Chapter 379
Chapter 380
3rd Person’s POV
Only a few days remained before Lunaris’ annual business venture, yet Eldric still had not secured an accesss. The failure had poisoned the atmosphere inside his temporary residence in Lunaris.
Just yesterday, his rage had torn through the parlor like a storm unleashed. Splintered wood still littered the corners of the room, the scent of shattered cedar and lingering rage thick in the air. Servants moved quietly now, careful not to provoke the Alpha whose temper had been balancing on the edge of violence for days.
Which was why Daia found herself staring at her mate in disbelief this morning.
Eldric stood near the tall arched windows, hands clasped behind his back, smiling far too calmly for a man who had nearly reduced the manor to rubble the night before.
“We’re attending the venture,” he announced smoothly. “All three of us. Me, you, and Orion p>
Daia’s brows immediately pulled together.
“That’s so sudden. You didn’t do anything reckless to secure those invitations, did you?” she asked carefully. “Nothing that could endanger Ironcrest or our family p>
“Reckless?” Eldric scoffed lightly before stepping closer. “Daia, your imagination is worse than your nerves.” A smug glint flashed through his eyes. “An old acquaintance helped me Gamma Fenrir of Blackfang p>
At that, both Daia and Orion frowned.
“Fenrir?” Daia repeated slowly. “I don’t remember meeting anyone by that name p>
“You did. A long time ago.” Eldric said dismissively. “Do you remember when Cora gave that speech at Blackfang College? And Lylah humiliated her in front of everyone by accusing her of stealing it? Afterward,” Eldric continued, “I had to spend the entire evening entertaining Blackfang officials just to repair the damage done to Ironcrest’s reputation p>
Recognition finally crossed Daia’s face.
“Fenrir was there that night,” Eldric said with a sharp clap of his hands, satisfaction flickering through his pale blue eyes.
Daia still looked unconvinced. “And now he suddenly decides to help you p>
“Because things have changed.” Eldric’s smile sharpened. “Fenrir is currently in Lunaris too. He’s seen exactly how far Cora has climbed p>
Pride and greed bled together in his scent.
“Engaged to Rowan Blackfang. Surrounded by influential figures. Favored by the elites of Lamaris and many Packs.” His eyes gleamed dangerously. “And then I mentioned her… special connection to Commander Ivar p>
Eldric gave a low chuckle.
“Fenrir has apparently admired Ivar for years. The fool nearly lost his composure when he learned Cora was
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Chapter 380
close to him p>
Daia’s expression slowly paled.
A warning instinct rippled through her wolf. “What exactly did you tell him p>
Eldric waved a hand lazily. “Nothing complicated. I simply told him to visit Commander Ivar and introduce himself as Cora’s trusted family friend.” His grin widened. “I said Ivar adores our girl enough to welcome anyone connected to her. Fenrir gets his meeting…” His eyes flashed with satisfaction. “And in return, he secured our invitations to the venture p>
Silence fell.
Heavy.
Uncomfortable.
Then Orion finally spoke.
“You used Cora’s name without telling her again, father,” he said quietly. “She’ll be furious if she finds out p>
Daia stepped forward at once, anxiety tightening her voice.
“This was reckless, Eldric.” Her fingers curled against her skirts. “You don’t even know where things stand between Cora and Commander Ivar anymore. If something goes wrong-
“And whose fault would that be?” Eldric snapped.
The force of his Alpha aura slammed through the room hard enough to rattle the glasses on the nearby table.
Daia stiffened instinctively.
“If Cora had stopped shutting me out,” he growled, eyes beginning to glow golden beneath the surface, “I wouldn’t have needed to use her name behind her back! She rises higher and higher only to hoard everything for herself. For Rowan. For Blackfang.” His lip curled faintly. “As though she’s forgotten who her true family is p>
The last word came out almost like a snarl.
Then, without another glance toward either of them, Eldric stormed from the parlor.
The heavy doors slammed behind him with enough force to shake the walls.
Daia exhaled slowly, one trembling hand pressing against her chest.
“Your father and your sister…” she murmured, worry shadowing her expression. “Their relationship has grown colder with every passing day.” Her gaze drifted toward the doors Eldric had disappeared through. “I only hope his decision this time doesn’t bring more trouble upon Cora or us p>
Orion remained silent for a moment.
“I hope so too,” he said at last, though uncertainty weighed heavily behind the words.
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11:44 Tue, May 12
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.