Chapter 40. Confrontation and Collapse

Alison’s POV

The air in Xander’s office was suffocating, thick with tension and unsaid words. I could feel my pulse hammering in my ears, drowning out everything but the desperate need to make him believe me. I clutched the vial in my hand like a lifeline, my fingers trembling as I stepped forward. The faint scent of leather and cedar lingered in the room, usually comforting, but now it felt oppressive, like a trap closing in around me.

“Xander,” I began, my voice wavering but determined, “I need you to listen. This is proof.. real proof that Caitlyn set me up.”

He stood by the window, his back to me, staring out into the vast expanse of the Night Fang estate. His hands were shoved deep into his pockets, his shoulders tense. When he finally turned to face me, his golden eyes were shadowed, a mixture of frustration and something I couldn’t quite place.

“Alison,” he said, his tone careful, almost too calm, “you’ve made accusations before remember?. What