Chapter 340
Chapter 341
3rd Person’s POV
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74
The next morning crept in with the first breath of spring, though winter still clung stubbornly to Lunaris’ air, threading the wind with a lingering chill. Inside the quiet warmth of the penthouse kitchen, Lylah stood by the counter, a cup of coffee cradled between her hands, its heat barely enough to chase away the cold beneath her skin.
Her laptop glowed softly before her. Two familiar figures filled the screen-Tiara, sprawled lazily across her bed, and Iris, seated upright.
“I missed everything now. I shouldn’t have come back to Blackfang so soon,” Tiara groaned, though the gleam in her eyes betrayed her excitement. “Do you know how long I’ve been waiting to see the day of Cora’s downfall? In front of everyone? Finally, she can’t hide that rot anymore p>
Lylah’s grip tightened slightly around her cup, the faintest stir of her wolf rippling beneath her
ribs.
“I heard something too,” Iris added, her voice quieter, measured. “Professor Vale expelled her. That kind of setback could destroy her future career in the healing field p>
“Good,” Tiara muttered, rolling onto her side. “And if you knew even half of what that woman has done to our Lylah…” Her voice dropped, edged with something darker. “You’d be wishing far worse on Cora p>
Lylah’s wolf shifted uneasily.
“I just hope that stupid Rowan doesn’t run to her rescue this time,” Tiara continued. “Let her struggle for once. Let her learn what it means to stand without her father’s power behind her p>
“Right,” Iris said, though her attention flickered toward something off-screen. A knock echoed faintly through her microphone. “That must be my brother. I have to go p>
She offered a brief wave before her screen went dark, leaving only Tiara behind.
The sudden quiet felt heavier than it should have.
Lylah hesitated, a quiet ache tightening in her chest. She missed her so much, and a part of her longed to stay, to linger in the warmth of Tiara’s voice just a little longer.
But her assignment had been open for over an hour now, waiting.
“Tiara p>
“What?” Tiara groaned dramatically, throwing an arm over her eyes. “Don’t tell me you’re leaving me too. I might actually die of boredom p>
Despite herself, Lylah smiled faintly.
“How is your nana?” she asked softly. “I’m sorry I haven’t visited p>
Tiara’s expression softened, the sharp edges melting away. “She’s doing much better now. My uncle and aunt just got back from Starfall too, so the house feels alive again.” She grinned. “They asked about you too p>
Lylah’s chest warmed, something fragile flickering there.
“I told them you’ve found your mate,” Tiara continued. “Someone with far better standing and a far better heart than Rowan Blackfang p>
She let out a soft laugh, eyes glinting with satisfaction. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen them this happy before p>
Lylah let out a quiet breath.
“They’ve been celebrating it every night,” Tiara added. “Toasting to you at dinner like it’s some grand victory p>
That fragile warmth deepened, blooming into something softer.
A real smile touched Lylah’s lips.
If she ever allowed herself to imagine what a true family looked like-what it felt like-her mind always wandered to Tiara’s home. Not the cold, calculated structure Eldric and Daia had built around her. Not the suffocating expectations or carefully measured affection.
Tiara’s family was something else entirely.
Alive.
Whole.
Lylah could still remember the first night she had stepped into that house. The way laughter had filled every corner. The way voices overlapped without restraint. The way affection moved freely, without fear or condition. It had overwhelmed her.
There had been no hierarchy to navigate. No careful steps to take. No silent rules to follow.
Only warmth.
Only belonging.
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And for the first time in her life, Lylah hadn’t known where to stand-who to defer to-because there had been no need for it.
Only love.
Lylah lowered her gaze to the coffee in her hands, watching the faint steam curl upward before fading into nothing.
She had wanted that.
More than she had ever allowed herself to admit.
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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.