The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 73

Chapter 73

Cora’s POV

Finished

Thane’s stare lingered on Lylah far longer than it should have. My wolf prowled beneath my skin, claws raking against my ribs as dread cinched my chest tight.

Oh, Selene.

Had he sensed it?

Had he realized Lylah was Jax and Vala’s true daughter?

But it was impossible. Thane had never met her before. There was no way he could have known–no way he could have scented the truth and connected her to the Stillward warrior’s couple.

Unless…

Unless Thane had begun his own investigation long before the night he found me and chose my side. Before he bound his loyalty to me–despite me being only the adopted daughter of Jax and Vala.

To Thane, blood meant nothing compared to a life–debt. Adopted or not, I was still the daughter of the man who had saved him. His wolf would never allow him to abandon that debt.

No. I couldn’t let him realize who Lylah truly was!

“Please,” I whispered, letting my voice crack just enough to fracture the tension.

Every head turned.

Thane’s attention snapped to me instantly. “Cora?”

“Please stop this. All of you.” I forced tears to my eyes, “Everything that happened is my fault. I lost the application form before I could meet Lylah. Please… stop yelling at my sister.”

I brushed at my cheeks, letting the tears fall freely.

Alexander stepped closer, his hand settled at my back “Alright. It’s fine. Just stop crying, okay?”

I nodded obediently.

But when I glanced up, I caught Thane again–still watching Lylah.

This time, his gaze had hardened.

“You heard that?” Thane said to her.

“What?” Lylah lifted her chin, unflinching.

No submission or fear. That alone set my nerves on edge.

“Cora still considers you her sister even after what happened,” Thane said, his tone hard. “So stop dragging

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1:23 pm

Chapter 73

Finished

this out, Lylah. You were adopted by Cora’s parents. Because of Cora and her family, you have a decent life. The least you can do to repay them is show some respect.”

“Adopted?” Lylah murmured. The word slipped out softly, more to herself than to him.

She didn’t correct him.

Relief flickered through me.

But then I saw it–the slight curl at the corner of her lips. The look of a wolf already preparing their counterattack.

And I was right.

“Fine,” Lylah said evenly. “If that’s how you choose to see it. Yes, I owe them for raising me. But that debt has been paid. In full. More than full.”

Her gaze cut to mine.

“As for prolonging anything with Cora? I wouldn’t even acknowledge her if she didn’t constantly shove herself into my path and throw blame in my face.”

Alexander snapped.

“How dare you!” His wolf surged, his growl rippling through the room with blooded fury. “You’re nothing but a low–ranking Junior assistant from a pathetic traditional class! How dare you speak about Cora like that!”

Alexander lunged forward–but the old beggar who claimed to be Lylah’s mate’s grandfather, moved first.

Too fast.

His hand shot out and clamped around Alexander’s wrist.

“Ah!” Alexander screamed. The sickening sound of bone grinding against bone filled the room, stealing the breath from everyone present.

Even mine.

Since when did an old beggar have that kind of strength?

“R–release me, sir!” Alexander pleaded.

The old man straightened. His hunched posture vanished, his presence shifting–growing heavier, charged with a superior aura that pressed against my wolf.

“Back off,” he said quietly. “Don’t you dare lay a hand on her.”

“I will!” Alexander gasped.

When the old man released him, Alexander stumbled back, retreating to Thane’s side.

Cold dread coiled in my stomach.

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1:24 pm

Chapter 73

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