Alaina's POV

The sun had barely begun to rise when I left Freddy’s side.

Mercy was waiting outside the bedroom door, arms crossed, eyes sharp.

"You’re not leaving, are you?" she asked, voice tight.

I exhaled slowly. “I have to.”

She studied my face for a long moment.

Then—

"You’re going after Rafael."

It wasn’t a question.

I nodded.

Mercy let out a slow breath. "Aliana… killing someone like Rafael isn’t like taking out small-time threats."

Her ...