Chapter 214
Chapter 215
Lylah’s POV
Finished
Earlier on the call, Ezra had mentioned sending me a small gift. To make up for his sudden fever and his inability to be here with me he said. I had refused immediately. There was no need for it. I didn’t want to burden him over something so trivial.
And yet now, watching the grand bouquet Rowan had sent to Cora, I couldn’t help the faint, amused thought that crossed my mind.
Did males have the same instinctive timing to send their mates gifts? Or was it merely a coincidence that both Rowan and Ezra had chosen today of all days to send something?
Around Cora, Griselda and the others hadn’t stopped speculating, mocking about what kind of cheap offering my mate might send.
Strangely, I didn’t feel anger.
Only light. A quiet ease settled in my chest. More than anything, I hoped Rowan’s display was sincere- that it wasn’t meant to provoke me, to stir something I had already buried.
I see another car pulled in behind Cora’s pickup.
A sleek sedan this time. Then the driver stepped out, carrying a box in both hands, and made his way across the arena-straight toward me.
I rose slowly to my
feet.
“Lady Lylah,” he greeted with a respectful nod.
“Yes, it’s me,” I confirmed.
“I was asked to deliver this to you,” he said, holding out the box. “A gift p>
“And from p>
“Riven p>
The name made something warm flicker in my chest.
Riven.
The name Ezra had used on the Mate-Market when fate quietly wove our paths together. Back then, I had been completely unaware of who he truly was. The stranger I spoke to so easily, the male I would bind my life to, the one I would find again beneath Lunaris skies.
Ezra… and all his quiet, unexpected ways.
A soft smile curved on my lips.
“Please open it,” I said softly.
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Chapter 215
9 Finished
“Of course, Lady p>
He untied the simple white ribbon, and the sides of the black box folded open.
A faint curl of smoke drifted upward-soft, pale, almost ethereal.
Gasps and murmurs rose around me.
“What did her mate send p>
“A cake, obviously. That smoke was such a common, old trick to reveal that. Nothing special p>
The whispers grew louder, laced with poorly concealed amusement.
But as the mist slowly cleared…
I saw it.
A single rose.
Not ordinary-nothing close to it. Its petals shimmered in rich hues, like the first light of dawn spilling across the sky-soft peach melting into blush, kissed with warmth that seemed almost alive.
My breath caught.
It was so beautiful.
And for a moment, all I could do was smile, something in my chest tightening quietly at the thought behind it.
Then, Laughter broke through.
“Lylah, what exactly is that?” Griselda’s voice rang out, smooth and lilting, yet laced with unmistakable scorn. “A joke? Your mate has a rather cruel way of amusing himself, humiliating you before the entire Blackfang pack p>
“At the very least, he could have sent a proper bouquet,” another chimed in lightly. “Not a lone stem plucked from some forest thicket p>
Griselda’s lips curved, “Look at what Alpha Rowan has given Lady Cora. That is how a mate honors the she-wolf he truly cherishes p>
She pause.
Then, softer. Colder.
“Unless, he doesn’t.” Her gaze flickered with quiet malice. “Tell me, Lylah, what does he truly see when he looks at you? Some foolish pup who’ll beam with happiness over a worthless little flower p>
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The Betrayed Princess Rising
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.