Chapter 22
3rd Person’s POV
Finishe
Rowan brought Lylah to one of the most exclusive boutiques in Blackfang Pack–the kind that catered only to Alphas, royals, and those who ruled by power. The glass facade gleamed like a challenge, its interior scented with rare florals and silk.
“I don’t need more clothes,” Lylah protested quietly.
Rowan didn’t slow.
His hand remained firm at the small of her back, “You do tonight p>
The doors opened instantly, attendants bowing at the sight of the Alpha.
Inside stood Gavriel and Rosella.
Gavriel blinked in surprise. “Alpha? Why bring Lylah here p>
“Because she requires a gown for the main event,” Rowan replied, calm and final.
“A gown?” Rosella echoed, exchanging a puzzled glance with Gavriel. “She’ll be attending p>
Neither of them had expected Rowan to deem Lylah worth including.
“Lylah is an integral part of Corlis Prime’s rise,” Rowan said evenly. “Of course she will attend
The shift in the room was subtle but unmistakable. Gavriel and Rosella’s expressions tightened- displeasure flickering beneath carefully trained neutrality. Beneath it, Lylah sensed something else: unease. The kind that preceded a truth she already suspected.
The dressing room door opened.
Cora stepped out.
She wore a silk mermaid–cut gown, its hue perfectly matched to Rowan’s suit.
“Alpha Rowan,” She said sweetly, “do I look-
Her voice faltered when she noticed Lylah.
“Lylah?” Cora’s smile cracked, “What are you doing here p>
Rowan’s arm tightened around Lylah’s waist, possessive, instinctive. “She’ll be attending as well, Cora
The words struck like a blow.
“W–what?” Cora stared, disbelief written across her face.
If Lylah attended, every carefully crafted moment Cora had planned–every opportunity to stand beside Rowan, to be seen as his official partner–would vanish. Rowan’s attention would inevitably gravitate
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6:13 pm 04 04 A.
Chapter 22
toward Lylah.
Cora’s nails dug into her palm, her wolf snarling beneath her skin.
Finishe
“Give her the finest gown you have,” Rowan instructed the Pack’s chief stylist who worked at the boutique ‘One that complements my suit p>
‘Yes, Alpha p>
Before Lylah could protest, the stylist guided her forward. The dressing room doors closed, swallowing ner whole.
Cora’s composure was shattered.
The boutique hummed with whispers now, eyes following Rowan, then drifting back to her. Cora heard
very word with painful clarity.
‘Did you see that? Alpha Rowan brought another woman again p>
“That’s Lylah. She’s his true partner, not Lady Cora p>
“Then why does Lady Cora cling to Alpha Rowan so openly? Aren’t they sisters? Has she no shame p>
Each word burned into her ears like silver.
Cora wanted to scream. To rip the door open and drag Lylah out by her hair.
‘Lady Cora,” Gavriel murmured, stepping closer while Rowan’s attention was elsewhere. “Lylah has been outting on an act lately, this is just another attempt to secure Alpha Rowan’s attention. Control yourself. here is no reason to feel threatened p>
Cora forced a smile, smooth and practiced. “Of course, Beta Gavriel. I understand her little game p>
But resentment festered deep in her chest, dark and corrosive.
Cora remembered when alliances had to be forged in Ironcrest. She was the one who remained at Rowan’s side, staying close, anticipating his needs, offering help in every form it took.
When exhaustion weighed on him, she eased it away with skilled hands. And when duty pulled Rowan beyond Blackfang’s borders and Lylah could not follow, it was Cora he summoned to accompany him.
Lylah knew none of them.
The closeness between Rowan and Cora had not formed overnight.
‘She thinks she’s the only one who’s ever mattered to him: Cora seethed. How naive
Her eyes slid to Gavriel, her tone gentle. “Beta Gavriel, Lylah has little experience with gatherings of this stature. Would you escort Alpha Rowan outside? I’ll see to Lylah’s preparations”
Beneath the smile, her intentions were anything but kind.
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4:13 pm MM
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.