Chapter 214
Cora’s POV
Lylah remained seated, her gaze resting on the bouquet.
02 Finished
My bouquet. A gift from Rowan-undeniable proof of his devotion, his attention, of how deeply he cared for me. Around me, admiration swelled like a rising tide, she-wolves’ voices lifting in praise, in envy, in quiet awe. I stood at the center of it all-exactly where I belonged as Lylah watched.
Alas, her expression remained too calm.
Flat.
I didn’t like that.
It would have been far more satisfying to see it crack-to watch even a flicker of jealousy break through. Because I knew beneath that cold mask she always tried to wear, she had to feel it.
Envy.
“Do you know why he sent me this?” I said lightly, turning to Griselda-but raising my voice just enough for it to carry and reach the nearby rows.
To reach her.
“Because he feels guilty for being so busy lately. Rowan works tirelessly for me, Griselda, and still…” I gestured toward the flowers with a soft laugh. “He insists on making up for it.”
“I told you, Lady Cora,” Griselda chimed in eagerly, her voice just as loud, just as deliberate. “Alpha Rowan loves you deeply. And you deserve every bit of it. You always stand beside him as his equal.”
Her
gaze
shifted toward him. “Alpha Rowan… isn’t there something you’d like to say to Lady Cora?”
Rowan remained composed, his presence steady. “This is a College event,” he replied evenly. “It would be inappropriate. I’ll speak to Cora later in private.”
Griselda smiled, sharp with meaning. “Ah… something meant only for the two of you, then. Right?” Her voice dipped, turning pointed. “Only Lady Cora brings out that side of you, Alpha. With your past, you never did. I suppose some people simply aren’t worthy of it.”
“Griselda, don’t say that,” I murmured, though I made no effort to hide the quiet satisfaction threading through my voice. “Lylah has her own happiness now. She has a mate. It’s best we don’t dwell on what she once had with Rowan.”
“Wait-what?” another voice broke in. “Lylah has a mate?”
The reaction came exactly as I expected.
Curiosity spread like wildfire, questions rising from every direction, sharp and eager. Wolves leaned in, drawn by the scent of scandal.
1/2
:06 pm
Chapter 214
Perfect.
A slow smile curved my lips.
Finished
“Oh? You all didn’t know?” I asked, feigning mild surprise. “Weren’t some of you her classmates here at Blackfang College?”
“We had no idea,” someone admitted.
“Well,” I said smoothly, “Lylah has already found a mate in Lunaris.” I let the words settle before adding, almost casually, “In fact, just earlier, he told her he’d be sending her a gift as well…”
“A gift?” Griselda echoed, brows lifting.
“Oh, that’s quite normal,” I replied with a soft, knowing smile. “Males do enjoy spoiling their mates.”
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