Chapter 365
Chapter 366
3rd Person’s POV
Rising
A week after Cora’s engagement, the damage it left behind did not fade with the night. It lingered. Like rot beneath polished wood, unseen yet unmistakable.
No one in Eldric’s family spoke of it anymore, but silence did nothing to erase the humiliation. It clung to the air, thick and sour, festering in every glance, every restrained breath. What should have been a triumphant union had instead become a whispered disgrace.
“That ungrateful stray ruined everything.” The thought echoed relentlessly in his mind.
Now Lunaris wolves spoke of Lylah’s devotion, her spectacle, her romance. Of the way she had claimed the night without even trying. It should have been Cora they praised.
Every word was an insult. Every mention, another twist of the blade.
For three days, Eldric endured it.
Three days of forced composure. Three days of watching his daughter move as though nothing had happened, as though the fracture in their standing did not exist. When he finally demanded an update regarding Commander Ivar, Cora’s response had been smooth.
“Commander Ivar will be visiting Lunaris for a meeting with several influential figures, Father. I will extend our thanks personally. There is no need for your involvement. You may remain at home p>
The words were respectful.
But the meaning beneath them was not.
Eldric heard it clearly-the boundary she had drawn, the access she had denied.
His temper ignited.
“She grows arrogant again,” he snarled, pacing his parlor like a caged beast. The faint shimmer of gold flickered through his eyes, his wolf pressing close to the surface. “Does she think she can handle everything with Rowan alone now p>
“Kenorth!” he barked.
His Beta appeared at once. “Yes, Alpha p>
“Arrange my attendance at Lunaris’ business gathering-the one those high-ranking wolves here are flocking to p>
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Kenorth hesitated, unease tightening his expression. “Alpha… that event is strictly by invitation. I’m not certain p>
Eldric turned.
The air shifted.
Golden eyes burned through the dim room, heavy with dominance, with warning.
“Then gold will solve it,” he said coldly. “Find whoever is responsible. Pay them. Threaten them. I don’t care.” His voice dropped, edged with something far more dangerous than anger. “I will be there p>
A slow, anticipatory smile curved Eldric’s lips.
He could already picture Cora’s face when she saw him.
Meanwhile, two days had passed since Lylah and Ezra returned from the treatment center where Damon was recovering.
Today was one of the rare days she had to herself.
Lylah remained in the penthouse, the quiet stretching comfortably around her as she divided
between studying and simple leisure. Open books and scattered notes claimed the ugh her pace was unhurried for once.
was at work.
She was alone.
The soft clatter of utensils and the gentle simmer of food filled the space as she moved through the kitchen, grounded in the familiarity of it—until the sharp chime of the doorbell cut cleanly through the calm.
A subtle shift moved through her senses, instinct brushing against the edges of awareness.
“I’m not expecting anyone…” she murmured.
She wiped her hands and stepped toward the door, her movements cautious now, her wolf stirring-alert, listening.
The moment she opened it,
Everything inside her snapped to attention.
“Tiara?!” Shock broke through Lylah’s voice.
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Her best friend stood there, but barely.
Tiara’s body swayed where she stood, her figure wrapped tightly in a coat far too heavy for the warmth of early spring. Her skin was flushed, fever burning beneath it, her breath shallow and
uneven.
“Your aunt said you went to Starfall,” Lylah rushed, stepping forward, her hands already reaching. “You lied, didn’t you? What happened p>
She never finished.
Tiara collapsed.
Her body gave out completely, folding forward like something cut loose from its tether.
“Tiara!” Lylah caught her just before she hit the ground
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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.