The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 184

Chapter 184

3rd Person’s POV

040

+5 Pearls

The moment Crystal’s words sank in, a low, involuntary rumble vibrated deep within Soren’s chest-more instinct than sound, the wolf in her bristling at exposure.

That secret… her darkest one… had been buried so deep even she pretended it no longer existed. Hidden beneath layers of pride and discipline, carefully guarded to preserve the image of an honorable, high- ranking council daughter.

And now it had been dragged into the open.

Worse-revealed in front of Lylah.

Her enemy.

“S-she wants my pup to suffer the same fate as hers because she envies me,” Crystal clutched desperately at Lylah’s arm, her nails trembling, her scent sharp with fear and fever. “Please lady, don’t let her touch it!”

The brief contact sent a wave of unnatural heat searing through Lylah’s skin. In that instant, clarity settled in-Soren had been right.

The infection had already sunk its claws deep into Crystal’s mind, warping her thoughts, unraveling her reason, until fear and delusion became one and the same.

“I won’t let anything happen to you,” Lylah said reassuringly, “Calm down. Breathe. You’re safe here. No one will harm you.”

Relief washed over Crystal’s face, fragile but sincere.

With swift efficiency, Lylah turned to the assistants, issuing precise instructions. The room shifted into motion-preparations made, tools readied. Moments later, Crystal was gently eased into unconsciousness, her breathing evening out under the anesthetic.

But before Lylah could return fully to her task, Soren caught her arm and pulled her aside.

“Don’t tell me you’re about to cause a scene now, Soren,” Lylah said sharply, irritation flickering in her tone. “There’s a life at stake. I won’t waste time on petty drama.”

“Wait,” Soren insisted, her grip tightening just slightly. For once, there was no arrogance in her posture- only urgency. “What Crystal said earlier… it was the fever talking. You know that. You can’t let something like that take root in your mind.” Her voice lowered, almost breaking. “And you will not leave this room and spread it, Lylah. You won’t.”

Lylah tilted her head, studying her with unnerving calm.

“You mean the part about you being pregnant multiple times and getting rid of them?”

The words landed like a blade.

Soren’s face drained of all color, her wolf recoiling in panic beneath her skin. “That’s not true!” she

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1:28 am MM

Chapter 184

040

+5 Pearls

snapped, though the sharpness cracked under strain. “Crystal is lying. She’s trying to ruin me, to drag my name through the dirt here in Lunaris! I am a noble-born lady. I would never-never-do something so disgraceful!” Her breath hitched. “And you, Lylah… don’t you dare believe otherwise!”

The desperation in her voice was raw, almost unbearable.

And telling.

It confirmed more than any confession could.

Lylah’s expression, however, did not change.

“Do you think my lack of respect for you stems from your personal affairs?” she said coolly. “No. I despise you for who you are-your nature, your choices, your arrogance.” She paused, her gaze sharpening. “What I just heard holds no more weight to me than the passing wind.”

Soren blinked, stunned. “You… you’re not going to use it against me?”

Lylah let out a quiet, humorless breath.

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