The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 74

Lylah’s POV

Finished

Cora had suggested a deposit, but I dismissed it immediately. For a man outside the protection of packs and institutions, gold meant survival. So by afternoon, the cash was ready–heavy, gleaming coins tucked deep into the pocket of the worn leather bag Vargan now clutched to his chest as if it were a lifeline.

“Use it,” I told him softly. “And don’t ever feel guilty over Cora.”

His fingers tightened around the strap. “I came to repay the coins you gave me that night,” Vargan said, awe flickering in his eyes. “Instead, you give me far more than I could ever return.”

“You don’t owe me anything,” I replied, though guilt coiled tight in my chest. “Coming here for me has dragged you into trouble. I’m sorry.”

I could only imagine his confusion, walking into this glittering, merciless academy and being greeted not with welcome, but with barely concealed disdain.

“Selene will repay this kindness, Lylah,” he said solemnly. “And if she cannot, then I will.”

“Thank you.” I smiled, though something in my chest tightened at the vow.

I walked him to the gates myself and watched until his figure disappeared down the road. Only then did I turn back.

I headed to the Traditional Healing building to retrieve my forgotten items–my laptop, my notes, and the small bundle of supplies I’d left behind. When Iris spotted the blood–stained cotton still in my hand, where the healer had drawn my blood to check the Moonshade’s effects, she nearly lost her mind.

“Lylah!” Iris grabbed my wrist, eyes wide, nostrils flaring as if she could scent lingering pain. “What happened?”

“It’s fine. Truly,” I said quickly. “Just routine testing.”

“Whatever it is you should go home and rest now!” Her voice brooked no argument, authority rising. “I’ll cover today’s lecture. Don’t fight me on this.”

She was already pushing me gently but firmly toward the door.

“All right, all right…” I relented, then hesitated. Something nagged at me. “Iris, do you maybe know anything about the recent project Modern Healing students are working on? The one run by the Vale

research team?”

Her expression shifted. “Ah. The MDT. The Modern Healing–Disciplinary Team,” she said. “Professor Corvin Vale’s elite program. It’s a collaborative approach to advanced disease treatment, mainly for Cancer, blood disorders, and cellular regeneration. It’s cutting–edge and extremely selective.”

“That sounds incredible,” I said.

If Cora had really meant to hand me the form…

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1:24 pm

Chapter 74

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Finished

“I heard other students can apply too,” I added. “Even from Traditional Healing. Is no one here interested?”

“I’m sure many are, Lylah. But…” Iris hesitated, her expression tightening. “Forget it.”

“What?”

“You know the Vale team students handle the selection for outsiders themselves,” Iris said. “They’re brilliant but arrogant to their core. It’s an open secret; If you don’t have the standing they respect, then all you have is your mind.” She shook her head. “And the tests? They’re brutal. Many have tried and failed.”

I didn’t answer right away.

Iris studied my face, “Wait. Why are you asking this all of a sudden?” Her eyes widened slightly. “Lylah, are you thinking about applying?”

“I am,” I said. “I’ll try.”

“Oh, Selene!” Iris gasped. “Then I’ll pray for you!”

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