Chapter 457
Chapter 457
3rd Person’s POV
In Lunaris, dim amber light flickered across the kitchen walls as Cora stood over the stove, slowly stirring a pot of soup. Steam curled upward in pale ribbons, carrying the scent of herbs through the silent apartment.
For a brief moment, her movements paused.
Then, carefully, she uncapped a small glass vial hidden within her sleeve.
The liquid inside shimmered strangely beneath the light.
Cora glanced once toward the doorway before pouring the contents into the soup.
The scent disappeared almost instantly beneath the rich aroma of broth and spices as she stirred again, smooth and unhurried.
Her phone suddenly rang.
The sharp sound sliced through the silence.
The moment Seraphina’s name flashed across the screen, Cora answered immediately.
“Sera p>
“I can’t stay quiet any longer.” Seraphina’s voice came through clenched teeth, sharp with fury. Even through the phone, her wolf’s agitation bled through her tone like claws scraping against stone. “I need to do something to that bitch Lylah p>
Cora’s eyes narrowed slightly. “What happened p>
“A lot happened.” Seraphina let out a bitter laugh. “Since the moment we arrived, she’s been’pretending to be everyone’s little saint. Smiling softly, acting humble, making everyone worship her like a Goddess.” Her breathing sharpened. “But tonight was the worst of it p>
The sound of something shattering echoed faintly from Seraphina’s side of the call.
“She was with Jude,” Seraphina hissed. “Far too close p>
Cora stilled.
A cold sensation slid through her chest at the mention of his name.
Before everything collapsed… Jude had once been one of the ones constantly orbiting her.
Not Lylah.
“She was wearing his jacket,” Seraphina continued venomously. “Standing there beneath the moonlight smiling at him like she didn’t have a single ounce of shame. Tell me what kind of female does that if not a seductress p>
Cora’s grip around the spoon tightened unconsciously.
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Steam drifted around her face, softening nothing of the bitterness hardening inside her eyes.
“Are they truly that close?” she asked quietly.
“I’m starting to think she bewitched him.” Seraphina scoffed. “What’s even so special about her?/Why does everyone act as if she’s the only light left in the world?” Her voice turned colder. “Jude Knight was famous in Lunaris. Every female volunteer practically watches him breathe. Of course, Lylah wouldn’t miss the chance to make them jealous p>
Silence lingered briefly between them.
Then Cora finally spoke. “What are you planning to do p>
A slow smile curved across Seraphina’s lips.
“Put her back in her place,” she said softly. “What she did to me was already unforgivable.” Her wolf stirred restlessly beneath her rage. “It’s time she tasted her own medicine p>
Cora’s eyes lowered toward the soup simmering quietly before her.
“Be careful,” she warned at last. “The mentors are watching the volunteers. If you move too openly against Lylah and someone notices… it could backfire on you instead p>
Seraphina bit down her frustration.
She still hadn’t told Cora about Tessalonika’s punishment. The humiliation remained lodged inside her throat like poison she couldn’t swallow.
“… Fine,” she muttered. “I’ll handle it carefully p>
The call ended shortly afterward.
For several seconds, only the soft bubbling of the soup filled the kitchen.
Then another voice entered from the doorway.
“Luna Cora p>
Cora turned slowly.
Meredith stood there holding a folded towel, concern immediately crossing her gentle features. She was one of the Omega maids recently assigned to assist Cora-though not by Rowan’s command.
Azrel had arranged it quietly after noticing how badly her condition had deteriorated.
“You should be resting.” Merredith said softly. “Why are you cooking at this hour p>
Almost instantly, Cora’s expression softened into something fragile.
Something heartbreakingly weary.
“I just…” Her smile trembled faintly. “I wanted to prepare something for Rowan p>
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ter 457
The sight tugged at Merredith’s heart immediately.
Ever since arriving, she had only seen a neglected Luna desperately trying to hold together the remains of her broken bond.
“Is there anything I can help with?” Merredith asked gently.
Cora carefully ladled the soup into a thermal container before sealing it.
“Yes,” she said quietly, handing it over. “Could you please deliver this to Rowan’s office for me p>
Merredith accepted it without suspicion.
Behind Cora’s lowered lashes, however, something cold flickered briefly through her eyes before disappearing completely.
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15:15 Wed, Jun 10
MITA
The Betrayed Princess Rising