Melody The tension in the royal chambers was thick enough to cut with a blade. Derek sat across from me, his hands folded on the table, his gaze sharp and calculating. He had just finished explaining his plan to dismantle Worden’s influence and drive the rogues into chaos. It was a good plan—bold, strategic, and exactly what we needed. I smiled slightly, leaning back in my chair. “It will work.” Derek raised an eyebrow. “You sound so sure.” I nodded. “Because I am. Aaron and Giovanni are known as Mallory's back bone and they're worth the hype," I smiled proudly. "They are the best warriors I’ve ever known." Derek nodded in agreement. Worden may have played his game well, but he underestimated who he was up against. He thinks he’s dealing with the same Mallory from years ago, but he has

