The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 286

Chapter 286

3rd Person’s POV

Finished

“But tell me, has she truly learned what it means to be a Luna?” Zyrelle asked, her voice smooth but edged with quiet severity. “You’ve both been away from Moonclaw all this time. I’m only wondering how she’ll fare when their tongues start wagging. You know how vicious they can be.”

Her words were not soft, but they were honest.

Ezra didn’t hesitate at all. There was no retreat in him, no instinct to yield-not to them, not to anyone. His wolf stirred beneath his skin, restless, possessive. His mate stood beside him. His Luna. And that placed her far above the scavengers waiting inside.

Perhaps Lylah would feel the weight of it all later. Perhaps confusion would come.

But he would not shield her from her place. Not when the moment demanded it.

“They’ve likely already heard about my mating,” he said, his tone hardening. “If I walk in alone, they’ll start sniffing for answers. It’s inevitable.”

His eyes darkened, something feral glinting beneath the surface. “So I won’t delay it. They’ll meet their Luna today.”

Without another word, he guided Lylah forward, his hand firm at the small of her back.

She followed, steady despite the tension coiling in her chest, her fingers curling lightly around his arm as if anchoring herself to him.

Inside, the air shifted.

The scent of wolves thickened the moment they crossed the threshold. Layers of musk, dominance, and rivalry press in like an unseen storm. Voices overlapped in a chaotic hum, all directed toward one figure at the center.

Vargan.

The old lord of Moonclaw sat surrounded, enduring the swarm with visible disinterest, his expression carved from stone save for the faintest flicker of irritation in his eyes.

“My eldest son studied in Lunaris, Master Vargan,” one man was saying, his chest puffed with pride. “And he’s mated to a noble lady from Blackridge Pack. Accept him into your line, and you strengthen Moonclaw’s alliances tenfold.”

A scoff cut through the air. “Your son couldn’t lead a hunting party, let alone a pack. He lacks both instinct and strategy.” Another voice rose, sharper, more aggressive. “My son, Kalith, has been training the warriors in Ezra’s absence. He knows Moonclaw better than anyone now.”

“Your lineage is diluted,” a third voice interjected coldly. “Too far removed from the Alpha blood to

matter.”

The words clashed-each one laced with ambition, greed, and barely concealed hostility.

12:54 pm

Chapter 286

Finished

And then it settled.

Understanding struck Lylah like a blade sliding between her ribs. This wasn’t idle boasting. They were vying for the Alpha seat.

Ezra’s seat.

Her grip on his arm tightened without thought, her pulse quickening as something fierce surged through her veins. Heat bloomed beneath her skin, sharp and electric.

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