The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 299

Chapter 299

3rd Person’s POV

40

Finished

Rowan remained with Cora and Eldric longer than he cared to, enduring the strained civility of the gathering. Conversation dragged where warmth never followed, and though he played his part, the effort wore thin fast. At the first acceptable pause, he excused himself.

He retreated to his study, shutting the door on the echoes of forced pleasantries. Inside, the scent of ink, parchment, and polished wood grounded him. Power no longer sufficed.

He needed more.

More wolves. More loyalty. More strength.

A stack of dossiers waited on his desk-applications from wolves across Lunaris seeking a place within his expanding reach, many boasting skills suited to the growing tech sector. Rowan sank into his chair and began to read.

Names. Histories. Strengths. Weaknesses.

Most blurred together.

Until one did not.

His gaze stilled, sharpening as his wolf stirred beneath his skin.

“Raav of the Blackmaw Pack,” Rowan murmured, letting the name roll slowly off his tongue. A faint curl touched his lip-not quite a smile. “Formerly under Ezra of Moonclaw, but no longer.”

“Yes, Alpha,” Azrel confirmed from where he stood nearby.

Rowan tapped the paper once, deliberately. “Bring him to me this afternoon.” His eyes never left the page.

By afternoon, tension had settled over the residence.

Rowan stood near the tall windows of his receiving chamber, hands clasped behind his back as pale winter light filtered through frost-lined glass. His wolf prowled close to the surface, restless-sensing opportunity and something darker.

When the door opened, he did not turn at once.

“Alpha Rowan,” the newcomer said, his voice steady despite the weight pressing down on the room. “Thank you for calling me.”

Only then did Rowan turn, his gaze locking onto the young wolf before him.

Raav.

Young, yes-but not weak. Something in his posture, in the careful stillness of his movements, held Rowan’s

attention.

Interesting.

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13:02

Thu, Apr 16

Chapter 299

Finished

“You likely know why you’re here,” Rowan said smoothly, his tone polite. Almost inviting. “Something in your history caught my attention.”

He stepped closer.

“You served under Ezra,” he continued, watching him closely. “If I recall correctly, most wolves would claw their way into such a position.” His voice softened, coaxing now. “So tell me what made you walk away so young?”

The shift came subtly, but Rowan caught it.

Raav’s eyes flickered. His shoulders tightened-just slightly.

Beneath it, his wolf bristled.

At the mention of Ezra.

Rowan’s interest sharpened.

“Alpha Ezra cast me out-if not openly, then in every way that mattered,” Raav said, his voice even, though something colder threaded beneath it. “When I no longer served a purpose.” A faint exhale followed. “But I was glad.”

Rowan stilled.

That… he had not expected.

Raav lifted his gaze, steady now, meeting Rowan’s directly. “Tell me, Alpha-would you remain loyal if the work you were given was never meant to be rewarded?”

He continued without waiting.

“He sent me on a task. One that could have cost me my life.” His jaw tightened faintly. “When I returned, he offered no acknowledgment. And when a higher position opened at the Lunaris Research Center…” A humorless breath slipped past his lips. “He gave it to someone else. So I left.”

Rowan lifted a brow slightly, though his calm mask held. Beneath it, something dark coiled tighter.

“What task?” Rowan asked, his voice quieter now. “What mission did he consider worth your life?”

Raav did not hesitate.

“Spying. He sent me into another Alpha’s territory,” he said, his gaze unwavering. “To observe and report back. Alpha Ezra sent me to Blackfang.”

The room went still.

“Your pack, Alpha Rowan.”

Something inside Rowan snapped taut.

His wolf surged forward, claws raking against the restraint. Anger flared-fast, violent, demanding release.

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13:02 Thu, Apr 16 MOD

Chapter 299

“Who did he send you to spy on?” Rowan demanded.

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Finished

“A woman. He had me sneak like a coward, risk my life… for a she-wolf. I don’t remember her name, but I kept a record.”

Raav pulled out his phone, tapped the screen, then stepped forward and held it out.

Rowan took it.

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