The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 5

Lylah’s POV

Morning mist clung to the Pack’s Central Hall when I arrived, pale and restless as a living thing. It curled around my ankles as I stepped into the crowd gathered outside, their whispers slicing sharper than claws.

“Isn’t that the Mutt?”

“What is she doing here? Goddess, I hope she’s not here to cause trouble.”

Guards moved to intercept me, hands hovering near their weapons.

But the moment they caught sight of my elongated claws and the faint silver glow burning in my eyes—Selestine bristling beneath my skin—they faltered.

I didn’t slow down.

Bang!

My foot crashed into the doors, kicking them open.

Warmth and laughter spilled from within, mocking the storm clawing through my chest. Cora stood at the center of it, framed by Hector and Gavriel.

“It’s impressive you managed to memorize a speech like that overnight, Lady Cora,” Hector said, pride heavy in his tone. “I have no doubt your performance tomorrow will be flawless.”

Cora giggled, lowering her lashes. “Thank you, sir. But, is it truly all right that I used this beautifully written text?”

“Of course,” Gavriel replied smoothly. “It’s an honor enough that you’re delivering the speech. You shouldn’t exhaust yourself writing one from scratch.”

Their laughter grated against my bones.

“So theft is how y'all disguise incompetence these days?” My voice sliced through their laughter.

Silence snapped into place.

All three turned toward me.

“Lylah.” Hector’s face hardened instantly.

Cora blinked, wide-eyed, innocence perfectly arranged.

“That speech text,” I said, stepping forward, my presence thickening the air, “Is mine. I wrote every single word. And I won’t let anyone use it without my consent.”

Hector stepped in front of Cora, broad shoulders blocking her from view, his gaze cutting into me. “Who do you think you are?”

“We don’t need your approval. Alpha Rowan has already given his permission.” Gavriel sneered, his gaze sliding over me in open dismissal. “The fact that he agreed so easily should tell you how much your work is worth to him.”

They were smiling now. Both of them.

As if they’d been waiting for this moment.

“What…?” Cora whispered. “So the speech belongs to Lylah?”

Her eyes widened, fear fluttering there, but not guilt. Never guilt.

Why would she feel guilty? She had asked Selene herself to bind Rowan to her, knowing exactly what he was to me.

The paper trembled in her hands.

Our gazes locked.

She shrank back.

Something inside me snapped.

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