The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Lylah’s POV

For three days, Rowan remained at the manor.

Finishe

He lavished me with care each day. I tried to send him away with minor pack matters, but he handled every task swiftly and still found time to return to my side.

By the time the fourth day dawned–the day I was meant to leave–panic had taken hold.

My thoughts clawed at one another, searching for a way to push him out without drawing suspicion. I wa still trapped in that spiraling unease when Gavriel and Rosella arrived just before lunch.

We ate together beneath the manor’s vaulted ceiling, porcelain plates and polished silverware reflecting the false warmth they wore so convincingly. I kept my expression cool, my emotions tightly leashed as I

ate.

“Lylah,” Gavriel began lightly, swirling his wine, “you’ve truly outdone yourself. Convincing an Alpha to disappear from his office for days?” He chuckled. “The entire tower is buzzing. They thought he’d vanished.”

“Gavriel,” Rowan warned from across the table,

“I didn’t ask him to stay,” I said calmly.

Rosella’s smile widened, syrupy and sharp. “Don’t be modest. Alpha Rowan wished to spend time with you. Surely you sensed that?”

My stomach twisted. They loathed me, but before Rowan, every claw was perfectly sheathed.

“That’s it,” Gavriel said smoothly, “We actually came to request your help, Lylah.”

I met his gaze. “What kind of help?”

“We need Alpha Rowan at the Corlis Prime Accord Gathering tomorrow. Every Alpha investor will be present, and his absence would speak louder than his presence.”

“The alliance is already secured,” Rowan replied coolly, “Tomorrow is a formality. Don’t turn it into a spectacle in front of Lylah.”

I knew these events. Corlis Prime project inaugurations were never simple formalities; they were lavish pack gatherings of feasting and calculated conversation, consuming a full day before spilling into the night.

“I think you should attend,” I said.

Tomorrow evening, I will be gone. I couldn’t afford complications.

Gavriel straightened slightly, hope flickering behind his eyes.

“You are the face of Corlis Prime,” I continued, keeping my tone neutral. “It would be seen as disrespectful

:13 pm MMM.

Chapter 21

if you weren’t present.”

Rowan turned fully toward me.

The air shifted, his Alpha aura pressing closer. “Is that truly what you want, Lylah?”

Both Gavriel and Rosella held their breath.

… Fine,” Rowan said at last. “If you ask it of me, I’ll attend.”

Finis

Gavriel beamed, instantly donning his grateful mask. “Thank you, Lylah. Truly. I don’t know what we would’ve done without you.”

I didn’t respond.

This pack was full of wolves dressed in silk and smiles, fangs hidden until your back was turned.

Still, relief washed over me. Soon, I would be free of this place.

Rowan left before dawn the next morning. After securing my luggage, I went to my mentor’s office to collect the final documents.

‘This is your Junior Assistant application,” Mr. Stone said, handing me the folder. “The official copy has already been approved and stamped. You’ll receive it once you arrive at Lunar Grace.”

‘Thank you so much, Mr. Stone.”

His eyes softened. “Take care of yourself, Lylah. I hope the path ahead gives you everything you’ve work for.”

As my mentor at Blackfang College, he had borne witness to every sleepless night and every trial I endured to earn my place in Medical and Healing–only for it to be taken from me in the end.

‘I will never forget you,” I said honestly.

Clutching the folder, I stepped outside into the afternoon light,

And froze.

I moved on instinct, tucking the documents behind my back.

Lylah.” Rowan stood there, smiling.

“Rowan?” My heart stumbled in my chest.

“Did I startle you?” he said lightly. “I came to pick you up

He looked every bit the Alpha–his charcoal tuxedo hugging his broad frame, the pack sigil gleaming faintly like a warning over his heart.

Rowan extended his hand. “Come. The Alpha investors want to meet you.”

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