The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 388

Chapter 388

3rd Person’s POV

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Cora was practically glowing with excitement. Anticipation fizzed inside her like sparkling wine, impossible to contain.

Tonight would be their first public appearance since the engagement-her and Rowan standing side by side before the most powerful wolves in Lunaris.

Commanders. Nobles. Business elites whose names carried weight across Verdanth.

And every single one of them would finally see who Rowan Arden intended to make his Luna.

“This is our first official event together after the engagement, Rowan.” Her lashes fluttered as she smiled at

him through the reflection. “Your allies, your rivals, all the high-ranking wolves in Lunaris will be there tonight.” She smoothed a hand over the elegant gown hugging her figure.

“I need to look perfect.”

Rowan stood near the balcony doors, one hand resting loosely in his pocket. Unlike Cora, however, his thoughts were nowhere inside the room.

The Lunaris Business Venture.

The event would gather the most influential wolves. Including him. Ezra.

And if Ezra came…

Then Lylah would come too.

Rowan’s jaw tightened faintly. Something dark and restless stirred beneath his ribs at the thought.

Would she look at him tonight?

Would she regret leaving him?

Would jealousy finally appear in those stubborn eyes if she saw him standing beside another woman?

“Rowan?”

Cora’s voice snapped him back.

He blinked once before crossing the room toward her. His hand lifted automatically, fingers brushing against her cheek in practiced affection. But even as he touched her, his mind remained trapped elsewhere.

“Yes,” Rowan murmured smoothly. “I’m excited too.” A small smile curved his lips. “I can’t wait for tomorrow.”

The following day passed quickly.

As dusk crept closer, Moonclaw’s skies darkened beneath gathering clouds while preparations for departure filled the estate.

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Chapter 388

Finlhed

Lylah and Ezra would need to return to Lunaris before evening for the business venture.

Before leaving, however, Lylah made one final stop at the Beta family estate to see Tiara.

She found her seated beneath a sprawling canopy woven with flowering vines and heavy clusters of pale grapes. Sunlight filtered softly through the leaves above, scattering gold across the elegant meals spread before her.

Tiara looked unexpectedly peaceful.

The moment Lylah sat beside her, Tiara leaned slightly closer and lowered her voice. “I need to tell you something interesting.”

Concern flickered across Lylah’s face instantly.”What happened?”

Tiara hesitated before exhaling quietly.

“I thought everyone was exaggerating before.” Her fingers toyed absently with the rim of her teacup. “But now I realize something really is wrong with Damon.”

Lylah blinked.

Tiara glanced around once before whispering, “He truly has trauma connected to sex.”

A pause followed.

Then Lylah stared at her. “Wait… did you try to seduce him?”

“Not exactly,” Tiara defended immediately, though guilt flashed briefly across her expression. “But I wore lingerie.” She shrugged one shoulder lightly. “And considering Damon’s strong drive and instincts, I assumed he would…” Her cheeks flushed faintly. “You know.”

But then her expression shifted into visible disbelief. “But he didn’t.”

Tiara leaned back against her chair, still looking mildly stunned by it herself.

“He let me sleep in the bed while he took the couch, Lylah. And the strange part was…” Her voice softened. “He looked miserable the entire night. Like he was fighting himself every second.”

The morning breeze stirred through the vineyard garden, carrying the scent of grapes, earth, and distant pine.

Tiara’s hand drifted unconsciously toward her stomach.

Still flat.

Still hiding the life growing quietly inside her.

“No wonder his family reacted the way they did when they found out about my pregnancy,” she murmured.

For a brief moment, something gentler flickered across her face.

Something dangerously close to attachment.

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Chapter 388

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Forbed

Lylah noticed inmediately. And relief loosened something deep inside her chest.

Maybe this was the beginning.

Perhaps Tiara would gradually stop seeing the child as merely a means to an end or a means of survival.

Perhaps, little by little, she would begin accepting the pup fully.

By the time Lylah returned to Lunaris that evening, exhaustion had already settled heavily into her bones.

The moment she stepped into the penthouse, sleep claimed her almost instantly.

When she finally woke again, darkness had already swallowed the city skyline beyond the towering glass windows. Moonlight and neon bled together across Lunaris like silver fire.

Lylah sat upright suddenly.

The venture!

Her pulse jumped.

She was alone. Ezra had already gone ahead.

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The Betrayed Princess Rising