The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 97

3rd Person’s POV

Finished

She hadn’t expected him to undress so casually in front of her, as if baring himself to her was the most natural thing in the world.

Before the shirt could slip from his shoulders, Lylah caught the fabric in both hands.

The sudden contact made Ezra turn toward her.

Her gaze fell on the acupuncture needles arranged on the table, and the truth hit her all at once.

“You don’t mean to practice on yourself, do you?”

“I do,” Ezra said simply, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “Relax. I know you can do it.”

He made it sound easy.

But how could she possibly do this?

Lylah had only seen him bare–chested once, and even then, she hadn’t dared touch him. Would she even be able to focus? And this wasn’t just anyone–this was the Alpha of Moonclaw Pack. How could she possibly use him for her amateur practice?

“I don’t trust myself,” Lylah admitted quietly. “What if I make a mistake?”

“We’re practicing,” Ezra said softly. “Mistakes are normal. You don’t have to get everything right.” His hand closed gently around her wrist, guiding her fingers away from the edge of his shirt. “It’s enough that you remember. It’ll be easier if you learn this way.”

He made it sound reasonable.

Lylah had thought the same, but thinking about it and actually doing it were two very different things.

“Let’s begin,” Ezra said.

She nodded, her throat suddenly dry.

Before starting, she moved to shut the door and pull the curtains closed. The small, instinctive act of privacy didn’t go unnoticed. Behind her, the Alpha let out a quiet, amused breath, shaking his head.

Ignoring the heat creeping back into her face, Lylah picked up the wooden box of needles. She walked around him slowly and stopped at his side.

In the dim light, his body looked even more defined, every line of muscle cast in shadow and gold. He was still, waiting, trusting her completely.

She tightened her grip on the box and forced her thoughts to settle.

“We’ll start with your hand,” she said. “The first major point is Hegu. It is located between the first and second metacarpal bones…”

1:49 pm

Chapter 97

Finished

Ezra inclined his head.

Under his gaze, she positioned the needle. His skin was warm beneath her fingers, heat seeping into her, stirring something restless in her chest.

Lylah inserted the needle carefully.

She chose not to use the book, relying only on her memory, with Ezra quietly helping her locate each point.

At first, her movements were careful and unsure. But with each needle, her hands grew steadier, more certain. The acupoints that had once felt scattered and unclear in her mind began to fall into place, forming a precise map across his body.

Needle after needle, Ezra guided her patiently through each one.

Time slipped past without either of them noticing.

“The last point,” Lylah said, breathless with triumph. “Between the second and third metatarsal bones.”

She placed the final needle.

Then let out a soft laugh of relief. “We did it!”

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