Melrose POV:
"Wait, Melrose," Chrystal said, grasping my wrist, her grip unyielding. "Please, can I talk to you?"
I instantly yanked my hand away; Ahknoxi was screaming at the thought of conversing with her—she was the last person I wanted near me. I was a boiling pot of raw emotions, anger surging through me like fire, and I refused to let Ahknoxi harness that fury to manipulate me.
"Chrystal now is not the time for this! We have nothing to sort out!" I stared at her and tried to move past her, but she blocked me.
"Melrose, please. I'm not here to defend myself—I just want to know if you're okay!" she begged, fueling my anger. Ahknoxi, who was lingering close by, watched the drama, bathing in my rage, as she instigated, per usual. "She's not here to check on your wellbeing, Melrose
