Elliot's POV

　　I pace the confines of my chamber, each step a battle between duty and desire. The news of Ally's departure, a whisper of leaves against stone, now roars like a tempest in my ears. She left for her plan, a reckless gambit that screams of desperation. My heart clenches with an iron grip of worry; it's more than I can bear.

　　"Elliot," Dawn's voice echoes in my head, a soothing balm. "She needs you."

　　I stop dead, every instinct honed by ...