Aliana’s POV

The sun warmed my skin, a scarce solace in a world that seemed ever more frigid.

After several days, I finally found myself alone.

Freddy departed that morning with Desmond, while Mercy went to the store with Kyle. Usually, at least one of them would have been present, but for the first time in ages, I was entirely by myself.

No security personnel lingering close by.

I exhaled slowly, extending my legs ahead of me while seated on the bench in the garden, the ...