Chapter 320
Chapter 321
3rd Person’s POV
VPH
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Finished
Back inside the conference hall, a predatory anticipation pulsed through the air. Wolves filled the space-some seated, some standing-but none relaxed. Low murmurs wove through the hall as students and mentors fed the rising tension. This no longer felt like a mere academic assembly; it had taken on a primal edge.
Cora sat with Rowan at her side, Eldric behind her, while Daia and Orion stood close enough that their presence formed a shield. A united front. A display of strength.
Across the hall, Professor Grimwood watched them.
A calculating gleam settled beneath his heavy lids, and his lips curved into a thin, mocking smile.
“Some wolves truly savor the spectacle, don’t they?” he murmured, his tone light, almost playful, as if the words carried no real weight. “Bringing an entire family to witness a victory that hasn’t yet been claimed… I wonder, if fate turns, will they leave with pride, or the sting of a failed hunt p>
A passing cleaner offered a polite nod, but Grimwood had already aimed his words where they would land.
Corvin Vale turned sharply, pale grey eyes flashing with irritation. “Save your bitterness for someone who deserves it, Grimwood. Cora’s family crossed from Ironcrest to see her claim what’s hers. Or does the idea of a cherished daughter trouble you p>
His words did more than defend, they struck.
Grimwood let out a low, unbothered chuckle. “Ah, Vale… you always sound so certain.” His gaze flicked toward Cora. “But certainty can be dangerous. After all, we still await the final call p>
“Because who else could take it?” Vale’s eyes gleamed with arrogance, his confidence unshaken. “If not my student Thane? If not Cora? Do you truly believe the judges would hand such a title to some stray p>
The doors slammed open, the sharp crack cutting through the hall and silencing every voice.
Andrei of Blackmaw stepped inside.
As head judge, the one who would decide and declare the victor, his presence alone carried the weight of law.
Every wolf took their seat.
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Chapter 321
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Eldric leaned slightly toward Cora, his voice low but edged with curiosity. “That old wolf I saw speaking with your mentor, does he mentor Lylah p>
Cora nodded. “Yes. Professor Clark Grimwood. One of the few who has mastered both modern and traditional healing arts p>
Eldric’s expression darkened as something primal and territorial stirred beneath his composure. “So she never gave up. She still chose this path to become a healer. Ambitious enough to rise and stand against you p>
On the podium, Andrei raised a hand.
Silence fell instantly-absolute and suffocating.
“I thank you all for your patience,” he began, his voice steady as it carried through the hall. “We have completed the final assessments. As in previous years, we will award two distinctions; the honorable mention and the first rank p>
Eldric’s eyes gleamed with certainty. Pride had already settled into his posture, as though he had long accepted the outcome.
Beside him, Cora adjusted a strand of her hair and smoothed the fabric of her dress, anticipating the moment they would call her name-the moment she would rise.
“The honorable mention is…” Andrei paused, tightening the tension. “Thane Blackridge, of the Modern Healing Class p>
Applause erupted almost instantly, as if his name had long become synonymous with victory.
“And the first rank p>
The entire hall drew a single breath.
Time thinned to a fragile filament, stretched taut between hope and the brink of breaking.
“Stand.” Eldric leaned forward. “Go. You already know this victory belongs to you p>
“Go on, my dear,” Daia said gently, warmth lacing every word like sunlight through silk. “Walk to the podium. Everyone is already waiting for you to take your place p>
Cora rose.
But before she could take a single step, Andrei’s voice cut cleanly through the air.
“The first rank goes to Lady Lylah of the Traditional Healing Class p>
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Chapter 321
For a heartbeat, the world stilled.
Then it shattered.
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Eldric’s smile cracked-then broke completely, the certainty he wore like armor splintering at its core, undone by a name no one had been willing to consider.
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