The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 265

Chapter 265

Lylah’s POV

Finished

“I think I should get something for myself too. Maybe that one,” Tiara said lightly, pointing toward a delicate necklace on display-a fine gold chain with a soft pink gem catching the light. “Is it pretty?”

“It suits you,” I replied without hesitation. “Add it to my order. I’ll pay for it.”

Tiara blinked, then laughed.

“No, Lylah. I’ll pay for my own.” She waved it off easily. “If you want to treat me, just buy me a cake later. That’s more than enough. Okay?”

“But…” I hesitated, something uneasy stirring beneath my ribs.

I knew she had money-but she’d also told me this morning she hadn’t come to Lunaris just to visit. She was here to find work. Blackfang had become unstable, uncertain, and she hadn’t secured anything yet.

“Tiara, I don’t mean anything by it…” I said gently. “If I pay for this, you can save your money until you settle into a job.”

“My savings?” Tiara laughed again, bright and unbothered. “Trust me, I have more than enough.” Her eyes gleamed with mischief. “Remember that unexpected encounter I mentioned during our call? Looks like Selene decided to reward me with a rather generous little fortune.”

[ frowned. “What does that mean? You didn’t do anything risky, did you?”

‘Of course not,” she said quickly. “It’s clean.”

I wasn’t convinced.

Still, whatever it was, Tiara looked too pleased-too alive with excitement-for me to press further.

I’d ask her later, when we were alone, when the air wasn’t so light.

For now, I let it go.

We moved to the waiting couch while our purchases were wrapped, slipping into easy conversation about the Night of Renewal-the moon, the celebrations, the way all of Verdanth seemed to hum with anticipation.

Then, nearby, raised voices cut through the calm. Sharp enough to slice the air.

I hadn’t caught the words at first. I was too focused on Tiara. But I felt the tension creeping in, like wolves bristling before a fight.

And then,

“So you’re saying this woman bought the limited-edition kunzite necklace I reserved for Lady Coraline?”

The voice hit first.

1/3

12:55 pm

Chapter 265

Familiar.

My head snapped up.

Griselda.

་་་

Finished

“This woman?” she continued, disbelief and disdain lacing her tone as she jabbed a finger at Tiara. “Tiara Ashcroft? We’re from the same pack. I know exactly what she is. There’s no way she could afford something like that.”

I was already on my feet.

“What’s going on?” I demanded, my voice sharpening, my wolf stirring beneath the surface.

Griselda stood there, sharp-featured and unyielding. And beside her-

Jude Knight.

Recognition flickered. I’d seen him before at that Blackfang College event. He was part of Rowan and Cora’s inner circle.

“What the hell are you even doing in Lunaris, Tiara?” Griselda snapped, her gaze cutting into her.

Tiara didn’t flinch.

“Why?” she shot back coolly. “You don’t own this city. I have every right to be here.”

Griselda let out a sharp, humorless laugh, edged like a warning growl.

“I’m just surprised you made it this far,” she said, her gaze raking over Tiara with open disdain. “Lunaris isn’t exactly kind to wolves of your standing. And I certainly didn’t expect you to afford that necklace.” Her eyes slid toward the display, narrowing, something calculating flickering beneath. “Or was this intentional?”

The air tightened.

“You knew Lady Cora liked that necklace,” Griselda continued, her voice turning pointed. “So you bought it first to spite her. To upset her. Didn’t you?”

The accusation hung in the air.

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