The Rejected True Heiress (Liora) novel Chapter 122

Liora

Across the arena, I spotted Zane leaning against a pillar, jacket half-zipped, posture lazy but eyes locked on the board like it was a puzzle.

“That shouldn’t be possible,” he muttered to the tall boy beside him, someone I half-recognized from training. “She has no wolf.”

Mia’s voice carried from behind him. “Maybe she doesn’t need one.”

I stilled mid-step, catching the tone. Proud, but edged, like she wasn’t sure if she was defending me or warning him.

The three drifted toward a shaded archway, voices carrying just enough for fragments to reach me. I stayed where I was, half-hidden among competitors trading war stories.

“I don’t get her lately,” Zane said, casual in a way that wasn’t fooling anyone.

So, they’d been talking. Good to know. Not that I could complain, I had more than my share of secrets.

Mia hesitated before answering. “Yeah, she has.”

“Well, you’re her best friend, right?” Zane’s tone slipped into that smooth, teasing rhythm he used when he was fishing. “What’s her deal? She’s… different.”

“She’s competing in the tournament. That’s the deal.”

He laughed under his breath, quiet, more for himself than for her. I could picture the tilt of his mouth when he did it. “Come on, you know it’s more than that. She’s not chasing a title. She’s chasing a wolf she doesn’t even have. I’m just asking… what, you two fight or something?”

Mia’s tone sharpened. “Not exactly. She’s… keeping things to herself. We used to talk more.”

“Why?”

“Zane, why are you asking?”

“Because she’s my friend.” He leaned on the word friend like it was the truth… or only half of it. “Friends look out for each other.”

“You’re awfully interested for a friend.” Her pause was deliberate. “Is that what this is? You like her?”

The air stilled, just for a heartbeat. “No,” he said finally, steady, unflinching.

“I’m sorry,” Zane said at last, his voice lower, the easy edge stripped away. “I just—”

“You don’t have to explain.” I could hear her shrug in the tilt of her words. “Trust me, I get it. As a Wolfless, I should just be grateful you’re speaking to me. Maybe I’m asking too much.”

“No, that’s not—”

“Liora is perfect,” Mia went on, her voice softer now, though the ache beneath it slipped through. “She’s this anomaly of talent and mystery no one can figure out. Cold, tough, a puzzle with a pretty face. I get why you’re into her.”

Zane gave a short, incredulous scoff. “I’m not into her like that. Not the way you think, and not for that reason.”

“But you are,” Mia said, almost gently. “And that’s fine. I just wish you wouldn’t pretend you’re not. Whether you actually like her, or you just find her fun to toy with—like all the other girls.”

The air seemed to drop a degree.

Zane let the silence stretch too long before answering. “…Is that how you see me?”

“Like a playboy?” Mia gave a small humorless laugh. “I’m not sure. But there are rumors.”