The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 201

Chapter 201

Ezra’s POV

I wouldn’t lie-not even to myself.

047

Finished

When I first heard Lylah wanted to return to Rowan’s pack, something dark and possessive stirred beneath my skin. Displeasure coiled tight in my chest, sharp and instinctive. My wolf did not like it. Neither did I.

I didn’t want her anywhere near him or his pack members again. Not now. Not ever.

“It’s for my juniors from Blackfang College,” Lylah explained softly, her eyes bright with hope as they searched mine.

“Juniors?”

She nodded. “I never thought they’d still remember me. When my mentor called this afternoon, I was shocked. And so happy.” Her voice softened, almost disbelieving. “I can’t believe someone still does… still remembers me.”

A quiet scoff nearly slipped past my lips.

Of course, they remembered her.

Anyone who had ever crossed paths with someone as amazing as her would.

“Did you miss them?” I asked, my voice lower than intended.

“So much,” Lylah admitted, her smile tinged with nostalgia. “And Tiara too. I miss my best friend, that silly girl.”

I gave a small nod, though the tension in my throat remained, thick and unyielding.

Still, I forced it down.

For her.

Releasing a slow breath, I reached out and cupped her cheek, my thumb brushing lightly against her skin.

“We’re going tonight,” I said.

Her eyes widened instantly, lighting up in a way that made something deep in my chest loosen.

“Thank you-thank you so much!” Lylah threw her arms around me, the hug brief but tight and warm. Enough to quiet the beast inside me-for now.

Then she pulled back, hesitating slightly. “Ezra, there’s one more thing.”

I raised a brow. “What is it?”

“Can we not use your car?” she asked, almost sheepish. “Maybe something… more ordinary? I don’t want to draw attention.”

1:05 pm P

Chapter 201

OTC

Finished

B

A corner of my mouth lifted.

She was still thinking about others, even now.

“Of course,” I said.

We left under the cover of night. Just the two of us and Damon, who had already arranged a nondescript vehicle as I instructed. By the time we reached Blackfang territory, the sky was still draped in darkness, the air thick with the scent of pine, earth, and wolves.

Lylah’s bestfriend were already waiting at the border.

The moment she stepped out, Tiara rushed forward, pulling her into warm embraces, their laughter cutting through the quiet of the early dawn.

“Alpha Ezra,” Tiara greeted, bowing her head respectfully as I approached. “Thank you for bringing my friend back. If you permit, I’d like to take her to my house for a while. Just to catch up. May I?”

“You may,” I replied. “I’ll return at sunrise.”

Gratitude poured from her in a rush of thanks, but I barely registered it.

My attention was on Lylah.

She stepped close, rising onto her toes to press a soft kiss against my cheek-a fleeting touch, gone too quickly. Then she was gone, slipping into Tiara’s car, her laughter fading into the distance.

I turned without a word and slid back into the car. Damon followed.

“It’s on the outskirts of Blackfang,” I said, my voice returning to its usual cool edge. “Close to Lunaris’ border. Rowan’s people won’t notice our presence there.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

The drive was short.

The building we stopped at was unremarkable-small, quiet, easily overlooked.

“Alpha Ezra, welcome,” the man greeted, bowing slightly as we stepped out. He ushered us inside, where the air hung heavy with the scent of crushed herbs, brewing potions, and something older-something laced with quiet, lingering magic.

A healer’s domain.

“I was quite surprised when you called,” Pascal said as he led us further in. “It is an honor to examine you, Alpha. I’ll conduct the check, and thereafter, I’ll explain the results.”

I nodded.

The examination was swift and efficient.

Soon, we were seated again, the air thick with the faint bitterness of crushed leaves and brewing tinctures.

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