Chapter 20. Confrontation

Alison’s POV

I sat back on the porch, trying to stifle a laugh as Andrew and I wrapped up our lesson for the day. The air was warm, filled with the scent of freshly cut grass, and I felt light, free for once. The last few weeks had been grueling as Andrew pushed me to catch up on subjects I’d never had the chance to study before. But with each lesson, I felt myself grow a little stronger, a little smarter, and today, I felt downright accomplished.

Andrew chuckled beside me, leaning back as he rubbed his temples. “You’re doing better than you give yourself credit for, Alison. Really. It’s rare to see someone this dedicated.”

I shook my head, still smiling. “You mean desperate, right? I can’t exactly afford to waste the opportunity Xander’s given me.”

Before Andrew could respond, a shadow fell across the porch. I looked up and felt my stomach twist. Caitlyn stood before us, her gaze cold and sharp as it raked over me. Andrew greeted her politely, but she