Chapter 8

As the first rays of morning light filtered through the curtains, Iris stirred in her bed, her mind heavy with the weight of the previous night's events.

She lay still, feigning sleep, unable to face the reality of the situation. She heard the faint sound of movement as Carter, with a tired sigh, rose from his makeshift bed on the floor, his footsteps echoing softly in the quiet room.

With bated breath, a mix of relief and anxiety swirling within her, Iris waited until she heard the door click shut behind him before she finally dared to open her eyes. Relief flooded through her as she realized she was alone at last. She let out a heavy sigh, feeling the weight of tension release from her muscles as she sat up in bed, the soft strands of her tousled hair brushing against her fingertips.

But just as she swung her legs over the edge of the bed and prepared to face the day, the door creaked open once again, and her heart skipped a beat as Carter stepped back into the room.

Iris froze in