Ryder’s POV
The tension in the air crackled like electricity as I faced Morgan, his malevolence palpable and infectiously threatening. Still crouched over the king, Abbie was a mixture of shock and panic, her wide, terrified eyes flickering between Morgan and me as though we were two storms about to collide.
“Why did you let her go?” I demanded, stepping forward, my heart pounding as adrenaline surged. “What if she—”
“Don’t you get it, Ryder?” Morgan cut me off, voice low and dripping with contempt. “Eliza is a distraction. She’s nothing but a pawn in this game—one I can sacrifice if it means achieving my true goal. I’ve wasted enough time tiptoeing around her precious royal status. It’s time to show everyone who truly commands the power in this realm.”
I clenched my fists, anger flari
