The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 1

Lylah’s POV

Today was the day I had been waiting for—the meeting that would decide my admission to the Academy of Lunar Grace, the pinnacle of werewolf education.

But as I stood outside my mentor’s door, a familiar male voice leaked through the narrow crack, stopping me cold.

“Finally you gave Lylah’s spot at Lunar Grace to Cora, Alpha Rowan. Thank you!" That's my father's voice. “My daughter is brilliant. She will not fail you.”

“Glad to help." Alpha Rowan, my mate, or the man I had believed was mine, replied.

“But... are you certain?” My mentor, a Pack's Gamma named Stone, asked. “Lylah has fought for this spot since last year. How could you do this to her, Alpha?"

“This is final,” My father, Alpha Eldric of Ironcrest Pack, snapped. “Alpha Rowan promised this spot to my precious Cora long ago. We had a deal. He took that useless mongrel Lylah off my hands, kept her from tainting my true family. In return, I poured gold and warriors when his pack was ready to collapse. Isn’t that right, Alpha?”

“But-"

“I’m the Alpha, so the decision is mine. That spot belongs to Cora." Rowan cut in coldly. "About Lylah, I’ll handle it."

I endured every word my father spat—until Rowan spoke.

The ground seemed to shift. I staggered back.

Selestine, my wolf who rarely stirred, howled now—her pain ripping my chest apart.

'What of his promises? Of the dream he knew I bled for to become a female Master Healer?'

Crying, I fled the building, barely making it into the car before I saw Cora through the window—her pale hair gleaming like moonlight.

Rowan had left before dawn for a conference that ended hours ago. I hadn’t imagined he would come here instead. My father, Cora, and Rowan together.

The manor doors burst open when I finally returned.

Rowan stood there, his cane polished to a mirror shine. His smile suggested nothing had happened at all.

“Where have you been, my little moon? I miss you," he said, striding toward me.

His cold pine and musk's scent fouled with cloying Rose. Cora's scent.

“Rowan,” I said, pushing him away.

“The conference was chaos. Reporters everywhere, all asking about Corlis Prime. I finished far later than expected.” He kissed my cheek, my forehead.

How could he lie that easily to me?

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