ALIYA'S POV Enough," she said, her voice commanding. "This ends now." Queen Mellisa looked at me with a mixture of pity and disappointment. "Aliya, you were always meant to be part of our family. Jayden was too foolish to see it, but I won't let that mistake continue." She turned to Jayden, her eyes narrowing. "You have one week to get yourself a mate, Jayden. Either Aliya goes with you, or I will choose for you." Jayden's face paled. "Mother, you can't be serious." "I'm very serious," Mellisa said, her voice cold. "This farce has gone on long enough. It's time for you guys to step up and take responsibility." Evan's grip on my arm tightened. "She's not your pawn to play with, Mellisa. Aliya has a choice." Queen Mellisa's gaze shifted to Evan, her expression icy. "And her choice ha