Cecilia knew the ways a beast could mark their mate.
It was through physical connection. Sharing a bed, sex, even just prolonged, casual touch. As a human, she couldn't discern the unique signature of a beast's scent, but the general, possessive musk was sometimes unmistakable.
"Lord Oathran… but…" Cecilia's voice was small, her eyes widening with a dawning suspicion. "I'm a virgin. And Arzhen… he never touched me. Not even to hold my hand."
Oathran immediately frowned deeply, a troubled line forming between his brows. "What?"
The man's eyes went completely blank, his mind racing to process an impossible contradiction.
CRACKLE—
The sharp sound snapped Cecilia from her shock. She hadn't even realized the stone wall behind her was splintering under the pressure of Oathran's clenching fist. Her own pupils shook, her face draining of all color. "I-if you smell his scent on me… c-could it be… when I wasn't aware… did he…"
