Chapter 256
Chapter 257
3rd Person’s POV
Finished
Rage burned inside Cora like live embers, searing through her veins. Hearing Professor Vale speak of Lylah with such approval felt like claws dragging across an old wound-one that had never truly healed- only to be split open again and salted without mercy.
Nothing stoked her fury more than comparison.
Especially to someone she had always dismissed as a flawed, insignificant thing.
“Just one chance,” Cora said, her voice tight. “That’s all I need. I won’t disappoint you. I will become your best student and finest Healer in the future. My name will be known across Verdanth, and you will be proud of me p>
For a brief moment, silence settled.
A flicker of pity stirred within Thane Blackridge.
He stepped closer, placing a steadying hand on her arm.
“Cora is right, Professor,” He said calmly. “She’s still new compared to the others. You haven’t seen the extent of her skills yet. She deserves a chance to prove herself p>
Vale’s expression hardened, irritation still lingering like a storm refusing to pass.
A long pause stretched between them before Vale finally exhaled.
‘One chance,” he said at last. “Fine. I will give you that. But if you fail to meet even a fraction of my expectations p>
‘I won’t.” Cora cut him off. “I will prove it,” she swore. “I won’t fall short p>
But the fire driving her resolve was not ambition. Not growth. Not even the desire to master her craft.
It was something far more dangerous.
Validation.
The need to stand above Lylah-to eclipse her completely, until her name cast no shadow at all.
And Cora would not rest until it was done.
Along corridors of the Traditional Healing wing, the air carried the faint scent of dried herbs. Two wolves moved through the dimming light-Gerald and Luca.
Luca’s steps were quick, restless with intent as he reached out and tugged lightly at Gerald’s arm. “That pup, the Blackridge heir. The one Jax saved years ago,” he said in a low voice. “He studies here too. I’ve been wanting to speak with him. Come, we should find him and tell him about Lady Lylah p>
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12:54 pm P p pp.
Chapter 257
Finished
Gerald stopped.
“No p>
The single word was firm enough to halt Luca mid-step.
“I don’t agree with your plan,” Gerald continued.
Luca frowned. “What? He should know Jax’s real daughter is here p>
“He’s not a pup anymore,” Gerald said, turning to face him fully. “Thane Blackridge is far from insignificant now. He’s the heir of Blackridge and from what Gwyn told me, one of the top students under that dipshit Vale p>
His gaze sharpened.
“If we approach him and throw Lylah’s name in his face, what do you think he’ll assume?” Gerald asked. “He’ll think we’re trying to use his influence to raise her standing here p>
Luca hesitated.
“Are you stupid? That would affect Lylah’s name among her friends as well.” Gerald added quickly. “Don’t forget our priority is to protect her-not make things harder for her p>
The truth of it settled heavily between them.
After a moment, Luca exhaled and gave a reluctant nod.
“…You’re right p>
The sun dipped low in the western sky, spilling molten amber across the academy grounds.
A chill settled into the air, laced with the crisp scent of pine and earth. As Lylah stepped beyond the gates, the evening wind brushed against her skin,
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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.