The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 223

Chapter 223

3rd Person’s POV

Finished

The soft, honeyed smile Cora had worn when she first led Mina into the arena was gone-stripped away, as if torn apart by something far more primal and in its place remained something colder, sharper… a predator’s expression.

“I’m going to kill that animal,” she declared, her voice sharp and unyielding. “It nearly killed the future Luna of the Blackfang Pack.”

A hush fell.

The spectators recoiled instinctively, stepping back as the dagger in her hand gleamed under the light.

Ahead of her stood Mina.

And in front of Mina-

Lylah.

She didn’t move. She simply stepped forward and planted herself between them, her body a quiet, unyielding barrier. A fortress.

“I will slit her throat myself!” Cora roared, her control fracturing.

“Cora, stop.”

Rowan’s voice cut through the chaos as he caught her wrist mid-stride, dragging her back toward him.

“Have you lost your mind?” he demanded, eyes hard. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“What am I doing?” Cora turned on him, her voice trembling now. “Rowan, that beast almost killed me. She deserves to die for it.”

“She’s an animal,” Rowan said sharply. “She didn’t act out of malice. She reacted to you.” His gaze flicked toward Mina, then to Lylah. “Look at her now. Under Lylah’s hand, she’s calm. She yielded.”

That only made it worse.

Cora’s eyes burned brighter, something darker twisting inside them as she watched.

Mina stood quiet beneath Lylah’s touch-docile, trusting, as if that bond had always existed. As if the spirit of Nyx had found its way home to the one she had always belonged to.

“Give her to me, Lylah,” Cora said, her voice dropping. “My father brought that horse for me. She’s mine.” Her lips curled. “Not some stray foal you lost years ago.”

“No.”

Cora stepped forward-

1/3

2:48 pm P Ppp.

Chapter 223

“Enough.” The command cracked through the arena like a whip.

All eyes turned.

Finished

Eldric stood at the edge of the crowd, his presence carrying the quiet weight of authority. Beside him stood a woman none of them recognized-her bearing rigid. her stance disciplined. There’s nothing Blackfang about her, only the insignia pinned to her chest.

A warrior.

“No one touches that horse.” Eldric said flatly. “It no longer belongs to you.”

Cora froze. “Father…?”

“The transaction has been completed.” he continued. “The horse now belongs to this lady. Hand it over.”

Lylan’s breath hitched.

Zyrelle…?’

Recognition flickered in her eyes.

“Father, what are you saying?” Cora’s voice sharpened. “You and Mother just gave her to me yesterday. There’s no way you’ve already sold her.”

-There are more suitable gifts for you,” Eldric replied coolly. “A horse is hardly fitting for a princess. This one will serve better under someone training to command.”

Lylah stared.

Had he taken back Cora’s gift?

That… was unexpected.

Cora’s gaze turned razor-sharp as it settled on the unfamiliar woman. “How much?” she demanded. “How much did you pay for her? I’ll buy her back.”

“Cora.” Eldric warned, his tone darkening. “Don’t push this.”

“Oh?” The woman-Zyrelle-tilted her head slightly, her expression calm, almost amused. “Five wagons of gold. A chest of diamonds. And additional silver, copper, and bronze.”

A pause.

“For a single horse.”

Cora’s breath caught. It was an absurd price. Fat beyond the worth of a young mare, no matter her bloodline.

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