Allison Ash's eyes slowly opened, his dark green eyes staring at me with a mix of confusion and pain. His bruised knuckles caught my attention, making me worry for his well-being. "Are you okay, Ash?" I asked, my voice filled with concern as I took in the state of him. "How did you get in here?" he questioned, his voice strained and weak as he attempted to sit up but faltered. I stammered, unsure of how to convey the truth to him. Did it even matter? He looked disheveled, and I felt he should be grateful I was there. "I found the door unlocked," I finally managed to say. Ash stared at me, suspicion evident in his gaze. "No, the door was locked," he insisted. "I'm positive it was open, Ash. I wouldn't have mysteriously ended up in this room otherwise," I retorted in irritation. H

