The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 174

Chapter 174

Lylah’s POV

A low, instinctive growl stirred in my chest at the sound of his name.

Rowan.

++5 Pearls

Just hearing it left a bitter taste on my tongue, like I’d swallowed something rotten and couldn’t spit it out. And now-an alliance with Lunar Grace?

It meant his presence would also spread here. Slowly. Inevitably. Like a shadow creeping across sacred ground.

The one place that had remained untouched by him… wouldn’t stay that way for long.

“Has the academy already accepted?” I asked, keeping my voice level despite the tension coiling inside me.

Dahlia nodded without hesitation. “Of course. It’s not like they’d turn down figures like them.” She lowered her voice slightly, as if sharing something important. “The Dean has wanted a collaboration with an Alpha for years. Alpha Ezra was always his first choice, but… we were never enough to catch his interest.”

Her tone carried a hint of reluctant admiration.

“He commands the Lunaris Research Center, Lylah. If Alpha Rowan failed to secure a partnership with them…” she shrugged lightly, “it’s because Alpha Ezra-refused.”

My thoughts drifted-unbidden-to that evening.

When Rowan had come to me seething with fury after his meeting with Ezra.

What had happened between them?

I knew one thing with certainty-Rowan wouldn’t dare cross Ezra. Not truly. Not when Ezra stood leagues above him in strength and authority now.

And yet…

A possessive instinct I hadn’t known existed rose with a quiet, dangerous growl, bristling at the mere thought of Rowan standing in Ezra’s space.

Rowan.

That insufferable creature.

How many times does he need to be put in his place before he leaves Ezra alone?

Evening settled swiftly over Lunar Grace, shadows stretching long as the private meeting hall was meticulously prepared-every detail set in place to receive wolves of power and rank.

173

11:27 am

Chapter 174

I sat among the participants beside Dahlia, posture composed, senses alert.

When the visiting party began their presentation, my attention sharpened.

+5 Pearls

The speaker was the man I’d seen on the billboard-Logan Silver. Standing beside him were Gavriel and Cora.

Rowan himself was nowhere to be seen.

Logan began outlining the proposal, his voice smooth and precise. It didn’t take long before the officials were nodding, clearly impressed.

“…and with that,” Logan Silver concluded, “on behalf of Alpha Rowan, I present our newest initiative in the field of healing-CORAVIA.”

A murmur stirred through the hall.

“The name sounds familiar,” one of the officials remarked politely.

Gavriel stepped forward, a faint, knowing smile curving his lips. “It should. Alpha Rowan named it after the woman he loves most in this world, sir-Lady Coraline, his future Luna.”

And just like that, the room shifted.

Cameras swung in unison.

All eyes landed on Cora.

“The woman who stood at Alpha Rowan’s side through every storm,” Gavriel continued, his voice smooth as it carried across the hall, “the one who wiped his blood and sweat long before Corlis Prime ever existed -long before he rose to the power he holds today.”

Cora’s smile was flawless. “Beta Gavriel, you’re too kind.”

Applause erupted across the hall, loud and unwavering.

“Lady Cora, that’s incredible!”

“No wonder Alpha Rowan loves you so much and honors you this way!”

“Next time you must tell us how the two of you raised Blackfang Pack from ashes into glory!”

The praise kept coming, wave after wave.

I sat still through it all.

Strangely… I didn’t feel anger.

Not anymore.

Only a quiet numbness settling deep in my bones.

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