A Slap of Reality

Rome, Italy.

Alliana's pov:

We were back at the mansion. The car moved into the driveway. Kai unbuckled his seatbelt and went to my side. He opened the back door and lowered the ramp, letting it touch the ground. He guided me down before closing the door with a soft click. At the front, Vex and AJ were waiting, their breath visible in the cold air. "Hurry up, it's freezing out here," Vex grumbled. I rolled my eyes as Kai took me inside.

Inside the mansion, Souline and Montero were on the couch. "Hey, Soul. Hey, Montero," I said. Montero stood up with a smile. "Hey, Alli." "How was your visit with Carlos?" Souline asked. "Okay, I guess. We handed in the files; now we just wait," I explained. "Oh," she said. "That's great to hear. I'm going to cook dinner now," Montero said, heading to the kitchen. "Would you like some help?" Souline asked.