Alexander's POV

Dawn breaks cold and gray. I stand outside the guest room door. My hand raised to knock. Then I lower it.

Knocking would give her the chance to tell me to go away. To ignore me. To reject me again.

I don't need permission to speak. She can choose whether to listen.

"Brittany." My voice is low. Steady. "I'm leaving now. Going to find Rachel. To end this."

Silence. No movement inside.

"This ...