Morning arrived gently.
For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Allison awoke without the shrill echo of alarms, frantic footsteps racing through hallways, or the lingering scent of smoke and gunpowder clinging to the air.
Instead, she was greeted by the rhythmic sway of the yacht beneath her and the soft murmur of waves brushing against the hull.
It took her a long moment to remember where she was.
The rescue.
Susanna was safe.
Clara had been found.
Elena had been arrested.
Anthony was finally behind bars.
Aaron Mercer…
Her chest tightened.
No.
Not today.
She silently promised herself she would not let the shadows of yesterday steal the peace of this morning.
As her eyes wandered around the softly lit cabin, they landed on the empty armchair beside the window.
Lucian.
He was already gone.
The realization brought an unexpected smile instead of disappointment.
He'd probably been awake for hours.
Working.
Planning.
