Chapter 98: Sacred Bonds
(Charlotte's POV)
I tried to ignore the tightness in my chest as I watched Crystal interact with Gabriel. She had an ease about her, a natural charm that I admired yet couldn’t fully understand. Despite everything, I couldn’t bring myself to dislike her. She reminded me too much of someone I’d once wanted to be—carefree, confident, utterly sure of herself.
The realization hit me hard—I liked Crystal. Maybe it was because of her connection to Alexander. Maybe it was because her affection for him was genuine, without pretense. And maybe, deep down, I envied her for the life she seemed to navigate so effortlessly.
I glanced at Alexander beside me, his electric blue eyes fixed straight ahead, though his clenched jaw and the faint edge in his scent betrayed his
