The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 50

Chapter 50

Lylah’s POV

Finished

“Thanks to your notes,” I said lightly. “They’re so detailed I practically memorized them. I can explain everything to the students without even thinking.” I laughed.

Iris shook her head, eyes bright. “No, that’s all you. Pure talent.”

We left the Healing Department together, shoulders brushing as we walked.

“Lunch outside?” Iris asked. “My treat.”

I liked Iris–she was easy, warm company. But the thought of Alpha Ezra, Bambi, and our tiny turtle companions slipped into my mind, tugging a quiet smile from my lips.

“Thank you, Iris. Maybe next time? Someone’s already waiting for me at home.”

Her brows lifted. “Let me guess, your mate?”

‘Yeah. But we’ve completed our mating ceremony,” I added softly. “So by Verdanth law, he’s my husband

now.”

ris gasped, hands flying to her mouth. “Selene above! I’m so happy for you!”

We parted with smiles, and I headed toward the gate alone.

pulled out my phone to text Damon, remembering Alpha Ezra had said he’d pick me up. Damon replied nstantly.

was staring at my phone and didn’t notice anyone stop in front of me. The familiar scent struck first >efore I could even lift my gaze.

Lylah.”

My spine went rigid. “Rowan?”

Every instinct screamed. I stepped back, but he caught my wrist, his grip tightening with Alpha strength.

Then he pulled me into his arms.

‘Lylah. My little moon,” he breathed. “I finally found you.”

‘Let go of me.” I wrenched free.

‘No.” His voice roughened. “I’m not letting you disappear again. Come home. I’ve missed you–Selene knows I have.” He reached for me again, already turning toward where Gavriel and Cora stood waiting.

[ yanked my hand away. “You’re delusional, Rowan. Lunaris is my home now.”

“What?” A flicker of gold flashed through his irises as his wolf stirred beneath the surface. “You’re joking, aren’t you? Listen, I know I was wrong, I hurt you, but please don’t do this to me. It’s been torture, Lylah. I

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Chapter 50

can’t live without you. I would never-”

“You’re late,” I cut in icily. “You lost me when you turned my feelings into a weapon–stealing my undergraduate placement at Lunar Grace and giving it to Cora.”

The color drained from his face.

140

Finished

“I–it was a misunderstanding,” Rowan stammered. “I never meant to hurt you. I didn’t even agree at first, but your father had already spoken to Corvin Vale. He paid half his fortune. Even if you’d passed, Vale would never accepted you. I hid the truth and let Cora take your place because I thought it would spare you. Because I loved you.”

I stepped back, bile rising in my throat.

Love.

Gavriel hurried forward then. “Lylah, don’t make this harder. Alpha Rowan nearly died in a car crash trying to reach you. Just come back with us.”

Only then did I notice the dried blood along Rowan’s temple, the tear in his sleeve, crimson staining the cuff.

“I don’t care,” I said calmly.

All three of them went death–still.

Instead of retreating, I stepped closer, locking my gaze with Rowan’s.

“So you claim you did all of that because you loved me?”

“Yes,” he said instantly.

I tilted my head. “So on my birthday, when you chose Cora’s celebration–ran with her through the forest and let her offer wishes to Selene–that was love too?”

“Lylah,” His breath hitched. His jaw clenched, shame rolling off him in waves.

I smiled and pressed on.

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