Chapter 72
Chapter 72
Lylah’s POV
Finished
“Ah, I am nothing but a poor, insignificant man, Lylah,” Vargan said quietly. “If becoming her target means keeping you safe, then so be it p>
“Don’t say that.” I turned to him, my voice firm. I would not let Cora’s venom take root in his heart. “No wolf is lower than another. Selene did not create ranks to strip us of worth. She created us as equals. ”
He hesitated. “Even someone like me? With nothing to offer? ”
“Yes.” I held his gaze. “Do not ever look down on yourself. Promise me that p>
A faint smile tugged at his lips. “I promise p>
This old man… his clothes were worn, his smile humble, yet his eyes told a different story. They were ancient. Clear. Powerful. As if centuries of secrets and strength lay quietly behind them.
“You should call your mate,” Vargan said gently. “He needs to know what happened today p>
“I don’t think that’s necessary.” I shook my head. “My mate is busy p>
Vargan tilted his head, “Busy enough that he would not help you? What kind of man allows his mate to face trouble alone? He’s such a jerk p>
“No. He isn’t,” I said too quickly. “He’s kind, considerate, gentleman. But his work in tech keeps him occupied. He gets lost in it sometimes. And besides, I don’t want to burden him with something so small p>
Vargan’s jaw dropped slightly. “Considerate, you say p>
I frowned.
He blinked, recovering himself. “Ah–of course. I understand. I have seen many engineers in Lunaris like that. They spend most of their lives buried in their work, creating things far beyond my understanding p>
I smiled faintly, memories surfacing of the first time, I met Bambi–how Alpha Ezra’s brilliance had both fascinated and overwhelmed me.
“And you,” Vargan continued, voice warm, “You are a strong, independent she–wolf. Your mate is fortunate. I will pray to Selene that your bond remains unbroken for all your years p>
“You’re too kind, Vargan,” I said softly. “If anyone is lucky, it’s me p>
Cora was still being treated in the next room. No healer had emerged, and with every passing second, unease coiled tighter in my chest.
“I’m going to check on Cora,” I said quietly.
“And I will not let you face that viper alone,” Vargan replied, already pushing himself up from the bed. “If more of her venom waits beyond that door, then it will not meet you without me p>
1/3
1:23 pm
Chapter 72
0190
Finished
Cora’s ward was crowded when we arrived. Students clustered in the doorway, whispering, their scents thick with curiosity and tension. I slipped inside just as her voice carried through the room.
“My face…” Cora whimpered dramatically. “I’ll be hideous! Please, don’t look at me p>
She clutched a mirror, inspecting skin that was perfectly flawless.
Two tall students in white Modern Healing coats stood at her bedside. I recognized one instantly.
Alexander.
The jerk who had insisted on confiscating my laptop for her.
“Cora, your face is fine,” the other male said gently. “Moonshade grown within the Academy grounds has been modified. The toxin is far tamer than those that grow in the wild p>
“But Thane p>
“If Thane says it’s fine, then it’s fine,” Alexander cut in, placing a possessive hand on her shoulder. Then his tone hardened, turning sharp with accusation. “That leech, Lylah, has truly crossed the line this time. She should be punished, or better yet, expelled. Cora kindly offered her the application form, and this is how she repays her? ”
My brows lifted.
Application form? What a carefully crafted lie, Cora p>
‘What application form?” I asked calmly.
Both men turned toward me.
“You!” Alexander snarled, eyes flashing gold as his wolf surged closer to the surface. “How dare you show your face here?! You always made Cora suffer. As long as I’m standing, I will make your life miserable. You will never set foot in our elite Research Project. Never p>
I had no idea what nonsense he was spewing.
But it was almost amusing–him thinking his approval meant anything to me.
“Who do you think you are?” I scoffed softly, letting Selestine’s aura bleed into the room. “Just Cora’s lapdog with delusions of authority. I don’t need your permission to claim any path I choose p>
Alexander’s growl was immediate, low, and feral. His fists clenched as he took a step toward me. “What did you just say p>
I didn’t flinch. I held my ground, waiting for him to advance–to see just how far he dared to go.
But the other male–Thane–lifted a hand, stopping him.
“So you’re Cora’s sister…” Thane studied me closely, his gaze sharp and assessing. For a heartbeat, something strange flickered in his eyes.
Recognition.
2/3
1:23 pm
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.