The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 252

Chapter 252

Lylah’s POV

Soren’s presence pressed in on me-thick, suffocating, like smoke curling through the air.

Finished

It wasn’t unfamiliar. I had seen this side of her before when she stood over Crystal after she lost her pup, guarding her like a predator ready to tear apart anything that came too close.

Still…

I hadn’t expected that same protective instinct to turn toward me.

“You know how these students are,” Soren pressed, her voice low, edged with restrained irritation. “Immature. Petty. They can’t stand it when someone rises even a little above them.” Her gaze sharpened. “Do you really think they’re not constantly looking for your weakness? A single crack to drag your name through the mud?”

“Maybe they are.”

The calmness in my own voice seemed to catch her off guard.

Soren blinked.

I tried to hold it in-I really did-but a small smile still slipped onto my lips. “I really appreciate your concern, Soren,” I said softly. “But you misunderstand.”

Her brows furrowed.

‘Gerald and Luca were my mother’s students,” I continued. “To them im closer to a family. It’s not like anything you think.”

“What?”

I let out a chuckle. “Yes, Soren. Think about it. One of them is Gwyn’s father.”

I watched the shift happen.

Her composure cracked just for a second. Something flickered in her eyes.

Realization.

And then… shame.

She took a small step back.

“Hey,” I said gently, “don’t feel bad. I really do appreciate you warning me-‘

“No.”

The word came out quickly. Too quickly.

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12:53 pm P ppp.

Chapter 252

Soren swallowed, and just like that, the steel mask slid back into place-cold, composed, distant.

“Don’t thank me, Lylah,” she said, her tone flattening. “I’m not worried about your reputation.”

I raised a brow.

Finished

“It’s Professor Grimwood’s name I’m concerned about,” she added, lifting her chin slightly. “If you get dragged into a scandal, his name will be dragged with you.”

“Is that so?” I teased lightly.

A low, irritated growl slipped from her throat.

“Don’t twist my words,” she snapped, though there was something almost childish in the way her lips pressed together afterward. “I don’t care about you.”

“Alright alright,” I said, the smile lingering. “I won’t misunderstand.”

Her gaze narrowed, clearly unconvinced.

‘I dreamed of becoming Professor Clark Grimwood’s student my whole life,” she went on, her voice tightening. “And yet, you’re the one who has that chance.” Her eyes locked onto mine. “So use it properly. Stay out of trouble. Rumors spread like wildfire here… and the forest is already dry.”

‘I understand,” I said, nodding.

She held my gaze for another moment, before turning and walking away without another word.

I exhaled slowly. The faint smile never quite left my lips.

For all her sharp edges, Soren cared more than she would ever admit.

Turning back, I made my way toward where Gerald and Luca had been waiting. But when I arrived-

They were gone.

I blinked, scanning the area instinctively.

“Hey,” I called, stopping a nearby student. “Did you see two men here earlier? Where did they go?”

The student nodded quickly. “I think they headed toward the Treatment Center. They were asking about Professor Clark Grimwood. Someone told them he might be practicing there.”

“Thank you.”

Without another word, I turned and hurried off, my steps quickening.

A flicker of unease stirred in my chest, my wolf shifting faintly beneath my skin.

Why would Gerald and Luca want to see Professor Grimwood?

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2:53 pm Pppp.

The Betrayed Princess Rising