Samantha P. O. V

The door closed quietly behind Ashford, leaving me standing in a dimly lit hallway. I let out a deep sigh, trying to calm my racing heart.

The things I had gone through these past few days had left me drained, both physically and emotionally.

I leaned against the wall, feeling the rough wood paneling on my skin, but it was a small price to pay for a moment of peace.

As I stood there, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. I looked down the hallway, my ...