Alyssane couldn't help but notice how cold Rhys seemed. There was an iciness in his eyes that went beyond disdain. She wondered if it was grief hidden behind that hard gaze, but it didn't matter. His feelings weren't her concern.
"That's not enough," Rhys said, his voice barely louder than a whisper. Without looking away from her, he gave a curt nod to Raphael. "Leave us."
The captain's eyes lingered on her for a moment, sharp and calculating, but he obeyed without a word, disappearing into the shadows.
Alyssane stiffened. She became uncomfortably aware of the empty space surrounding them, of the way Rhys's presence felt different from before. Alone, she forced herself to remain composed, even as her instincts told her to be on guard.
"You must understand by now," Rhys said, his tone cold but flat, "that I find you hateful."
