Flora

Ryker – POV

I sat alone with my drink in the night, grappling with the news Chelsea had given me. How I wished Flora were here, her guidance crucial in finding Ivan. Closing my eyes, images of Flora flooded my mind—her soft smile, her looks of concern, the way she cared. Yet, I had to keep my distance half the time because of the curse and Melina. Opening my eyes, I was harshly reminded that Melina, despite being periodically weakened by poison, was still very much alive. My anger surged at the thought of her keeping me away from my mate.

Rising, I walked to Melina's room. Her weakened state did nothing to quell her defiance. "Bastard, why don't you just kill me?" Melina hissed.

I smirked. "Remember when you begged me to kill you? Well, it seems your wish might come true."

"You don't look happy either," she observed. "Are you here to relish hearing me beg for death, to end this torture?" Melina screamed, her handcuffed hands straining in vain.

"I've come to deliver bad news. Have you