The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 165

Chapter 165

Lylah’s POV

Today’s teaching had been relentless. By the time I finished teaching, my head throbbed and my throat felt raw from talking for hours. And I still had to meet with Professor Grimwood afterward. But before that, Iris and I were supposed to have lunch together.

Except it was already past three in the afternoon.

Far too late for lunch.

A pang of guilt twisted in my chest. I hoped Iris wasn’t angry with me.

Strangely, my phone showed no missed calls from her.

That was odd.

I frowned and dialed her number as I walked down the stone corridor. The call rang… and rang… until it ended unanswered.

I pressed call again for the fourth time, anxiety beginning to creep under my skin.

This time, the line connected.

*Iris? Where are you? Did you already go home? I’m so sorry–today’s classes were packed, and I had to cover extra material for the students…”

“This is the Lunar Grace ward assistant speaking. Rowena.” The unfamiliar voice froze the breath in my lungs.

My fingers tightened around the phone. “W–what?”

“You’re calling Lady Iris Grey’s phone. Yes, she is currently receiving treatment here. Room five. If you want to-”

The line cut off abruptly.

Silence swallowed everything.

For a moment I just stood there, heart pounding.

Then Selestine surged inside me.

I didn’t think. I didn’t hesitate.

I ran.

Lunar Grace had its own treatment building, a place where injured students could be treated immediately before being sent to the Healing Center outside if necessary.

But Iris…?

Why would she be there?

My heart slammed wildly against my ribs as I sprinted across the courtyard, shoes striking stone.

Room five.

I raced through the corridor until the symbol for the ward came into view.

When I reached it, my heart slammed painfully against my ribs seeing that a crowd had gathered outside the room.

Students. Healers. Onlookers.

Iris wasn’t among them.

Her tone dripped with false concern, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

A man stood there, his expression carved from ice. I had seen him once before when Iris brought me to her home.

Her brother.

Isaac Grey.

In two long strides, he closed the distance between us. His hand shot forward, grabbing a fistful of my hair and jerking my head back.

“You’re nothing but a curse,” he growled. The sound was low and animalistic, barely restrained beneath human skin. “Aren’t you the one who’s been associating with that department lately?” His grip tightened. “My little sister wouldn’t stop talking about you–about how you joined their project.”

I couldn’t answer.

My chest tightened painfully.

Not because of his grip.

But because of what I had just heard about Iris.

“Why was my sister there in the first place?” he snarled, his breath hot against my face. “Why wasn’t it you?”

His eyes burned with fury.

“Why weren’t YOU the one who fell?!” Isaac shoved me away roughly.

I barely had time to steady myself—

Before his hand lashed out.

The crack of the slap echoed down the hallway.