Chapter 55
3rd Person’s POV
Finished
“He just…” Heat of humiliation burned across Cora’s cheeks. Her mind scrambled for something to cover the wound to her pride.
“He just had something important to handle,” she said quickly, forcing a soft laugh. “But don’t worry, Alpha Rowan will be staying in Lunaris with me p>
Alexander’s shoulders relaxed. “Ah. I’m relieved to hear that p>
Cora nodded, then smoothly steered the conversation away before he could pry further into the incident that had already scraped raw at her dignity.
“Come on, Alex,” she said brightly. “Please show me our classroom and the laboratory. I heard the facilities here are the most advanced in all of Verdanth p>
“Of course. This way p>
They walked together through the halls.
Cora kept her smile fixed in place, responding warmly to everything Alexander said, even though the small talk bored her. First impressions mattered. If she wanted to rule this place socially, she had to be flawless.
She had learned that lesson long ago.
Coming home from school with claw marks across her skin had taught her how cruelty worked–and how to survive it. From that pain, she had learned something far more valuable: how to control people, how to guide their emotions, how to make them see only what she wanted them to see.
It worked.
Alexander looked more and more pleased, clearly taken by her attention.
“I’ll tell the others you prefer sitting near the window,” he offered eagerly. “You can look out over the lake if lectures get boring p>
“Thank you, Alex, ” Cora said sweetly. “I already know doing something like that is nothing for you
Praise inflated him instantly.
But then Alexander’s expression shifted. His smile faded, irritation darkening his features as the morning’s events resurfaced in his mind.
“I could’ve done even more for you,” he muttered. “I had your supplies and your laptop lined up, but that screwed new assistant ruined it all p>
Cora tilted her head, keeping her voice gentle. “What do you mean? Is everything alright p>
“Just a small disturbance,” Alexander said with a huff. “Some random assistant from the Traditional
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Chapter 55
Healing department interfered. Refused to hand over the supplies I was supposed to give you p>
Cora’s hand came to rest lightly on his shoulder in a comforting gesture.
“I got her name,” he added. “Lylah p>
For half a second, Cora froze.
Her anger coiled sharp and hot in her chest.
Finished
So Lylah had already moved. Stirring Rowan’s fury on the lawn hadn’t been enough–she was interfering with her resources too?
Of course, she would.
Deep down, Cora had always known Lylah would never sit quietly and accept being beneath her. Even after failing to become Professor Corvin’s student, Lylah would still find a way to rise.
And some treacherous voice in Cora’s mind whispered that she just might succeed.
Cora would not allow that.
“So it was Lylah…” Cora’s voice wavered, turning fragile. “I–I thought she had already accepted it. I didn’t realize she was still angry with me p>
Alexander frowned. “Wait. You two know each other? ”
The hook had sunk in perfectly.
Cora lowered her gaze, hiding her satisfaction.
“Yes,” she said softly. “We’re sisters p>
“What? Sisters p>
“Lylah is my parents‘ adopted daughter,” Cora explained. And then she began to tell her version of the
story.
By the time she finished, Alexander’s eyes were burning with indignation.
“That shameless little leech!” he snarled. “She paraded around like Ironcrest’s precious princess while you suffered and then she had the nerve to fail the Vale trials and blame you for it? She deserves to be put in her place p>
“ I’ve already forgiven Lylah,” Cora said, dabbing at her eyes.
Alexander’s anger softened instantly. “Cora… you’re too kind for someone like het p>
“I still consider her my sister, Alex,” Cora said gently, her voice heartbreakingly sincere. “I never wanted rivalry between us. All I want is peace, and to finish my studies without trouble. That’s all p>
“Oh, Cora.” Alexander reached out and wiped away her tears. “I’ll always be on your side. I won’t let anyone make things difficult for you here p>
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Chapter 55
Cora lowered her lashes, letting another tear fall.
She looked small. Fragile. Breakable.
An innocent, wounded lamb in a den of wolves.
The one they mistook for prey.
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Finished
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.