“No.”
His voice was firm.
Unyielding.
“Melissandre… you are the most powerful witch in this kingdom.”
A beat.
“And I need the best.”
Silence fell between them.
Heavy.
Measured.
She studied him again, deeper this time, as if trying to read beyond his words, beyond his posture, beyond the prince sitting in front of her.
Then—
She leaned forward slightly.
“Who is infected?” she asked quietly.
And for the first time—
There was something dangerous in her tone.
Something that said she already suspected the answer wouldn’t be simple.
Caleb held her gaze.
Unflinching.
And when he spoke—
His voice carried a weight that made the air in the room feel colder.
“…I suspect the entire Lycan royal household.”
A pause.
A breath.
“…myself included.”
Silence.
Absolute.
Melissandre f
