Chapter 327
Chapter 328
Lylah’s POV
Eldric’s hand struck with a crack that seemed to split the air itself.
A collective breath hitched across the hall. Even the subtle hum of shifting bodies stilled, as though the entire room had bowed to the sudden violence. The scent of rage rolled off him in suffocating waves, pressing down on every wolf present.
And for the first time, it was turned on his precious daughter.
“You’ve disgraced our family. The Ironcrest name,” Eldric said, his voice low but carrying the weight of a storm about to break. “When you told me you would win… that was a lie? The work your mentor praised wasn’t even yours. I have never felt shame like this for my own child. The daughter I was proud to claim… is now the very stain I have to answer for p>
“Father p>
He turned away before she could finish, already done with her.
“Don’t come after us,” Daia said as she passed Cora, her voice trembling despite its firmness. “If you want his forgiveness, you’ll earn it yourself p>
She didn’t look back.
For a moment, Orion lingered-caught between instinct and helplessness. But in the end, even he turned away, leaving his sister standing alone in the wreckage she had made.
I hadn’t moved.
The weight that had pressed against my chest for so long was gone now, leaving behind something almost unfamiliar-lightness.
I barely registered her movement before she was in front of me.
Cora slammed into me, shoving me back until my spine struck the pulpit. The impact jolted through me, but I didn’t flinch. Her scent was chaos-fear, fury, desperation-all tangled together, sharp enough to sting.
“You must be so thrilled,” she choked out, her voice fraying at the edges. “This-this is your victory, isn’t it? Watching me be torn apart.” A hollow laugh slipped out. “Why are you pretending? Go on, Lylah, celebrate. Or is hypocrisy the only thing you’re good at p>
I met her gaze steadily, unmoved by the storm she was trying to drag me into.
“I
gave you a chance to confess, Cora,” I said, my voice even, untouched by her chaos. “You chose not to take it.” I tilted my head slightly, studying her. “You placed yourself here. Why are you surprised by the outcome p>
Something in her expression fractured.
The sapphire of her eyes shimmered, catching the light like splintered glass.
1/3
Chapter 328
“Lylah… I swear I’ll kill you
“Cora p>
A hand clamped around her arm, yanking her back before she could lunge. Rowan.
His grip was firm, strength bleeding through the restraint. “Enough,” he snapped, his voice edged with frustration. “Haven’t you embarrassed ourself enough? You’re only making this worse. Let’s go p>
“R-Rowan…” The fury drained from her face, replaced by something fragile, almost childlike. “They all left me. My parents… they won’t even let me come with them p>
For a moment, something softened in his expression.
Then he exhaled, long and tired. “You can come with me p>
“You’re… still on my side p>
His jaw tightened. “Enough for now p>
And just like that, she yielded-her resistance melting away as she clung to the one person who hadn’t turned his back on her.
I watched them leave, her steps unsteady, his steadying her without a word.
Only when they disappeared beyond the doors did I realize how quiet the conference hall had become.
The tension that had once coiled through the air was gone, leaving behind a heavy, echoing stillness.
And beneath it-
Relief.
As I stepped down from the podium, the faint rustle of movement drew my attention. A familiar presence approached.
Thane Blackridge stopped in front of me, his posture straight, but there was a subtle tension in the set of his shoulders-guilt, perhaps.
“I owe you an apology,” he said quietly. “I failed in my responsibility as her senior. Because of that you suffered a loss you shouldn’t have had to endure p>
I shook my head. “Her choices are not yours to carry, Sir Blackridge. She chose deceit p>
His gaze lingered on me for a moment, something thoughtful flickering behind his eyes.
“Lady Lylah,” he said, softer now, “you are so wise.” A faint, respectful dip of his head followed. “This victory is yours by right p>
Then, after a brief pause, “Would you allow us to arrange a celebration in your honor p>
2/3
Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.