The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 278

Chapter 278

3rd Person’s POV

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Tiara’s eyes widened for the briefest heartbeat. So fast most would’ve missed it-but not fast enough to hide the sharp flicker of panic that flashed through her gaze.

“I know Alpha Ezra’s Beta? Of course not!” she shot back a little too fast, her tone bright with forced ease. “Where would I even meet such an irritating male?”

She crossed her arms, lifting her chin.

“I said that on instinct, Lylah. You know the rule: never trust a male who looks too clean. Those are the most dangerous,” Her lips curled, a hint of fang. “A hidden beast just waiting for the hunt.”

Lylah chuckled softly, though her eyes lingered on Tiara a moment longer than usual.

It wasn’t often she saw her friend so unsettled. Tiara was usually the bold one, the unshakable

one.

“If Damon really is like that,” Lylah said lightly, “then maybe he’s a perfect match for you.”

“Lylah!” Tiara snapped, her face flushing, her wolf bristling beneath her skin.

Strange.

Very strange.

But Lylah chose not to press further.

A day later, Lunaris’ grand business hall stood alive with power and ambition. A meeting for the newest tech venture was held. The air thrummed not just with conversation, but with the subtle tension of Lunaris’ influential wolves measuring one another, scent and dominance weaving invisibly through the room.

Rowan sat among them, clad in a tailored aubergine velvet suit that clung to his broad frame. Purple bruises marring his face had not diminished his arrogance. In fact, they seemed to sharpen it.

His gaze swept the room, calculating potential allies and rivals.

Only one representative stood for the Lunaris Research Center-Archer West.

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Ezra was nowhere to be seen.

A slow, vile smirk curled Rowan’s lips.

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“Do you see him?” he drawled, voice low and laced with venom as his gaze slid to Azrel. “That Moonclaw bastard you pissed yourself over and bolted like a gutless dog and left your Alpha to bleed?”

There’s no answer.

Rowan’s smirk widened.

“No? Exactly. After making such a display, Ezra fled. Seems he finally realised what it means to cross me.”

Azrel said nothing.

He stood rigid at Rowan’s side, lips pressed into a thin line, face stiff as stone. But beneath his crisp linen shirt, a deep, angry gash still burned across his back-a brutal reminder from Rowan of what happened when a Beta chose fear over loyalty.

“Next time you let fear rule that pathetic spine of yours instead of me,” Rowan murmured, his voice a low, venomous growl that made the air thicken, “I’ll carve the lesson into your flesh until even your wolf begs for mercy.”

The day before, Lylah had received a letter sealed in wax bearing Vargan’s name-an invitation to Moonclaw Estate, to celebrate the marking of the new moon.

It had filled her with quiet joy.

She had agreed and replied immediately.

And, of course, she intended to bring Tiara with her.

Now, with time still left in Lunaris before their departure, Lylah decided to visit the stables where Mina had been relocated.

“Luna,” the caretaker greeted warmly, bowing his head. “Welcome back. You must have come to

see Mina,”

“I have,” Lylah said, a small smile touching her lips as she held up a sack of green apples. “How is my little friend doing?”

“Very well, Luna. She eats so well and runs even more. Though… you might be surprised she isn’t such a little foal anymore. Because just recently, she…” He hesitated.

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Lylah’s smile faltered. “What is it? Is Mina alright?”

“Oh, she’s perfectly fine,” he said a touch too quickly. “It’s just… with the breeding season drawing near, some of the mares have become rather… bold.” He cleared his throat. “Mina, in particular, seems quite taken with one of our purebred war stallions.”

Lylah blinked. “What?”

“She was in heat for five days straight, she pursued him, cornered him.” He looked faintly scandalised. “And then she finally got him. They were quite loud, Luna.” He exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “She’s so relentless. We’ve had to separate them and keep her confined for her own good.”

Lylah’s eyes widened, the words taking a moment to settle.

Of all the things she’d expected to hear today, this was nowhere on the list.

Nyx’s daughter had turned out to be far more spirited than she ever thought.

Beside her, Tiara’s reaction couldn’t have been more different-she threw her head back and howled with wild, unrestrained laughter. It only grew wilder at the sight of Lylah’s stunned expression, who looked like a mother hearing of her pup’s scandalous mischief for the very first time.

“Don’t, Lylah. Don’t you dare get mad at her,” Tiara managed between laughs, clearly delighted. “I swear on the Moon, I’ve never been prouder of my girl Mina.” She grinned, utterly unapologetic. “Someone needs to get her a gold medal!”

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The Betrayed Princess Rising