There were very few things that could truly annoy Rose.
But when something did… it always went too far.
Riley… is doubting me?
Because of this girl?
Her golden eyes darkened as they settled on Stacia's trembling figure.
The girl was still coughing, still struggling just to stay conscious under the weight of Rose's mana.
Me?
The one he trusted the most?
The pressure around Stacia thickened, growing heavier by the second.
Riley had never said it outright.
He never needed to.
To Rose—young, foolish, and hopelessly in love—his quiet confidence had always been more than enough.
The way he stood beside her.
The way he never interfered.
The way he always looked at her like the outcome was already decided.
It's Rose. It's fine.
Rose can handle it.
There's no one else but Rose.
That was how it had always been.
Not once had Riley ever doubted her.
Not in battle.
Not in judgment.
Not in power.
He trusted her.
So why now?
Why did his voice waver?
