The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 76

Chapter 76

Ezra’s POV

Finished

The steady rush of water still echoed from behind the closed door when Lylah told me to leave her alone.

Every instinct in me rebelled.

wanted to stay–to ensure she didn’t slip, didn’t strain her hand, or push herself past her limits.

But she insisted.

And I refused to let her think I was some brute using her injury as an excuse to invade her space.

So I obeyed.

The moment my chamber door shut behind me, I braced my palm against the wood, my forehead ollowing a second later. My breathing was heavy. Uneven. My blood thundered through my veins like a var drum.

My body burned.

And I wasn’t ignorant of the reason.

t was her.

The lingering trace of her floral–sweet scent clung to my skin, wrapped around my senses like a spell. The nemory of her soft hair against my fingers. The warmth of her skin beneath my hands. The way my wolf had surged forward, recognizing what my mind tried to deny.

Another second with her, and I wasn’t certain I would have had the strength to step away,

Damn it.

You should have pulled me back,’ I snarled inwardly at my wolf.

He should have been the voice of restraint. Instead, he basked in Lylah’s presence, drawing in her scent until my instincts blurred into hunger.

I stripped and stepped into a cold shower, letting icy water crash over me, trying to drown out the fire in my blood. It helped–barely.

When I emerged, my room was cloaked in its usual darkness–darkness that had become my ally. Darkness that asked nothing of my failing eyes, meaning I no longer needed my glasses.

I grabbed my phone and pulled up Damon’s report. The words blurred slightly, but I read them anyway.

Messages from Vargan followed.

I ignored most of them and hit call.

“Ezra?!” he barked. “I was asleep! Are you trying to give a heart attack and kill your elder?”

13

1:24 pm

Chapter 76

Finished

“You went to see my Luna today,” I said, straight to the point. “And she ended up injured.”

A sharp inhale.

“Ezra, I am truly sorry about that. I never expected to cross paths with that venomous she–wolf named Cora. My only intention was to meet your mate. I swear it. I never meant for harm to come to her.”

His guilt rang true.

“I know I can’t be forgiven so easily. But to make amends, I sent the gifts. Did Lylah like them?”

“She doesn’t care much for luxuries,” I replied.

“Ah,” Vargan exhaled. “I expected that. You know I’m not very.creative when it comes to choosing things someone would truly like. But that doesn’t mean she dislikes them, does it? Besides, is it fitting for the Luna of Moonclaw Pack to have no proper jewelry at all?”

I had thought about that since the first time I brought Lylah here. But over time, I learned that such things weren’t her taste.

“I’ll take her to the boutique next time, so she can choose more for herself.”

“Women love surprises,” Vargan said. “Pick them yourself, then tell her she looks beautiful wearing them. She’ll be touched.”

“I can’t,” I said flatly. “Lylah only knows that I can’t see.”

“What?!” Vargan’s voice nearly shattered my phone. “Did you tell her you’re blind? For Selene’s sake, have you lost your mind? You can’t see properly in sunlight, yes–but that’s not the same as being blind. What possessed you to tell her that?”

I said nothing.

I hated this. It felt like I was punishing Lylah for something that wasn’t her fault.

“My eyesight is degenerating. Lunaris‘ best healer said it may not last another two years.” I said quietly, “I don’t want Lylah to stay with me out of pity.”

Silence.

“Better to end it before it truly begins,” I added, “than to have her counting down the days with me,”

More silence.

And I realized I actually preferred it when Vargan was roaring and spouting nonsense.

“Ezra, did I hear that right?” His tone shifted into something I didn’t like. “You–my arrogant grandson, the haughty Alpha of Moonclaw Pack. Since when did you become this pessimistic? Ezra, you-”

He couldn’t even finish.

And neither could I answer.

213

1:24 pm

Chapter 76

Finished

I let out a bitter breath, something close to a laugh, and nothing like one.

Once, losing my sight would have meant nothing. I still have a powerful pack. I still have command, warriors, and a brilliant life beyond this pack that I clawed my way to the top of. I don’t need to be flawless. every moment.

That was until I met her.

Now, weakness feels different. Now, it matters. Now I hate the thought that one day I might be fully blind. Who will protect her then? Will I never see her beautiful face again? Never see the warm smile that lights up this cold house?

Everyone has an exception.

And she is mine.

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