The rain tapped gently against the glass, a soft rhythm echoing the thoughts swirling in Aarika's mind. She sat by the window, wrapped in a knit shawl, cradling a steaming cup of chamomile tea. The city beyond was still asleep, but she wasn't. She hadn't slept all night.
She glanced at the wall clock. 5:23 a.m.
Her phone buzzed on the table. She picked it up, half-expecting another threat, another ploy. Instead, a single message from an unknown number lit the screen:
"You won't win. You're mine, Aarika. Always were."
Zayden.
She didn't react. Not outwardly. But inside, a fire smoldered.
She calmly opened her notepad and scribbled another line under "Liabilities to Eliminate."
Then she replied.
"Try me."
She put the phone down and took another sip of tea. It was still bitter, but the taste of resolve overpowered everything else.