From a distance, Zyren and the others watched in stunned silence.
They had always known Melly had a sharp tongue, always quick to challenge them when they pushed her. But this?
This was different.
She didn't just talk back. She commanded. She dominated. She won.
Zyren leaned against a stone railing, his dark crimson eyes narrowing as he watched Kulture storm off, her pride shattered. "Well, well… I never thought I'd see the day a vampire was forced to bow."
Ezra, who had been standing beside him, let out a low whistle. "And by a sorceress, no less."
The others murmured in agreement, exchanging wary glances.
For years, they had viewed Melly as just another human entangled in Arkins' world—perhaps a little more dangerous, a little more defiant, but still mortal.
But now?
Now they realized she was something else entirely.
"She didn't even hesitate," one of the younger vampires muttered. "The way she moved, the way she wielded her magic… she could have killed Kulture if she wanted to."
Zyren chuckled, amused. "Exactly. And she didn't." He pushed off the railing and crossed his arms. "Which means she's not just strong. She's in control."
Ezra tilted his head. "But for how long?"
They all glanced at Melly, who stood with her back straight, shoulders squared, walking away from Arkins as if she hadn't just humiliated one of the most prideful vampires in their clan.
Arkins, on the other hand, looked conflicted—impressed, yet frustrated.
Ezra smirked. "Looks like our dear brother just realized he's not the strongest one in this relationship."
Zyren huffed a laugh. "Oh, he realized that a long time ago. He just didn't want to admit it."
The group fell into silence, watching as Melly disappeared down the corridor, her presence still lingering in the air like static electricity.
Zyren's eyes gleamed with interest.
Maybe it was time they stopped underestimating the little sorceress.
Arkins caught up with Melly just as she reached the far end of the corridor.
"Melly." His voice was firm but cautious.
She didn't stop walking. "What?"
Arkins exhaled, stepping in front of her to block her path. His golden eyes searched hers, frustration and something deeper flickering within them. "You didn't have to do that."
Melly scoffed. "Oh, I had to. Or would you rather I let Kulture walk all over me?"
Arkins sighed, rubbing a hand through his dark hair. "No. But you didn't need to prove anything to them."
Melly's jaw tightened. "They act like I'm nothing, Arkins. Like I'm just some weak human they can shove around." She took a step closer, her voice colder now. "I let them think that for too long. That stops today."
He studied her for a long moment. "You enjoyed it."
Melly hesitated. "What?"
Arkins tilted his head, a slow smirk creeping onto his lips. "Putting Kulture in her place. Watching the fear in her eyes. You enjoyed it, didn't you?"
Melly swallowed. She wanted to deny it, but deep down, she knew he was right.
For the first time, she had made them afraid of her. And it had felt good.
Arkins stepped closer, lowering his voice. "That's dangerous, Melly."
She met his gaze, unyielding. "So what if it is? Maybe I should be dangerous."
Arkins studied her, something dark flashing behind his golden eyes. "Be careful, Melly. Power like yours… it changes people."
Melly's lips curled into a smirk of her own. "Maybe I'm already changed."
Arkins stared at her, his smirk fading.
For the first time since he met her, he wasn't sure if he was the dangerous one in this relationship anymore.
And that realization sent a shiver down his spine.
Arkins' jaw tightened as Melly's words hung between them like an unspoken challenge.
"You're acting like you're mad at me," Melly said, crossing her arms. "Why? Because I put Kulture in her place?"
Arkins exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "It's not that, Melly. It's—"
"It's what?" she pressed, stepping closer. "Because if Morganna shows her face again, I promise you, she'll be put in her place too."
Arkins' eyes darkened. "Melly—"
"No." Her voice was sharp. "I'm not going to stand around and let these vampires treat me like I'm beneath them. I won't."
Arkins clenched his fists. "You're walking a dangerous path."
Melly's lips curled into a smirk. "Funny. So are you."
Silence stretched between them.
Arkins studied her, trying to find the girl he first met—the girl who had once been afraid of her own power. But that girl was gone.
In her place stood someone stronger. Fiercer. Someone who had tasted control and wasn't willing to let it go.
"You've changed," he murmured.
Melly tilted her head. "And you haven't?"
Arkins exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I just don't want you to become something you're not."
Melly scoffed. "And what exactly am I, Arkins?"
He hesitated. "You're still you."
Melly shook her head. "No, Arkins. I'm what they made me. And now, they're going to learn what that really means."
Arkins held her gaze for a long moment before sighing. He didn't know whether to be impressed or afraid.
Maybe both.