72: Safe Haven

Allison's POV.

I woke up groggy, disoriented, and in a place that wasn’t the hospital. The walls were bare, the room a bit dark, and the air was filled with the scent of antiseptic.

I glanced around, trying to piece together my fragmented memories. This wasn’t the sterile, cold environment of a hospital. This was different, more clandestine. I realized I was in one of our secret agent hideouts—The Sanctuary. The realization brought a slight sense of relief amidst the confusion.

By my side was Mia, her face was of concern and relief. She looked up from the small medical kit she was holding, her eyes softening when she saw I was awake. “Allison, you’re finally up,” she said, her voice soothing. “You were brought here right after you passed out at the hospital.”

I tried to sit up, groaning from the pain that shot through my body. My bandages had been changed, and I noticed my clothes were different—new and fresh, probably taken from a nearby safe house. My mind raced as I recalled the a