DANTE

I wake at 4 AM, Aria still asleep against my chest, her breathing deep and even. The events of yesterday replay in my mind—the video, the threats, the conspiracy unfolding around us.

They think they're hunting her.

They have no idea what's coming.

I slip out of bed carefully, pulling on pants and a shirt. In my study, I find Viktor already there, surrounded by monitors and files. He doesn't look surprised to see me.

"You don't sleep either," I observe.

"Not when Mrs. Ashford's ...