The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 362

Chapter 362

Lylah’s POV

What choice did I have now?

Tiara was gone, and all I held were fragments, half-answers, and a lie that didn’t fit her.

Maybe she just wanted me-time… maybe.

I clung to that possibility as I exhaled, forcing calm into my voice while thanking her aunt before ending the call.

But unease lingered, coiling low in my chest.

When I returned, Ezra and Grandfather Vargan stood just outside Damon’s ward, their voices low but heavy with consequence.

“The news has reached his family, Ezra,” Vargan was saying. “They’re already on their way.”

Ezra didn’t hesitate. “They deserve the truth. All of it. If they come with anger, I’ll meet it head- on. We won’t bury this.”

There was no wavering in him-only the unyielding authority of an Alpha who would rather bleed than hide dishonor.

Vargan studied him for a long moment before giving a slow, measured nod. “I thought as much.” His gaze sharpened. “I’ll ask the guards for deeper information. If Damon’s family demands answers, we can give a clear and full explanation.”

Then, he left without another word.

I stepped closer, drawn by something unspoken. Just looking at Ezra, I could feel the weight pressing down on him. Guilt. Rage. Responsibility. It clung to him like a second skin, thick enough that even my wolf stirred uneasily beneath it.

Without a word, Ezra’s hands found my waist.

He guided me away from Damon’s ward and into a quiet guest chamber. The moment the door shut behind us, the tension in him seemed to fracture.

He sank onto the bed, pulling me down with him. A low groan slipped from his lips as his fingers pressed against the bridge of his nose, as though he could physically push back the storm raging inside his mind.

My chest tightened at the sight.

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“Ezra,” I said softly, “lie on your stomach.”

He didn’t respond, so I added gently, “I’ll help massage your neck. Let me ease the tension.”

But he shook his head.

Instead, his arm tightened around me, drawing me closer until I was resting against him. “No,” he murmured, his voice rough with exhaustion. “You being here is enough.”

His scent wrapped around me like dusk settling over the forest-rich, warm, and quietly intoxicating. It sank into my bones, soothing the restless pulse of my wolf.

“While we wait for Damon’s parents to arrive, stay with me,” he murmured. “Talk to me about anything. You make it easier to breathe.”

“You don’t mind if I ask something?” I murmured. “You look exhausted.”

His lips curved faintly, though his eyes were already heavy with fatigue. “If it’s you… never.”

I shifted carefully in his arms, making sure not to add to the strain in his body.

“Ezra,” I began, my voice thoughtful, “I have a feeling Damon has already found his mate. And what he felt during the Night of Spring… it came from her.” I hesitated, studying his expression. “Did he ever mention anyone to you?”

“Not once.”

The answer came without pause..

I hummed quietly, my thoughts turning over themselves.

“But…” Ezra’s voice came again, lower now, as though dragged from somewhere deeper, “I understand what he did.”

I lifted my head slightly, surprised.

His arm tightened around me, instinctively, as if even in exhaustion he needed to keep me close. “If I were in his place, I’d rather tear into my own flesh than mate with someone I didn’t love.” His voice dropped to a rough whisper. “No matter what forced me.”

Silence settled between us, heavy with meaning.

I swallowed, my chest tightening. “You’re right… I think I would too-”

“No.”

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The word cut through my sentence, soft but absolute.

I stilled, looking up at him.

His eyes were nearly closed now, sleep pulling at him, but there was something fierce-almost desperate-still burning beneath.

“You don’t get to say that,” he murmured. “You don’t get to hurt yourself, Lylah. Not ever.” His fingers curled faintly against me, as if anchoring me in place. “Don’t ever put yourself through that. Not even the smallest wound…” His breath faltered slightly. “I wouldn’t be able to bear it seeing you hurt, even a little.”

“Okay,” I whispered.

That was enough.

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