The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 72

Chapter 72

Lylah’s POV

Finished

“Ah, I am nothing but a poor, insignificant man, Lylah,” Vargan said quietly. “If becoming her target means keeping you safe, then so be it.”

“Don’t say that.” I turned to him, my voice firm. I would not let Cora’s venom take root in his heart. “No wolf is lower than another. Selene did not create ranks to strip us of worth. She created us as equals.”

He hesitated. “Even someone like me? With nothing to offer?”

“Yes.” I held his gaze. “Do not ever look down on yourself. Promise me that.”

A faint smile tugged at his lips. “I promise.”

This old man… his clothes were worn, his smile humble, yet his eyes told a different story. They were ancient. Clear. Powerful. As if centuries of secrets and strength lay quietly behind them.

“You should call your mate,” Vargan said gently. “He needs to know what happened today.”

“I don’t think that’s necessary.” I shook my head. “My mate is busy.”

Vargan tilted his head, “Busy enough that he would not help you? What kind of man allows his mate to face trouble alone? He’s such a jerk.”

“No. He isn’t,” I said too quickly. “He’s kind, considerate, gentleman. But his work in tech keeps him occupied. He gets lost in it sometimes. And besides, I don’t want to burden him with something so small.”

Vargan’s jaw dropped slightly. “Considerate, you say?”

I frowned.

He blinked, recovering himself. “Ah–of course. I understand. I have seen many engineers in Lunaris like that. They spend most of their lives buried in their work, creating things far beyond my understanding.”

I smiled faintly, memories surfacing of the first time, I met Bambi–how Alpha Ezra’s brilliance had both fascinated and overwhelmed me.

“And you,” Vargan continued, voice warm, “You are a strong, independent she–wolf. Your mate is fortunate. I will pray to Selene that your bond remains unbroken for all your years.”

“You’re too kind, Vargan,” I said softly. “If anyone is lucky, it’s me.”

Cora was still being treated in the next room. No healer had emerged, and with every passing second, unease coiled tighter in my chest.

“I’m going to check on Cora,” I said quietly.

“And I will not let you face that viper alone,” Vargan replied, already pushing himself up from the bed. “If more of her venom waits beyond that door, then it will not meet you without me.”

1/3

1:23 pm

Chapter 72

0190

Finished

Cora’s ward was crowded when we arrived. Students clustered in the doorway, whispering, their scents thick with curiosity and tension. I slipped inside just as her voice carried through the room.

“My face…” Cora whimpered dramatically. “I’ll be hideous! Please, don’t look at me!”

She clutched a mirror, inspecting skin that was perfectly flawless.

Two tall students in white Modern Healing coats stood at her bedside. I recognized one instantly.

Alexander.

The jerk who had insisted on confiscating my laptop for her.

“Cora, your face is fine,” the other male said gently. “Moonshade grown within the Academy grounds has been modified. The toxin is far tamer than those that grow in the wild.”

“But Thane…”

“If Thane says it’s fine, then it’s fine,” Alexander cut in, placing a possessive hand on her shoulder. Then his tone hardened, turning sharp with accusation. “That leech, Lylah, has truly crossed the line this time. She should be punished, or better yet, expelled. Cora kindly offered her the application form, and this is how she repays her?”

My brows lifted.

Application form? What a carefully crafted lie, Cora.’

‘What application form?” I asked calmly.

Both men turned toward me.

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