The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 224

Chapter 224

Lylah’s POV

Finished

Zyrelle ran her fingers through Mina’s mane with unhurried ease, as though the chaos of moments ago had never existed. The mare leaned subtly into her touch, calmer now, her breathing steady.

“What am I doing?” Zyrelle murmured, almost to herself. “Tidying up a little mess.”

I stepped closer, searching her face. “But how? How did you even know I was here?” My voice lowered, edged with disbelief. “And you even stepped in before Cora could hurt Mina. You help me.”

I paused.

“I thought you didn’t like me.”

Behind us, Cora’s protests rose-sharp, fractured, laced with fury-before cutting off abruptly. A dull thud followed.

When I glanced back, she had collapsed into Rowan’s arms.

‘Guards!” Alpha Eldric’s command rang out, laced with authority. “Call the healer!”

Wolves scattered at once, instincts snapping to obedience. Rowan lifted Cora without hesitation and carried her away, the crowd parting before him. One by one, the arena emptied, the restless energy fading until only a few of us remained.

Zyrelle’s lips curved faintly.

Oh Luna,” she said softly, almost amused, “isn’t that a rather swift judgment? Why would I dislike you?”

Her gaze lingered on me, thoughtful.

In truth, I quite like you. You’ve brought color into my cousin’s life.” A glint of warmth touched her expression. “You are the light in a world he’s long kept gray and cold.”

My breath stilled.

‘I would hardly hate the woman Ezra treasures,” she continued, her tone steady now. “Not when he’s entrusted me with watching over you-protecting you from afar.”

My eyes widened. “Ezra asked you to do that?”

Zyrelle arched a brow. “Of course. Otherwise, do you think I would waste my time in a place like this?” Her gaze swept the arena with faint disdain. “A Pack that doesn’t even know how to treat you with the respect you deserve. Tell me, what exactly drew you here?”

I exhaled slowly, the weight of it settling in my chest. “This will be the last. I promise.”

She studied me for a moment-then nodded, satisfied. “Good.”

Together, we led Mina out of the arena.

1/3

12:48 pm P

Chapter 224

Finished

The mare’s earlier frenzy had vanished entirely; now she walked beside us with a quiet, almost playful energy, her hooves striking the ground in a steady rhythm.

When we reached the outer grounds, I spotted a waiting pickup.

“That will take her ahead,” Zyrelle said. “To Lunaris. Her new home.”

My head snapped toward her. “Mina is coming with us to Lunaris?”

Zyrelle gave a small nod. “Everything has already been arranged.”

A warmth bloomed in my chest-unexpected, fragile.

“Mina will leave with me,” she added, matter-of-factly. “We depart tonight. Damon will come for you

tomorrow.”

I froze.

“Tomorrow?”

“Yes. Ezra won’t be able to come himself. He’s still at the treatment center.”

The words struck like lightning.

My heart dropped.

“… He’s still there?” My voice barely came out. “But Damon and him… they said everything was fine!”

A bitter realization settled in.

They had lied.

To keep me from worrying.

To keep me away.

“Zyrelle,” I caught her hand, my grip tightening. “I’m not waiting until tomorrow. I’m going back to Lunaris tonight with you. I need to see him!”

“There won’t be time to arrange a comfortable journey-”

“I don’t care,” I cut in, the urgency rising in my chest like a tide. “I just need to get there.”

A flicker of something-approval, perhaps-crossed her eyes.

“And don’t tell him I’m coming,” I added quietly.

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