The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 36

My office was thick with the stench of fear–submissive pheromones leaking from every member of the Corlis Prime team. Their bowed heads and darting gazes scraped against my temper until it burned like hot coals under my skin.

Nightborne stirred, urging me to bare my fangs, to let my Alpha voice tear through the room once more.

Before I could unleash it, Gavriel stepped closer,

“Alpha,” he said carefully, “have some mercy. The first draft was flawless, there are no revisions needed. They surpassed the target. Do you really need to put them through another round?”

He hesitated, then lowered his voice. “You’re angry. Is this about Lylah again?”

The mention of her name made my chest tighten.

Last night, I’d nearly sent my warriors to tear through every corner of Blackfang–inside the territory and beyond it–just to drag her back.

Gavriel had stopped me, warning that chasing her now would only feed her defiance. He’d said she was ikely hiding at a friend’s den.

‘This is the first time she’s sulking for this long,” I growled. “The first time she’s pushed me this far.”

‘Alpha… if this is truly troubling you,” Gavriel said slowly, “then go straight to her hiding place. Tiara, the girl she’s close to. I can give you the address. She lives in the Packhouse.”

My gaze snapped to him. “You’re certain Lylah is there?”

‘Yes. Since Lylah stepped into Blackfang territory, she’s had very few allies. That girl is the closest thing she has to family.”

He’s right. Where else would Lylah run, if not to Tiara’s den?

“Fine,” I said coldly. “I’ll go.”

I grabbed my keys and strode out. The moment the door closed behind me, I heard a collective exhale- prayers muttered in my wake.

I slid into my car and was about to start the engine when my phone rang.

“Rowan,” Cora’s voice chimed sweetly, “I’ll be in your office shortly. Wait for me.”

“What-” I barely had time to react before the passenger door opened and someone slipped inside.

“Cora?”

“Surprise,” she said brightly, her eyes twinkling beneath a radiant smile. “I told you I’d be here soon. You look like you’re in a hurry. Going somewhere?”

1:20 pm

Chapter 36

“No.” I said, too quickly.

白

Finished

“Then drive me to Mr. Stone’s office at Blackfang College, please.” Her voice softened deliberately. “He helped smooth my admission to Lunar Grace. I just need to collect a few files.”

She paused, glancing at me from beneath her lashes. “I don’t like meeting another man without your knowledge.”

The tension in my chest eased instantly. My wolf settled.

Cora’s consideration was soothing. Rare. I was fortunate to have a woman who respected boundaries, who never challenged my authority or the bond between us. If only all women understood their place as clearly as she did.

“Alright,” I said. “Let’s go.”

She leaned over and kissed my cheek. “Rowan, I love you.”

I smiled as I started the car.

Blackfang College was unusually quiet when we arrived—classes must have been on break. Cora asked me to wait while she ran upstairs.

I leaned against the car, my senses expanding, scanning the area.

Then the whispers started.

“What is Alpha Rowan doing here?”

“I don’t know. I never see him away from his company.”

“Right? He’s been ruling from the shadows for years. We’re lucky to even glimpse him.”

Three

young students passed by, their scents spiking with excitement, faces flushed crimson.

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