Elena's POV.

　　As we walked out of the classroom, I felt a mix of emotions: relief that the tense class was over, gratitude towards Mercy for standing up for me, and excitement for the training session ahead.

　　"Thanks," I whispered to Mercy, squeezing her hand.

　　She smiled and nudged my shoulder. "It's nothing, really. You know I've got your back."

　　I shook my head, feeling a lump form in my throat. "It means a lot, Mercy. You're a true ...