The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16

3rd Person’s POV

Fin

“You called… is it because you heard something interesting happened in the Blackfang Pack again?” Ly asked, amusement threading her tone, no longer the shock that had laced her voice before.

“You seem in high spirits tonight, Lady Lylah. Is there a reason to celebrate?” Riven’s voice floated from the other end.

Lylah caught the shift immediately.

When he wasn’t weighed down by concern, his tone had a lightness that stirred something restless in h hunger to see him in person.

“Yes.”

“Remember,” he offered, “if you ever need someone to confide in, I am here.”

She smiled wryly. “Some things are meant to be kept sir… even from my soon–to–be mate.”

Lylah knew without a doubt, that if Riven heard, even he would not believe it.

“Very well,” he said, his voice smooth “I called with news. The Academy has tasked me with leading a gr of students to a nearby Pack. When you arrive, I may not be able to meet you myself.”

Her eyebrows lifted, a flicker of surprise passing through her. He had bothered to tell her.

“It’s fine. Don’t trouble yourself,” Lylah said, though a pulse of warmth flared in her chest.

“Since Lunar Grace is new to you, I’ll have a friend guide you when you arrive. I won’t have you wanderi alone.”

The gesture touched her. He cared. Even with their bond being formal, he ensured she would not doubt his commitment.

“Thank you, Sir Riven, but it won’t be necessary. I’ve studied the layout for almost a year. By now, I know as well as my own home,” Lylah replied.

“Are you certain?”

“I am.”

Every scrap of media, every rumor, every history of Lunar Grace had been absorbed. She had committed it all to memory, anticipating this moment for months.

“Very well. I’ll see you in five days,” he said, final but gentle.

“Safe travels,” she added just before the call ended.

Just then, faint but unmistakable, a sound drifted through the line–a child’s voice. A boy.

1/3

4:12 pm MM

Chapter 16

“Papa,” it whispered.

Lylah froze, brows knitting as the line went dead.

“Sir Riven… already has a Pup?” she wondered.

Had he mated before? The thought pricked at her curiosity, but she did not dwell,

Finist

In their world, sometimes a bond was transactional, a marriage of status rather than affection. Perhaps, once their mutual needs were fulfilled, he would sever the tie without a second thought.

Lylah exhaled, letting herself sink into her sheets and drifting into a sleep.

Morning crept into the cramped apartment–the kind no Pack member would spare a second glance. Co stirred, scents weaving through the air: aged wood, faint smoke, and something masculine that made he wolf stir with sharp, cager delight.

Her fingers traced the blanket, still warm from Rowan’s presence, and a low, possessive pulse stirred in h chest.

His phone on the nightstand buzzed.

“Rowan,” she started, then stopped herself.

A message

Gavriel:

blinked across the screen.

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