The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 381

Chapter 381

3rd Person’s POV

Night had settled over Whitepine Pack in a mantle of silver mist and biting cold. The forest surrounding Ivar’s residence breathed with quiet life. Inside his study, Ivar sat comfortably behind a heavy oak desk littered with reports, old records, and half-opened books. Retirement suited him.

Then, a sharp knock interrupted the silence.

Rune stepped inside moments later, bowing his head respectfully.

“Sir,” he said carefully, “someone from Lunaris has come to see you.”

Ivar’s irritation surfaced instantly.

For years, the former war Commander had made one thing painfully clear to everyone across Verdanth—he accepted no visitors after his retirement. No nobles. No Alphas. No ambitious young wolves hoping to bask in old glory.

Anyone who still dared approach his door either possessed extraordinary courage…

Or extraordinary stupidity.

“Who is it?” Ivar asked flatly.

“I don’t think I’ve seen him before. He only said he was a close friend of someone you care about.”

A low growl stirred in Ivar’s chest.

“Persistent little fool,” he muttered before rising from his chair.

Downstairs, the atmosphere inside the parlor was tense enough to suffocate.

The moment Ivar entered, the young wolf waiting near the fireplace straightened immediately. Excitement flashed openly across his face.

“Commander Ivar,” Fenrir greeted with a respectful bow. “It’s truly an honor to finally stand before you.”

Ivar studied him with cold, unreadable eyes.

“Do I know you, youngling?” he asked bluntly.

The young Gamma smiled quickly. “My name is Fenrir, sir. My father served Blackfang as a warrior. When I was a child, he brought me here to meet his legendary mentor.” His eyes brightened with admiration. “That mentor was you.”

Ivar remembered countless warriors. Too many battlefields. Too many students.

One overeager pup from years ago meant nothing.

“Hm.” His sharp gaze narrowed slightly. “If that were enough, boy, then you would also know I no longer receive guests.” His voice turned colder. “So tell me honestly, who sent you to my door?”

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Capter 481

Invisible pressure rolled through the room as Ivar’s wolf lifted its head beneath his skin.

Fenrir, however, seemed oblivious to the danger.

If anything, he looked even more eager.

“It was Lady Cora, sir,” he admitted proudly. “The future Luna of Blackfang. We’re rather close. She told me I could visit you anytime.”

The room fell still.

Dangerously still.

Fenrir continued, entirely unaware of the storm he had just unleashed. “She said you treasured her like your own daughter. Your golden child.” His voice lowered with awe. “Even Alpha Eldric of Ironcrest is apparently close to you as well. Right?”

Silence.

Then,

Crack.

The armrest beneath Ivar’s hand splintered instantly.

Fenrir’s face paled.

For the first time since arriving, instinct screamed at him.

Run.

Ivar rose slowly to his feet.

Silver blazed through his eyes. Not the polished gleam of nobility or prestige, but the savage light of an ancient war god standing one breath away from violence. “Close to me? Cora truly has no shame!”

Fenrir’s pulse stumbled.

Something was wrong.

Terribly wrong.

“Commander…” he said carefully, suddenly uncertain. “You and Lady Cora aren’t—”

“She is not my golden child.” Ivar cut in sharply. “That sly vixen stabbed me in the back. And no, I have nothing to do with the Alpha of Ironcrest. Those fools fed you lies they created themselves. After everything she’s done…” Ivar snarled, fury roughening his voice. “She still dares claim we’re close?”

“I knew Cora when she was still a pup. She came to me years ago during a storm claiming she was Jax Stillward’s, my best student’s, daughter.” Bitterness entered his voice. “She spoke of betrayal. Of being mistreated and wronged by everyone around her. And because she carried Jax’s name…” His eyes hardened with old regret. “I protected her.”

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11:44 Tue, May 12 M

Chapter 381

The memories clearly enraged him even now.

“I used my influence to clear paths for her. Open doors for her. Shield her from consequences.” His lip curled faintly. “I gave her privileges few wolves would ever receive.”

Fenrir stood frozen.

Everything Eldric had told him was collapsing by the second. A cold realization crept down his spine.

‘Did Eldric lie to me?’

“Then she grew older. She left Whitepine and resurfaced in Lunaris. I allowed it. Trusted her enough to let her keep everything I’d given.” Ivar’s voice darkened dangerously. “Until the truth finally reached me.”

The air turned suffocating.

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