The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 456

Chapter 456

3rd Person’s POV

Lylah stopped in front of Jude and looked him over from head to toe. The scrutiny should have been ordinary. Instead, it made him inexplicably tense.

His wolf shifted beneath his skin. alert beneath her attention.

“Seraphina mentioned that you injured your leg while hunting,” Lylah said. “Something about a dislocaç ankle. How is it now?”

Jude blinked. For a moment, he didn’t even process the question. His mind caught on something else entirely.

‘She noticed.

Or rather.

‘She cared enough to ask.

“You…” His voice stumbled slightly. “You’re asking about me?”

Lylah frowned. His reaction was so unexpectedly earnest that amusement flickered across her face.

A soft laugh escaped her. “Jude, you’re here to run an outreach campaign. If you’re injured, how exactly are you planning to trek through half the Valley?”

The sound of her laughter settled warmly inside his chest.

“Right.” He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “I’m fine now. It wasn’t serious.”

Then his expression tightened.

A trace of uncertainty slipped through.

“About what you said before…” he began carefully. “You agreed to help me. I just wasn’t sure if you’d changed your mind.”

Lylah tilted her head. “I don’t make promises lightly. I said I’d help you. So I’ll help you.”

Something in Jude’s chest loosened.

Relief.

“Thank you,” he said quietly. His gaze softened.

“My team should arrive tomorrow. Until then…” He glanced toward the darkening valley. “What do you think about taking a walk? I still need to familiarize myself with the area.”

Lylah shrugged. “I don’t mind.”

He couldn’t help smiling.

1/3

Together, they left the cluster of volunteer cabins and wandered through the settlement

Night had fully settled over Lunera Valley.

Silver moonlight spilled across the mountains, coating the cliffs and forests in pale light. The river that wound through the valley gleamed like liquid glass beneath the stars.

Cold wind swept through the settlement.

Jude felt the biting cold immediately.

Without thinking, he shrugged off his jacket.

“Lylah.”

She looked over.

Before she could object, he draped it gently across her shoulders. “So you don’t get sick. The villagers need you.

Lylah blinked in surprise before pulling the jacket closer around herself.

“Thank you.”

They continued walking until they reached the riverbank.

The scenery was beautiful.

The rushing water reflected moonlight like scattered silver.

Tall pines stood guard around the valley, their shadows stretching across the landscape.

Jude studied the area thoughtfully. “This would be a perfect filming location.”

“I suppose it would.” Lylah glanced toward the river.

Not far away, several volunteers had gathered near one of the communal fire pits.

The moment they noticed the pair together, whispers immediately followed.

“Isn’t that Lylah?”

“She’s with Sir Knight.”

“They’re probably discussing the outreach project.”

Most of the students looked curious at best, some simply returned to their conversations.

Only one pair of eyes remained fixed on them.

Seraphina.

Her gaze locked onto the scene from across the camp.

2/3

15:15 Wed, Jun 10 MA

Chapter 456

Every laugh.

Every exchanged smile.

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