaceful for the storm brewing within me. As I shoved a few water bottles and protein bars into my backpack, Simone paced behind me, her anxiety palpable.

“Are you sure about this, Alison?” she asked, her voice hushed but urgent. “Your father was pretty clear.”

I zipped up the bag with more force than necessary, the sound breaking the heavy silence. “Clear or not, we’re going. Xander’s running out of time, and I won’t sit here while there’s still hope.”

Simone didn’t argue. She knew better than to try. Instead, she grabbed her own bag and nodded. “Let’s get this over with.”

We slipped out of my room and down the hallway, the familiar creak of the wooden floorboards beneath my feet grounding me for a moment. As we reached the front door, I allowed myself a brief flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, we’d make it out without any more