The apartment door was tightly shut. Sheena was still standing in place, her chest rising and falling, her emotions not yet fully settled. Her hands trembled slightly—not from fear, but from the anger she had been holding back since Gevan left.

Julio stood not far from her, waiting patiently. He did not speak right away, allowing Sheena time to calm herself.

“He’s outrageous,” Sheena finally said, her voice tense. “I clearly told him not to come again.”

Julio nodded slowly. “I know. He didn’t come to talk, but to force his will.”

Sheena walked toward the sofa and sat down, leaning back. “I’m sick of it. Completely sick of it.”...