Chapter 26: Growing Doubts
(Rhysand's POV)
The click of Melanie's heels fades as she retreats in the direction of the Institute gates. She tries to maintain her regal bearing but doesn’t dare turn back, knowing that retreat is her only option after the display of power she just witnessed.
Still, her last scowl, sharp and full of venom, lingers in my mind. My shadows follow her departure, an instinctive act I don’t bother to suppress. Trusting her to leave without scheming feels unwise. Melanie doesn’t lose gracefully, and today she’s walked away twice-defeated—once by Seraphina’s wolves, and another by Elara refusing to cower.
But my focus doesn’t remain on Melanie for long.
Instead, my attention shifts back to Seraphina. She’s standing far too close to Elara, her arm looped snug
