The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 35

Chapter 35

040

Finished

3rd Person’s POV

Within the Alpha’s grand estate of Moonclaw Pack, a surge of raw, jubilant energy filled one of the council chambers. Spiced wine was raised high, its rich aroma curling through the air as it mingled with the crackle of the great hearth fire.

“It’s true!” Vargan bellowed, his voice booming as he held up the glowing tablet for the assembled council to see. “He didn’t lie! My stone–hearted grandson finally has a Luna!”

Gasps rippled through the room.

“After twenty–eight full–moon cycles of his life,” Vargan continued, pride blazing in his eyes, “Ezra has finally found his mate!”

The council erupted at once, excitement rolling through them like a shared pulse.

“Show her to us, Master Vargan!” one elder demanded eagerly. “Let us see our Luna!”

Vargan tapped the screen, muttering under his breath.

He had cursed Ezra’s obsession with technology ever since the boy was barely grown, insisting he focus on dominance, territory, and trade like a proper Alpha. And yet, Ezra’s innovations had reshaped Moonclaw.

Distance meant nothing now; communication flowed as swiftly as a mind–link.

The screen flickered to life–Ezra’s broad shoulders filled the frame.

Ezra, you insolent!” Vargan roared. “Why is your Luna’s face cut from the image you sent? We don’t care about you–we want to see her!”

“I did it intentionally,” Ezra replied coolly. “My Luna is not a spectacle for the council.”

Vargan turned the volume up so every elder could hear.

“Bah. Protective already,” he chuckled, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips.

“I’ll present her when the time is right.”

“The right time?” Vargan barked. “You’ve hidden her from all of us and you’re still waiting?”

“I didn’t hide her. We bound ourselves the moment we met.” Ezra’s gaze sharpened. “But don’t romanticize it. This is not some fated love story you’ve been fantasizing about. My Luna and I entered a mating contract for two years.”

Silence crashed down.

Vargan’s jaw slackened. The future he’d already envisioned–pups filling the halls, grand ceremonies- shattered in an instant.

“So she can leave you when it ends?” Vargan snapped. “You truly are useless, Ezra.”

1/2

1:20 pm

Chapter 35

Finished

Yet even as he scoffed, Vargan knew better. He had raised the boy himself. Ezra was ruthless in his standards, unforgiving in his choices.

If he had accepted this woman–even under contract–then she had already pierced his iron discipline.

“At least now you’ll stop parading females in front of me,” Ezra said coldly. “And don’t interfere. My Luna is shy. She’s easily overwhelmed.”

“Shy?” Vargan scoffed. “Or perhaps she’s intimidated by an Alpha with the emotional range of a glacier.” He laughed. “You spend your life buried in ledgers and code. I will teach you how to court a woman-”

The screen went dark.

Ezra had ended the call.

“This arrogant whelp!” Vargan growled.

Only then did the council release the breath they hadn’t realized they were holding.

Despite everything, smiles lingered on their faces.

“Master Vargan,” one elder ventured carefully, “are you suggesting Alpha Ezra should seduce his Luna?”

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