The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19

3rd Person’s POV

The Moonwarden’s expression shifted the moment the two figures stepped before him.

Finis

One was Alpha Rowan, whose name echoed throughout Verdanth, the wolf who had clawed his pack fro nothing and forged it into a force feared and revered in equal measure. At his side stood a woman curle into his arm, her posture claiming intimacy.

Yet she was not the woman whose pendant lay heavy in the Moonwarden’s palm.

“Alpha Rowan,” the Moonwarden said evenly. “What brings you here?”

Before Rowan could answer, the woman glided forward, her voice smooth as silk over steel.

“Alpha, I know this is about repaying a debt, but Lylah doesn’t need your prayers anymore. She’s perfect fine. As I told you before, write Blackfang. Or Corlis Prime. Or…” Her gaze sharpened meaningfully. “Someone else. I think you know who.”

The Moonwarden opened his hands.

“You came for this?” The rune–etched amulet split down its center, the glow shattering like fragile moonlight.

Rowan’s breath caught. For a heartbeat, shock rendered him mute.

Beside him, Cora’s mouth parted in surprise.

Then curved into a smile, satisfaction glinting in her eyes. “This must be Selene’s sign. There’s no need f more prayers.”

The Moonwarden did not look away from Rowan. “This is no sign. It is a choice after much careful thought.”

“Lylah was here, wasn’t she?” Rowan murmured, his eyes sweeping the chamber.

But he was too late.

Lylah had stood at the entrance only moments before–long enough to see Rowan and Cora standing too close, long enough to hear Cora speak the name Rowan should carve into the amulet.

And so, without a word, Lylah had turned away and left.

Cora followed Rowan’s gaze, feigning confusion. “What do you mean? Lylah was here?” Then she smiled. “How unfortunate we missed her.”

Rowan heard none of it.

Lylah had come here alone–had severed the protection she once prayed into existence with her own

hands.

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4:13 pm MMM..

Chapter 19

The bond–blessing she had begged Selene for, night after night, she had extinguished herself.

Finish

“Lady Lylah’s prayer has already worked its miracle, Alpha,” the Moonwarden murmured, his gaze slidir briefly to Cora. “But now I understand why she chose to end it.”

Rowan barely registered the words.

He turned and strode out, his senses flaring as he scanned the sea of faces below.

It was impossible to accept that she had come here without him.

‘Had she come with someone else? With that mysterious guy–Riven?‘ The question burned in Rowan’s

mind.

Halfway down the steps, his Beta, Gavriel, was waiting beside the carriage, ready to escort him and Cora back.

One look at Rowan’s face–flushed crimson, eyes burning–made Gavriel freeze. ·

“Did Lylah meet Riven after those two calls?” Rowan demanded, his voice edged with a growl he didn’t bother to suppress.

“N–no, Alpha,” Gavriel stammered. “I’m certain she hasn’t left the estate-”

“Bullshit. She was here.” Rowan roared.

The force of his voice sent Gavriel stumbling back.

Cora rushed forward, slipping behind Rowan and wrapping her arms around him. “Alpha Rowan, stop!”

He shook her off.

Cora staggered, fear crawling up her spine as the Alpha’s wolf surged beneath his skin, power rippling through the air.

This was the first time she had ever seen him like this, so unrestrained and terrifying

Lylah had that much power over him?‘ Cora thought bitterly.

Jealousy coiled tight in her chest.

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