The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 376

Chapter 376

3rd Person’s POV

The moment Zyrelle dragged Cora beyond the boutique doors, she still intended to handle things quietly.

At first.

“Walk,” Zyrelle ordered coldly, her grip locked around Cora’s.arm like iron.

But Cora fought like a feral thing.

She twisted violently beneath Zyrelle’s hold, nails lashing through the air as her wolf snapped recklessly beneath her skin. She clawed at Ezra’s guard hard enough to leave streaks of blood across his jaw before turning on Zyrelle herself with a furious shriek.

“You filthy mutts!” Cora spat. “How dare you touch me?!”

Zyrelle’s patience finally shattered.

In one brutal motion, she seized Cora by the throat and slammed her against the nearest stone pillar outside the boutique entrance.

“Listen carefully,” Zyrelle said softly.

That softness was worse than shouting.

Silver flickered briefly through her eyes as her wolf surfaced beneath the restraint of human skin. “You should be grateful our Luna stopped my cousin from tearing you apart inside that store.”

Cora froze.

Fear flashed across her face too late.

Then the slap came.

The crack echoed across the marble walkway loud enough to silence the entire street.

Cora staggered sideways, nearly collapsing before another strike snapped her head back again. Blood bloomed across her split lip instantly.

“You attacked Moonclaw’s Luna with your mouth,” Zyrelle hissed. “Consider this mercy.”

The final shove sent Cora sprawling hard against the pavement beneath the blazing afternoon sun.

Like a discarded stray.

Without another glance, Zyrelle turned away with the guards following silently behind her. Leaving Cora alone on the ground.

“How dare you… Lylah…” she whispered through clenched teeth.

Her trembling fingers brushed the blood coating her mouth before reaching shakily for her phone.

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Csipter 3 o

Not Rowan.

Not Thane.

There was only one person Cora knew would still come running the moment she called.

“J-Jude…” Her voice cracked perfectly with helplessness. “Can we meet? I really need your help.”

The city park of Lunaris shimmered beneath the late afternoon light, silver fountains glistening beneath towering moonwillow trees while distant wolves moved along the pathways dressed in wealth and elegance.

Jude arrived quickly. Still dressed in his dark work suit, broad shoulders tense with concern the moment his eyes landed on her.

“Cora?”

Shock crossed his face instantly. He moved toward her at once.

“What happened to you?” His hands gripped her shoulders carefully as his wolf stirred with protective agitation. “Who did this to your face?”

Cora lowered her gaze at the perfect angle, allowing him to fully see the bruising darkening her cheek and the blood still staining her lips.

“I…” Her voice trembled softly. “I went to pick up a gown today. Something appropriate for the Lunaris business gathering.” Tears welled carefully in her eyes. “I only wanted to look worthy standing beside Rowan.”

Jude’s jaw tightened.

“The boutique employees attacked me, Jude,” she whispered brokenly. “They told me I didn’t belong there.”

“What?” Rage flashed through him immediately. “That makes no sense.”

Jude knew the elite boutiques of Lunaris better than most. His businesses supplied fabrics and luxury imports to half the city’s high-end establishments. Employees in places like that survived by recognizing power. And everyone knew who Cora was.

“I-I didn’t understand either,” Cora continued softly, lowering her lashes while tears slid down her cheeks. “I tried to remain calm. I told them I only needed the gown because I wanted to support Rowan properly during the venture.” Her voice broke beautifully. “I was only trying to be a good mate…”

Jude’s expression darkened instantly.

Sympathy rolled off him so strongly his wolf nearly surfaced with it.

Without hesitation, he pulled her into his arms.

The embrace was warm. Protective. Familiar.

Like an older brother shielding someone precious from the world.

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11:43 Tue, May 12 MO

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