The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 317

Chapter 317

3rd Person’s POV

Cora lifted her chin, forcing steel into her voice despite the heat coiling in her chest.

Finished

“I wasn’t hiding anything,” she said smoothly. “My connection Commander Ivar was… a coincidence. Nothing more. That’s why I didn’t tell any of you. I had no intention of disturbing his quiet, retired life. But don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten my place as Ironcrest’s daughter.”

The lie slid easily off her tongue, practiced and precise.

Eldric’s rigid composure cracked, something sharp and eager flashing in his eyes.

“Then arrange it again,” he said at once. “We’ll go to Whitepine together and pay the old wolf a visit.” His lips curled with confidence. “There’s no reason for him to refuse us. Ironcrest’s name still carries strength. Our reputation alone will see us welcomed.”

Cora pressed her lips into a thin line, her jaw tightening as her wolf stirred with quiet irritation beneath her skin.

‘Ivar had already rejected Rowan and me.’

“I’ll make the arrangements first,” she said instead, keeping her tone neutral.

“Good.” His expression softened into something almost proud. “That’s my daughter. You’ve achieved quite a lot already. It’s time you put that success to use for your little brother.”

Then, as if the matter were settled, his topic shifted, “I have a gift for you. Every billboard in Lunaris… I’ll have them all reserved.” His voice carried a note of triumph. “They’ll be filled with your achievements on your latest paper. The entire city will see just how exceptional my daughter is.”

Cora inclined her head in acknowledgment, though the words tasted bitter as ash in her mouth.

Billboards?

That was all Eldric could offer. All he thought her worth amounted to.

By the time night fell, Lunaris lay beneath a hush of drifting snow, the city glowing silver beneath moonlight. Inside the warmth of a small restaurant, Lylah, Tiara, and Iris lingered over their meal, the air thick with quiet comfort and the faint ache of impending farewell.

Tiara set her glass down gently, the faint clink lost beneath the quiet hum of the evening.

“My nana called yesterday,” she said, her voice laced with quiet worry. “She fell ill suddenly. I have to return to Blackfang tomorrow.”

Iris froze, her eyes already glistening. “You’re leaving that soon?”

“Sadly,” Tiara nodded gently. “But I won’t forget Lunaris. This place…” Her gaze drifted between them, fond and sincere. “It gave me more than I expected. Memories. People I’ll carry with me. I will return as soon as I

13:20

ue, Apr

Chapter 317

can.”

“Promise? I’ll wait for you,” Iris whispered, tears slipping freely now.

“I promise,” Tiara said, her voice warm with quiet certainty.

Finished

Later, as they stepped out into the cold, the night greeted them with a bite of chilly air. Snow crunched beneath their boots, the scent of frost and distant pine threading through the city. A sleek black Rolls-Royce idled at the curb, its presence cutting through the quiet like a shadow with purpose.

Lylah paused mid-step, her senses prickling-then her eyes widened as she slid into the passenger seat.

“Ezra?”

Behind the wheel sat Zyrelle, her posture relaxed but alert, her wolf unmistakable in the sharp glint of her gaze. Tiara slipped into the back seat, offering a polite bow of her head.

“Thank you so much, Alpha Ezra and Lady Zyrelle, for coming all the way here to pick us up,”

Zyrelle snorted lightly, easing the car into motion. “Don’t get too formal,” she said, a hint of amusement threading her voice. “I’m only filling in as his Beta for now. Damon’s tied up with some personal matters.”

The engine purred as they pulled into the snow-lined streets.

“You’re taking us to Tiara’s hotel?” Lylah asked, glancing sideways.

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