Rome, Italy.
Alliana's pov:
We gathered around the dining table, the atmosphere oddly reminiscent of a courtroom. Despite the serious undertones, AJ couldn't help but crack a joke. "I can't take this seriously," he remarked, lifting his glass of juice to his lips. Carlos echoed his sentiment, expressing his hope that this would be a one-time occurrence. "My brain hurts from all of this judicial talk," he muttered, his frustration palpable.
I couldn't let their jesting go unchecked. "This 'judicial' talk is based on your freedom and choices," I reminded them, crossing my arms in a gesture of seriousness. Once our meal was finished, I joined Montero in cleaning up the dining area, assisting him in sanitizing the tables and chairs. We tackled the kitchen together, ensuring every surface gleamed with cleanliness before moving on.