Allison didn't stop walking until she reached her room.
The door shut behind her with a quiet click.
And then—
She exhaled.
Not shaky.
Not weak.
Just… controlled release.
Simone was right behind her.
Silent for exactly three seconds.
Then—
"Okay," Simone said, dropping her bag onto the nearest chair. "We need to unpack everything because what the hell was that?!"
Allison let out a breath that almost turned into a laugh.
"He grabbed me."
"I saw that. I also saw you verbally end his bloodline."
Allison turned, leaning back against the dresser.
"He needed to hear it."
Simone crossed her arms. "No, he needed to be arrested. You chose psychological warfare. I respect it."
A pause.
Then Simone stepped closer, her tone shifting just slightly.
"…are you okay?"
That question hit differently.
Not because Allison didn't know the answer—
But because Simone actually meant it.
Allison held her gaze.
Then nodded.
"I'm not hurt," she said. "I'm just… done."
