AT THE SAME TIME
MICHAEL'S POINT OF VIEW:
The forest air was thick with dew, birdsong threading through the early sunlight. Vanessa walked just ahead of me, her stride purposeful, boots crunching softly against the pine needles. Beside her, Rosalie strolled with her usual calm grace, but there was something different about her. Calculating. Quietly bold.
"Rosalie." Vanessa suddenly said, her voice clipped. "You're not the main lead anymore. What exactly are you planning to do?"
Rosalie didn't pause or flinch. Her lips curved into the faintest smile.
"Wouldn't you like to know?"She asked.
"I would." Vanessa snapped, turning to glare. "You've been slinking around with that 'mysterious smile' of yours, like you're still ten steps ahead. The system shifted. Isabella's the center now. Not you."
Rosalie brushed back her platinum braid lazily, meeting her gaze.
"Being the center doesn't mean I'm out of the game. I've got… alternative routes."Rosalie said.
