The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 291

Chapter 291

3rd Person’s POV

“For me?” Lylah blinked, momentarily at a loss.

Finished

Zyrelle’s parents… had sent her a gift? More astonishing, they knew of her existence? A quiet warmth spread through her chest, equal parts disbelief and honor.

Within the tangled hierarchy of Ezra’s bloodlines, Zyrelle’s parents were among the few who could truly be called family. Unlike the other elders, who circled power like predators scenting blood, they had never sought to ingratiate themselves with Ezra-nor to undermine him for the Alpha crown. Since Vargan’s retirement, they had carried much of Moonclaw’s affairs upon their shoulders, moving tirelessly between packs, their loyalty spoken more through action than presence.

“Are you not pleased?” Vargan’s voice cut gently through her thoughts.

“No-no, it’s not that!” Lylah shook her head. “I’m truly happy, Grandpa. Please send them my thanks. I feel so grateful.”

Vargan’s sharp, age-lined gaze softened. “They are not like the others you saw yesterday, my dear. Zyrelle’s father is a man of unwavering loyalty to Ezra’s father, and now to Ezra himself. There is no hidden weight behind this offering.”

He paused, glancing briefly at the box resting on his desk.

“Their duties keep them moving from one Pack to another. They cannot always return for gatherings, but they have never failed to remember us.”

“Actually,” a smooth voice interjected, laced with quiet amusement, “this time, they did.”

Both Lylah and Vargan turned.

Zyrelle stood framed in the doorway. There was something different in her expression today-a playful glint, subtle yet unmistakable, like a black fox hiding mischief behind elegance.

“I reminded them,” she continued, stepping inside. “Last night, I told them it would be improper not to send something for Ezra and for the new Luna of Moonclaw.”

Vargan’s brows lifted in clear surprise before a deep, pleased chuckle rumbled in his chest.

He beckoned her closer and pressed a firm kiss to the crown of her head.

“Well then, what am I to say, if not that I’m proud of you?” he said warmly. “You have truly outgrown pouting over your cousin getting all the gifts.”

“Grandpa!”

A faint flush rose to Zyrelle’s checks, her composure cracking just enough to reveal the girl she once had

been.

The sight drew a soft laugh from Lylah.

Chapter 291

Finished

So this poised, graceful lady-this refined princess of Moonclaw-had once been a sulking pup, bristling with jealousy over Ezra?

The image lingered, oddly endearing.

By evening, Moonclaw estate had transformed. Lanterns burned low and golden across the sprawling lawn, their light swaying in the cool night air. The scent of pine, earth, and distant wildlands lingered beneath the surface. Wolves moved through the gathering in quiet currents, their instincts sharper, their senses alive.

When night fully settled, Ezra’s family gathered beneath the open sky.

It was then that Lylah’s phone rang.

Tiara.

A flicker of hesitation crossed her face. Zyrelle and Damon stood nearby. Accepting the call felt oddly intrusive.

“Just answer it,” Ezra murmured, his voice low but firm.

Lylah nodded and lifted the phone to her ear.

“Tiara? Where are you?” she asked, wincing slightly. “I can barely hear you.”

“Lylah!” Tiara’s voice burst through, loud and breathless, layered with distant music and chaos. “Sorry! I just called to wish you a happy new moon!”

Lylah blinked, “It’s not even midnight yet…”

“I know, I know!” Tiara rushed on. “But what if I forget later? I’m really busy right now.”

“Busy?” Lylah frowned faintly. “Are you out somewhere? Partying?”

Around her, most faces remained composed-unbothered, indifferent. All except one.

Damon.

The moment Tiara’s voice carried through the speaker, something in him stilled. Recognition struck instantly, sharp as a scent caught on the wind. Beneath the laughter and clamor, he heard it clearly-the untamed edge in her tone, the reckless pulse of a she-wolf loose in a crowded bar.

His jaw tightened.

“That is dangerous.”

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