The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 137

Chapter 137

Lylah’s POV

“All I want is to give her peace during the little time she has left. Is that so wrong in your eyes?” Rowan asked.

For a moment, I said nothing.

His words hung heavily in the air.

Cancer?

Cora had cancer?

And three years was all the time she had left?

“Only three years, Lylah,” Rowan continued quietly. “That isn’t so long. And after she’s gone, died…” He reached for my hand, gripping it tightly. “…we can be together again.”

My stomach twisted.

“I don’t care what you ask of me,” he went on, his voice almost desperate now. “Say it. Anything. As long as you come back to Blackfang and stand beside me as my Luna-”

I ripped my hand out of his grasp.

A low growl rumbled from deep in my throat.

I had never thought it possible for someone to sound so utterly repulsive.

How could he say something like that?

He had cheated on me with Cora–and now he spoke of her death as if it were nothing more than an inconvenience?

“How can you speak about Cora’s death so casually?” I said coldly. “You disgust me.”

Even I–who despised her so much–had never once imagined her dying, let alone built plans around it.

“Because I’ll say anything if it convinces you that you’re the only woman I love,” Rowan replied without hesitation. “You already think the worst of me, don’t you? Why should I bother choosing my words carefully now?”

But I wasn’t truly listening anymore. My thoughts drifted back to what he’d said about Cora. About her illness.

Cora had lied too many times, making it difficult to believe Rowan’s claim.

Was it even true?

I blinked–and suddenly Rowan was too close.

He was leaning toward me.

Trying to kiss me.

Instinct took over.

Her eyes then turned on me. “You’re a monster!”

Furious.

“What did you do to him?!” she shouted. “You rotten bitch! You tried to kill my mate?!”

Her voice shook with fierce devotion–the rage of someone defending the person they loved.

And somehow… that only made my chest tighten bitterly.

‘You’re such a fool, I thought silently. ‘Blind and foolish. He doesn’t love you. He was just speaking about your death like it meant nothing.”

The words burned on my tongue.

But I didn’t say them.

Cora suddenly raised her hand, aiming straight for my face.

Before it could land, I caught her wrist.

Twisting it sharply, I dragged her closer--and slapped her across the face with all the force I had.