The police station was drenched in harsh white neon light, thick with the stale smell of dried sweat, burnt coffee, cheap disinfectant, and the endless hum of officers mumbling over ringing phones.

Booking felt like a ritual designed to strip her dignity piece by piece. The officer took every item she had, including the phone Nathan had just returned to her, then removed the cloak she was wearing. All she had left was a thin dress that barely covered her.

They lined her up against a wall ...