Third-Person POV:

"Alice, this matter is in the past." Robert tapped his cigarette into the ashtray, the crimson ember emitting a faint crackle in the quiet.

Alice understood Robert's implication—not the affair between them but what happened last night, when she was drugged.

"It's not over," Alice's voice remained calm. "It never will be. Last time, it was because I was shifting. This time, you admitted to it. Next time, you might be after my life."

"I don't think I'm worth that much. But if you truly intend to marry her, please let me go."

"In that case, I can pretend like nothing ever happened."

Robert glanced at her, blowing...