The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 153

Chapter 153

3rd Person’s POV

Cora’s words made Ivar pause.

For a moment, the old commander simply stared at her.

“Your mate…?” he repeated slowly. “Rowan Blackfang is your mate?”

Since the day Cora had vanished from Whitepine–leaving behind nothing but a short letter claiming she, would study in Ironcrest–Ivar had not seen her again.

Out of respect for the girl he had once watched, he had not searched for her. Instead, he had chosen to guard her from afar, ensuring her safety through quiet channels.

Never once had he imagined she might have become the mate of Rowan Blackfang.

“Yes…” Cora sobbed, lowering her head as tears slid down her cheeks. “Alpha Rowan is my mate…”

Ivar flinched.

“Dry your eyes, girl,” he said gruffly. “Jax and Vala would be ashamed to see the daughter they raised weeping over a man like that from Selene’s kingdom above.”

His voice hardened.

“There’s nothing so remarkable about Rowan Blackfang that warrants such tears.”

But Cora noticed it immediately–the faintest fracture in his anger.

And she seized it.

“Because I love him,” she said between sobs. “I love him so much. Alpha Rowan is a good man. Just recently… things have been difficult for him and his pack.”

Her shoulders trembled convincingly.

“I had no other choice but to use my connections with Thane and other influential figures in Lunaris to create opportunities for him.” She lowered her gaze, voice small and fragile. “As his mate… I only wanted to help him.”

Ivar watched her carefully.

The girl before him trembled, tears falling freely as though her heart might break apart at any moment.

Slowly, the iron edge of his fury dulled.

He had been furious–truly furious.

But standing before him now was still the girl he had once sworn to protect.

And she was crying.

Even an old war wolf like him could not keep his anger burning against that sight for long.

“Fine,” he said at last.

Cora gasped softly.

“Sir… I’m so grateful…” She dropped to her knees again.

But Ivar quickly caught her arm and pulled her back to her feet.

“Enough of that,” he muttered. His sharp gaze pinned her in place. “But listen carefully. You cannot continue this lie forever.”

His voice turned stern again.

“You must find a way to correct this mistake. And tell your mate to learn how to stand on his own feet. An Alpha who relies on borrowed authority is nothing but a title wearing a crown.”

Cora nodded obediently, lowering her head in submission.

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