The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 68

In all the ways Lylah had poisoned my life, I had always believed in one thing: that Selene would always let me win. She would never waste her favor on a mutt when I stood ready to claim it. Victory had always belonged to me–I only needed the right pieces placed on the board.

And Selene, in her infinite wisdom, had placed one perfectly.

This time, her gift wore the name Thane Blackridge.

I even found myself grateful that Rowan had shoved me out of his room that night. If he hadn’t, I would never have gone to Jax and Valas’s grave. I would never have met Thane.

That single meeting bore sweeter fruit than I could have imagined.

Thane told me about his childhood as we sat together in the restaurant the night before. He had been only seven years old when it happened—a brutal bear attack along Blackridge’s border near Whitepine, when he and his packmates were still careless pups at play.

They would have been torn apart, ripped to bone and blood, if Jax Stillward had not intervened.

“We would have died without him,” Thane had said quietly, his voice heavy with old loyalty. “We never had the chance to thank him, Cora.

Never had the chance to repay that debt.”

His blue–gray eyes had locked onto mine then, something solemn and possessive sparking within them.

“But you are his daughter, the blood of the man who saved my life. So from this moment on, whatever you need, I will provide.”

Now, under the sterile glow of the laboratory lights, the Heir of Blackridge Pack–Vale Team’s infamous, iron–fisted senior–was smiling at me like a man under a spell.

“Your lab coat is still being tailored,” Thane said as he stepped closer. “Use mine for now.”

Before I could answer, the door slammed open.

“Cora!”

Alexander burst in, his wolf–scent sharp with urgency. The moment he saw Thane standing so close to me, his body moved instinctively–placing himself between us. “Thane? You’re here?”

“Yes,” Thane replied coolly.

“I told you yesterday Cora is still new. At least give her some space. Your rules are too strict for-”

A soft laugh slipped from my lips.

Alex froze.

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1:23 pm

Chapter 68

Finished

“Relax, Alex,” I said gently, placing a hand on his arm. “Thane isn’t scolding me.”

Thane stepped forward then, draping his lab coat over my shoulders with deliberate care. His touch was careful. Protective.

“Relax, cousin,” Thane said, chuckling. “I would never hurt Cora.”

Alexander stared, clearly stunned. “This is unbelievable,” he muttered. “I came early to secure her seat by the window. She likes it there. When I saw you with her, I thought you were giving her a hard time.”

“Cora’s seat is already secured, you don’t need to do that again.” Thane said. “From now on, her needs are my responsibility.”

Alex’s jaw tightened. “Are you serious, Thane?”

I stood quietly between them, pretending to organize my things–while inside, delight bloomed like a dark flower.

Two powerful wolves were already on my side.

Perfect.

“This is the first time I’ve ever seen you show this much care to a junior,” Alex said carefully. “But remember, Thane–Cora isn’t unmated. She’s already been claimed by Alpha Rowan of Blackfang Pack. The founder of Corlis Prime.”

“I know,” Thane replied, utterly unbothered.

If I played this right–if I kept them both bound to me by loyalty, protection, and unspoken desire–1 would never struggle in Lunar Grace. Power would follow me wherever I walked.

I only had to keep them close.

Obedient.

Devoted.

“Cora,” Alex called.

“Yes, Alex?” I turned, softening my voice, letting just enough vulnerability show.

“I have good news. This year, our department is organizing the Gastric Cancer MDT team. Observational learning. We want you to join.”

“Really?” I widened my eyes slightly. “But… I’m still new. Is that really okay?”

“Of course,” Thane said smoothly. “I will personally guide you. Teach you everything.”

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