The next day, I found myself standing outside Alpha Zion's door, my heart pounding like a runaway train. Should I go in? Should I turn tail and flee?

But something within me urged me forward, after a moment of hesitation, I made up my mind and rapped my knuckles against the door.

"Come in," his voice, cold as the winter wind, sliced through the air, sending shivers down my spine.

Steeling myself, I pushed the door open and stepped inside. For a fleeting moment, our eyes ...