The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 398

Chapter 398

3rd Person’s POV

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Backstage, the lingering echoes of applause still trembled through the walls when Ezra finally stepped away from the podium. Satisfaction settled quietly beneath his skin. But what lingered most vividly in his mind was not the audience’s admiration—

It was Lylah’s smile.

That soft, reassuring look she had given him beneath the chandelier lights.

The memory alone was enough to soothe the restless beast prowling inside him.

He was about to return to her when delicate arms suddenly wrapped around him from behind, her warmth melting instantly against his back. Ezra’s wolf quieted at once.

A smile touched his lips.

“I hope you’re not angry,” he murmured as he turned, gently cradling her face between his hands. He brushed a kiss against her cheek, lingering there for a heartbeat longer than necessary. “I should’ve asked before showing those recordings, my love.”

Lylah looked up at him, moonlight caught in her eyes.

“Ezra, I don’t mind at all.” Happiness shimmered through her voice so brightly it almost made his chest ache. “Your presentation was incredible.” She laughed softly, pride glowing all over her face. “I’m so proud of you.”

The look in her eyes nearly destroyed him.

Goddess.

Ezra wanted to preserve this version of her forever-warm, safe, glowing with life. His mate had no idea what she did to him. Every smile from her felt like another thread binding his soul tighter to hers.

“You actually enjoyed it?” he asked quietly, brushing his thumb beneath her eye. “I was worried you’d get bored. Now since the formal presentation is over, if you’re tired, we can leave whenever you want.”

Lylah shook her head immediately.

Before tonight, she had been terrified the event would overwhelm her.

But somehow…it hadn’t felt unbearable at all.

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11:29 Fri, May 15 M…

Chapter 398

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“They’re still talking about you out there,” she said with a small smile. “And I think everyone’s waiting for a chance to speak with you. I don’t mind staying a little longer.”

Ezra’s gaze softened further. “If that’s what you want.”

Then he kissed her properly this time.

Slow.

Gentle.

Possessive enough to make Archer, Zephyr, and nearby wolves instinctively look away.

Only after that did he guide her back toward the banquet lawn.

The informal gathering had moved outdoors beneath the night sky. Warm fairy lights flickered through the gardens like scattered stars, their glow dancing across polished marble paths and crystal glasses. Music drifted softly through the cool evening air while the audience gathered in clusters beneath the moonlight.

The moment Ezra and Lylah stepped onto the lawn, conversations halted.

Then the crowd surged toward them.

Questions came from every direction. Congratulations. Praise. Curiosity. Several influential guests eagerly tried to secure Ezra’s attention while others stared openly at Lylah, fascination practically rolling off their scents.

Ezra remained calm amidst the chaos, one hand resting possessively at Lylah’s waist while she politely answered questions beside him.

A sharp force shoved through the crowd.

Lylah barely had time to react before someone caught her shoulder and spun her around.

Her breath hitched.

Rowan.

His jacket was gone now, discarded somewhere in his fury, leaving only the white dress shirt stretched tightly across his broad frame.

His eyes locked onto hers with frightening intensity.

“We need to talk, Little Moon.” His voice came rough, strained thin by restraint. “Now.”

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11:29 Fri, May 15 M…

Chapter 308

Lylah’s brows drew together instantly. “What do you want?”

Around them, the atmosphere shifted sharply.

The surrounding nobles exchanged startled glances as murmurs spread through the lawn like ripples beneath black water.

“Alpha Rowan Blackfang?”

“Did he just call Alpha Ezra’s mate Little Moon?”

“What the hell is happening?”

The tension thickened almost instantly.

Ezra moved at once. But before he could reach Rowan,

Lylah touched his arm.

A silent plea.

Then she stepped between them herself.

Rowan’s expression darkened immediately at the sight of her shielding Ezra so instinctively. Fury twisted sharply across his features as he pointed directly at him.

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“That dirty bastard is a liar,” he snarled. “The rogue-detection system he presented tonight was my idea first.”

A dangerous silence spread outward.

Rowan’s wolf surged harder beneath his skin, rage bleeding visibly into the air around him.

“He stole it from me.” Rowan hissed, glaring at Ezra with naked hostility. “And tonight he stood in front of all of you pretending it was his own creation.”

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11:29 Fri, May 15 M…

The Betrayed Princess Rising