Aliana’s POV

I positioned myself at the entryway of the mansion, my fingers clutching the strap of my bag, the brisk morning air refreshing on my skin. It remained peaceful—too early for the majority of Freddy’s crew to be awake.

However, Mercy was already alert.

She consistently was.

She stood beside me, arms folded, her piercing gaze examining my face as if she could decipher every thought swirling in my head.

"Are you certain about this?" she inquired, her tone more gentle than normal.

I nodded, despite a slight twist in my stomach. "I have to carry this out, Mercy."

She exhaled, shaking her head. "You claim that, but I...