The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 361

Chapter 361

Lylah’s POV

“And to see someone dare treat Damon like that…” Grandfather Vargan’s voice lowered, thick with restrained fury. “It struck me no differently than if my own grandchildren had been dishonored.”

His gaze drifted, distant-lost in memories only he could see.

“Damon has been loyal to Ezra and Zyrelle since they were barely more than pups,” he continued. “His bloodline has served Moonclaw as Betas for generations. His father stood unwavering beside Ezra’s father… and the boy inherited that same iron loyalty.”

A faint, almost proud breath left him.

“Ezra chose him as his Beta with his own hands. And I remember the night Damon swore an oath to remain unmated until Ezra found his Luna. Until Moonclaw stood at its rightful peak, and his duty was fulfilled.”

My chest tightened.

“He’s always been that loyal…” I murmured, my voice softer than I intended.

“He still is.” Vargan’s expression darkened. “Even now, no one would fault him for finding love -for taking a mate. Yet he refuses. He binds himself to duty, again and again.” His jaw hardened. “And that wretched creature… she destroyed all of it.”

I rested my hand against Ezra’s arm.

Beneath my touch, I felt the tension coiled in him-tight as drawn steel. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, it eased.

His hand came over mine, grounding himself… or perhaps grounding me.

“Ezra,” I whispered, though the words felt painfully small, “he’ll be alright.”

But even as I said it, my wolf stirred uneasily.

I knew too much.

My study in healing had taught me the truth about forbidden substances, such as Silverroot Lustvine. The damage it left behind wasn’t only physical, it carved through the mind, through instinct, through the very soul of a wolf.

Still, I said nothing.

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I couldn’t.

Not to Ezra. Not to Vargan. Not to Moonclaw.

When we entered Damon’s chamber, the air itself felt subdued. Heavy with the scent of herbs, steel, and something faintly broken.

He lay motionless against the bed, his skin pale as carved marble, his chest rising in shallow, uneven breaths. Even his wolf felt distant… like something buried too deep to reach.

“A month ago,” Ezra spoke beside me, his voice quieter now, edged with something raw, “he asked to step back from his duties temporarily. Said he had personal matters to handle.”

A pause.

“I suspected it might be about a mate,” he admitted. “So I gave him the time.”

Regret thickened the air between us.

Now, I’m angry at him,” Ezra exhaled, the words strained. “We’ve known each other since we ere children. Before titles. Before rank. If he had just told me…” His jaw tightened. “I could’ve elped.”

I ran my hand slowly along his arm, feeling the restless energy of his wolf beneath his skin.

Then,

My phone rang.

The sharp sound cut through the stillness like a blade.

I stepped out into the corridor and answered immediately when I saw the caller.

“Lylah, darling,” Tiara’s aunt greeted warmly, unaware of the unease already tightening in my chest. “You must miss Tiara terribly to have even sent a letter. But she isn’t home at the

moment.”

A frown pulled at my lips.

“Where is she?” I asked, the edge in my voice slipping through despite myself. “I’ve been messaging her. She also hasn’t replied to anything.”

There was a brief hesitation on the other end.

“Oh… perhaps she’s still on her way to Starfall,” her aunt said lightly. “She mentioned taking a trip. Tiara has always wanted to visit that Pack since she was young.”

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