The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 154

The Betrayed Princess Rising

Chapter 154

Lylah’s POV

Three days and two nights had passed since we arrived at Moonclaw.

Yet I still hadn’t met the master of this estate.

By the third morning, restlessness gnawed at me from the inside. We would be leaving soon, and I hadn’t even greeted Ezra’s grandfather properly.

‘Then what was the point of coming here at all?‘

Ezra had gone out earlier with Damon to greet members of the pack. The Alpha’s rare presence was required across the territory, and I knew better than to interrupt duties like that.

So instead, Albert–the kind butler who had served the Moonclaw family for decades–accompanied me through the vast gardens surrounding the mansion.

The air smelled of lavender and pine, carried by the cool mountain breeze.

“Albert,” I said as we walked along the stone path, “does Alpha Ezra’s grandfather still not wish to see me? I haven’t even been able to give him the scented candle I made.”

The other gifts I bought from the boutique had already reached him.

But the candle… that one I wanted to give him myself.

Albert smiled gently.

“Luna, it isn’t that Master doesn’t wish to meet you,” he said reassuringly. “He’s been recovering from a rather stubborn flu. He didn’t want to risk you catching it.”

I nodded.

That made sense.

I remember I knew a few herbal remedies that could ease such symptoms. Lemon and certain wild herbs worked particularly well. Perhaps I could prepare something for him.

We continued gathering lavender from the garden beds, the purple flowers swaying softly beneath the warm sunlight. The entire place felt peaceful–almost dreamlike.

Movement caught my eye.

An elderly man stepped onto the garden path.

He had a thick white beard and weathered features, but there was nothing frail about him. His posture remained straight, his movements steady. The sharpness in his eyes reminded me of a wolf who had survived countless battles.

He walked forward slowly.

And directly toward a small hole in the garden path.

“Sir!” I called out quickly. “Watch your step!”

Too late.

His foot slipped straight into the hole, and he staggered forward with a sharp grunt.

I handed my basket to one of the maids and hurried over to help him.

Yet his gaze lingered on me longer than expected.

As if he were trying to place a memory.

‘Have we met before?

I couldn’t recall ever seeing him in person.

“Alpha Ezra and his Luna rarely visit the estate, Albert explained with a smile. “It’s indeed quite rare to see them here together. He gestured politely toward the old commander. “Luna, Commander Ivar is an old friend of Alpha Ezra’s grandfather.”

“Really?” My eyes widened slightly. Then you came here to visit him?”

“Not exactly Commander Ivar replied with a small chuckle. “I actually came for another matter.”

He rubbed his beard thoughtfully.

“But I did see that old wolf earlier. We ended up talking for quite a while. It’s been years since we last shared a proper conversation like the old days back in the war camps.

I blinked in surprise.

“Commander Ivar… is Alpha Ezra’s grandfather feeling better now? I heard he’s been ill.

“I'll” he repeated.

Then he barked out a rough laugh.

“Not at all. That old wolf was sitting in his study perfectly fine–making me listen to his endless fuss for hours!”