The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 194

Chapter 194

Lylah’s POV

*Finished

I had expected Ezra to be displeased–perhaps even cold–when I told him about Gerald. Especially after the tension between him and Gary. But he hadn’t reacted that way at all.

Instead, he accepted it with quiet ease.

Relief settled deep in my chest.

Once again, Ezra proved I didn’t have to worry about things. Once again, he made the weight of my world feel much lighter.

The next morning was an off day. I had no classes at the academy, and Ezra set aside his work at the research center–just as I had planned. We drove out to a private villa tucked into the serene outskirts of Lunaris, where Vargan and Commander Ivar were staying.

The land there was thick with forest and moon–scent–wild, untouched, alive in a way the city center

could never be.

It had been my idea.

Ezra hadn’t agreed at first.

‘We could spend the day alone. Only us.‘ he had said, his voice low, almost coaxing.

But I had been stubborn. If there was even the smallest chance to mend the distance between him and Vargan, I would take it.

“Lylah!”

The moment we stepped out of the car, Vargan came striding toward me.

“You came to visit me! So you didn’t lie after all!”

I smiled, warmth rising in my chest. “Of course I would come before you return to Moonclaw, Grandpa.”

“Ah, a shame Commander Ivar already left for Whitepine this morning. He has some business to attend to,” he said with a snort. His sharp eyes gleamed. “But I’ve just come back from a run. And a hunt.” He leaned closer, voice lowering with excitement. “Do you remember our plan to hunt together?”

I nodded eagerly, the thrill of it sparking through me-

Until Ezra’s arm slid around my waist,

“No hunting today,” he said smoothly, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I won’t have my Luna exhausting herself.”

Vargan scoffed. “You’ve always been insufferably dull, son.” His gaze flicked to me, full of mischief. “Lylah, why bring him along? He’ll only ruin all our fun.”

12:47 am W

Chapter 194

“Grandpa,” I said gently, glancing at Ezra, “he wants to spend time with us too.”

I

Finished

Ezra didn’t rise to the provocation. As always, he remained composed–cold on the surface, unreadable. But the steady warmth of his hand at my waist grounded me.

I exhaled quietly.

“I brought down a young deer at first light,” Vargan went on, a hint of pride in his voice. “The chefs are cleaning it now. Let’s set it over the fire and make a proper feast of it. What do you say?”

My eyes lit up. “That sounds perfect.”

Beside me, Ezra gave a faint, reluctant grunt.

I nudged him sharply with my elbow.

After a beat, he sighed. “…Fine.”

The feast that followed was small, but it carried a warmth that settled deep within me.

The scent of roasting meat filled the air, rich and primal, mingling with smoke and pine. Vargan’s laughter echoed through the clearing, blending with the distant hum of the forest. Of course, he and Ezra still bickered. That much hadn’t changed.

But there was something different beneath it now–less hostility, more familiarity. Something almost resembling understanding.

I watched them from a distance, a quiet smile forming as they stood together with Damon as well, handling rifles, exchanging sharp remarks that no longer felt like threats.

Until a sharp voice cut through the air.

“What is this? A party? And no one thought to tell me?” The tone was sharp, indignant. “How vile!”

I turned toward the sound.

A woman stood at the edge of the clearing.

She was strikingly beautiful, her features sharp and unmistakably Moonclaw–dark–eyed, poised, every inch of her radiating noble blood and predator grace.

“Grandpa! Ezra!”

She rushed forward without hesitation, throwing herself into Vargan’s arms. He caught her easily, letting out a rough laugh.

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