Chapter 17: Salt and Pepper

The morning sun streamed through the thin curtains, casting a golden glow across the small room. Noelle stirred, blinking against the light as she slowly sat up. For a moment, she forgot where she was, but as her eyes adjusted, the reality of her newfound freedom settled in.

She was here. She was safe. And she had to find a way to survive.

After a quick shower, she dressed in the simplest outfit she had—a plain blouse and jeans. It wasn't ...