The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 75

3rd Person POV

The instant Damon saw the cotton pressed to the puncture on his Luna’s arm, his wolf surged toward the surface with a low, furious growl.

He was already turning, ready to hunt down the source of her injury himself, when Lylah caught his arm.

“It’s fine,” she insisted softly, grounding him. “I’m alright.”

Reluctantly, Damon forced his wolf back under control. With a tight breath, he yielded. He escorted Lylah back to the apartment, ensuring she was safely inside before leaving.

What she didn’t know was that the moment she stepped away, the Beta went back to Lunar Grace to double back.

Ezra would show no mercy if anyone had dared to touch Lylah, and Damon intended to make certain the guilty party was found.

The penthouse doors slid open, and Lylah stopped short.

Her breath caught in her throat.

“Ezra… what is all this?”

Her gaze swept the living room in disbelief.

Gowns draped over elegant racks. Diamonds glittered in velvet–lined cases–so brilliant that even at a glance, Lylah knew they were worth a fortune. Rows of handcrafted leather shoes stood in perfect order, while opulent shawls were displayed on stands.

Now the living room looks less like a home and more like a private boutique for royalty.

“These are mating gifts from my grandfather,” Ezra said, stepping behind her, “They’re from the best designers in Moonclaw and Lunaris. Do you like them?”

“Mating gifts?” Lylah turned, stunned. “But I thought he never approved of our mating…”

Ezra’s brow lifted slightly. “Who told you that? My family is more than pleased with our bond.” He paused. studying her expression. “You don’t like the gifts?”

Her eyes widened. “I love them. They’re all so beautiful. Please send my thanks to him.”

Lylah stood there, still processing, her thoughts slow and scattered. These were gifts fitted for an honored Luna, and the weight of that realization pressed heavily against her chest.

Ezra’s wolf stirred suddenly.

His posture shifted subtly, shoulders tightening, eyes sharpening as he sensed it.

1/4

1:24 pm

Chapter 75

Finished

Her blood.

Not fresh enough to trigger panic–but fresh enough to matter.

“Lylah.” His voice dropped, rougher. “You were injured.”

She hesitated only a second. “Earlier at Lunar Grace, a healer took a small blood sample. I brushed against Moonshade Lily by accident, so they wanted to check for any effects. But no worries, the poison didn’t take.”

Ezra’s eyes shifted as his wolf rose to the surface, silently assessing.

He didn’t believe her. Lylah was not careless enough to touch a poisonous plant.

But he would uncover the truth later. For now, he chose not to press her. Instead, he watched her as she turned back to the gifts Vargan had sent, her wide, beautiful eyes filled with open awe.

“There are so many,” Lylah murmured, turning to him, her gaze wide and innocent. “Will they even fit in my room?”

A faint smile touched Ezra’s mouth. “We’ll store some in the vault and storage wing. Three Omegas are on their way to catalog and move everything. Keep the ones you love most in your room.”

She nodded. “I want to repay your grandfather’s kindness. What kind of gift does he like?”

“That old wolf already has everything.” Ezra exhaled quietly, amused. “Just thanked him yourself when I take you to meet him someday. He’ll love hearing it from you.”

Lylah nodded, but her thoughts were already spiraling. Thinking of what kind of gift would be suitable for a wealthy elder from such a powerful pack? Now that Ezra planned to introduce her directly, nervousness crept in.

‘What if Alpha Ezra’s grandfather doesn’t like me?‘ the thought whispered through her mind.

Excusing herself, Lylah headed to her room to wash up.

She dropped her bag onto the bed and headed for the bathroom. As she lifted her arm, sharp pain flared from the spot where her blood had been drawn–stronger than she had expected.

She managed to slip out of her clothes and into a bathrobe, but the ache only grew more distracting.

Then,

“Lylah.”

She froze.

After a heartbeat, she opened the door. “Ezra? What are you doing?”

“Helping you,” he said simply. “Your arm just had blood drawn. It’s going to stiffen.”

“Yeah, but…”

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:24 pm

Chapter 75

Finished

Heat rushed to her cheeks at the thought of him helping her wash, but Ezra didn’t give her time to protest. He stepped inside, and his presence filled her bathroom instantly.

Alpha aura. His unmistakable masculine scent.

The narrow space suddenly felt too small, as if she were enclosed by him from every direction. Her heart began to pound in a dangerously unsteady rhythm.

“You really don’t have to do this, Ezra.”

Inside her, Selestine growled in protest.

The naughty wolf clearly approved of having the powerful, devastatingly handsome Alpha this close.

“I’m your mate,” Ezra said quietly. “Of course in a situation like this, I’m the one who helps you. Who else would it be, Damon?”

Lylah couldn’t help but chuckle at his tone. “Alright then if you insist. I was going to wash my hair.”

‘I’ll help you,” Ezra said, then moved with effortless confidence.

His long hands reached for the shampoo, turning on the shower to wet her hair. Water streamed through her strands, and when his fingers threaded through them, her hair felt impossibly soft in his large palms- a sensation so new it caught him off guard.

Lylah shuddered every time his fingertips brushed her scalp.

He worked in silence, every movement calm yet precise. Each time he leaned forward to reach the sink, his presence wrapped around her, enclosing her smaller frame.

Lylah felt a dangerous, unfamiliar heat gather low in her abdomen.

Tiara’s words from that night echoed in her mind,

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