Chapter 26

Seris’s POV

I didn’t know whether to panic or stay frozen when I finally made out the blurry shape of Ronan pinning an unfamiliar old man against the wall. My head was heavy, my vision clouded by a thick fog. Their voices blended into an indistinct hum, and my heart pounded in my ears. I squeezed my eyes shut, fought to clear my head, then opened them again. Gathering what little strength I had, I tried to sit up, pressing against the mattress with trembling arms. My effort failed—my limbs gave out, and I collapsed back with a soft thud.

Defeated, I lay still and strained to catch enough of their muffled conversation.

“How dare you, Eldric?!” Ronan’s voice was a low roar. His hand tightened around the older man’s neck, and the man gasped for air.

“It was only a joke,” Eldric wheezed, each word a struggle. “Please—forgive me.”

Ronan’s grip grew firmer. “Why the hell did you tell me she was dead? I could end you right now!”

“I don’t think tha