Melrose POV:
"Chrystal," I said with a sad smile, "That's not how this works. I appreciate you sharing your ‘truth’—or your version of it—but I don't owe you anything, and I have to go." I stepped towards the door, but she blocked it, her gaze fixed on me, and an irritating small smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
"Is the prince your mate?" she asked, brushing aside my words like they were nothing. My heart raced wildly as her eyes bored into mine, leaving me tongue-tied.
"What?" I snapped, my voice sharper than intended, panic rising as I realized my heartbeat was pounding so loudly it felt like it was echoing in the room. Did I have a sign on my back flashing that I was Soren's mate? I shook my head vigorously, desperation creeping into my tone as I tried to sound offended by
