The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 256

Chapter 256

3rd Person’s POV

The moment Thane Blackridge pushed open the door to Vale’s study, the scent of fury hit him.

Finished

Broken glass littered the floor, catching the dim light like shards of ice. A once-carefully prepared vial lay shattered, its contents seeping into the cracks of the wooden boards, releasing the bitter, herbal tang of a ruined potion. Deep claw marks gouged across the surface of the desk, as though something feral had fought to break free from within the man himself.

Behind it stood Professor Vale, his aura still simmering after the confrontation with Gerald and Luca earlier.

“Apologize. We have come at a poor time, sir,” Thane said quietly, though he stepped inside regardless, subtly guiding Cora in behind him.

Vale turned.

“No,” he said. “Come in. I’ve been expecting you.”

Cora felt that familiar bitter twist in her chest. The difference in Vale’s tone, his restraint, it was never like this with others especially when he was mad. But with Thane, he always measured.

Even now, there was something in Vale’s gaze as it settled on him-approval, sharp and gleaming. As if Thane remained what he had always been in the old wolf’s eyes:

His best student.

Vale exhaled slowly, tension still coiled in his frame. “I’ve been irritated after that insolent girl, Grimwood’s student, dared to humiliate me before those Whitepine wolves.”

A faint snarl edged his words before he forced them down.

‘But that’s not our concern right now. We have something far more important to discuss, right? About the selection of this year’s best student.”

It was more than a simple award. The chosen student would gain undeniable advantages: a smoother path into their future, and a name that would spread far beyond Lunar Grace’s wall’s

“Yes, sir,” Thane replied evenly.

Vale studied him for a moment, then gave a short, humorless scoff. “Surely you already know my decision. The process hasn’t changed.” His eyes narrowed slightly. “And I trust you won’t disappoint me this year either.”

Thane blinked, just once. “Sir, are you saying you’ve already chosen me?”

Vale’s lips thinned.

“Do I have better options?” The words landed with quiet cruelty. “The quality of students under me has declined, I mentored so many fools lately.” A flicker of disdain crossed his expression. “Your cousin might

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Chapter 256

have been worth consideration, but I dismissed him. I will not take him back.”

A brief silence followed.

Finished

Thane’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly at the mention of Alexander. A wasted talent-undone by

arrogance.

Cora, however, felt as though the ground had shifted beneath her feet.

“Professor Vale…” she began, her voice unsteady despite her effort to steady it. “You still have options.” She stepped forward, something desperate flickering behind her eyes. “You have me. Have you forgotten that?”

Vale’s gaze snapped to her.

“You?” he echoed, the word laced with open scorn. “You’re not even better than Lylah.”

Cora’s breath caught, her eyes widening in disbelief.

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