The Betrayed Princess Rising Chapter 157

3rd Person's POV

Vargan was utterly dumbfounded.

His heart pounded violently in his chest—so hard it felt as though it might leap straight out of his ribs. In all his long life, he had never felt anything quite like this.

Yet the girl standing before him looked completely serene.

Innocent.

Her bright eyes gleamed with playful mischief, like a fox peering through fresh snow.

“Master Vargan,” Lylah asked curiously, tilting her head, “where did you even find that fake beard and those wanderer clothes?” She laughed softly, clearly amused. “You absolutely nailed the disguise. I truly believed it. But… why did you choose to pretend to be a wanderer?”

“Lylah…”

The old wolf swallowed.

For the first time in decades, the mighty lord of Moonclaw felt strangely nervous.

“Oh, Selene…” he muttered under his breath. “Are you angry with me now?”

“Angry?” Lylah blinked in confusion. “Why would I be angry?”

“Because I lied to you,” Vargan admitted heavily. “I deceived you. I hid my identity to get close to you.”

Lylah stared at him, surprised.

The truth was, she had been confused at first. Doubt had crossed her mind. But yesterday, while Albert had been guiding her through the manor’s halls, he had shown her an old portrait of Ezra’s family.

The moment she saw it, everything had clicked into place.

“I’m not angry,” Lylah hesitated before adding, “I’m more concerned than anything else. Something bad could have happened to you while you were wandering around in disguise. The guards won't be nearby.”

Vargan stared at her.

For a moment, he couldn’t even find the words.

“Oh, girl…” he murmured hoarsely.

Even after discovering his deception, the only thing she worried about was his safety. The old wolf felt something warm stir in his chest.

“I’m sorry for making you worry,” he said sincerely. “The truth is… I was overjoyed when I heard Ezra had finally found his Luna.”

He paused.

“But then I learned that your bond with him began as nothing more than a contract.” His brows furrowed. “I was afraid that if you knew who I was, you might panic and run. So I approached you in disguise instead.” He exhaled slowly. “I meant you no harm, Lylah.”

“Don’t worry,” she replied gently. “I understand.”

Back then, she probably would have been terrified if Ezra’s elder had suddenly appeared during the early days of their mating contract.

“My relationship with Alpha Ezra may not have begun the way most do…” she continued thoughtfully. “But over time, some things have started to change.”

Vargan’s eyes widened.

Wait.

Was she saying—

“Hold on,” he said quickly, staring at her in disbelief. “Are you telling me you’ve actually started developing feelings for my stone-hearted grandson?” He sounded as if the idea itself was utterly impossible.

Lylah laughed softly.

“Would it be so wrong if I did?”

“No—no, that’s not what I mean!” Vargan said quickly, waving his hands. “I’m just shocked.” He shook his head with a disbelieving chuckle. “I never thought he’d win your heart so quickly. That boy has always been hopeless in matters like this.”

A mischievous glint appeared in his eyes.

“From what I’ve seen over the years, the only thing my grandson has ever managed to do is make she-wolves cry—heartbroken, furious, and declaring him the most impossible male alive.”

Lylah’s mouth formed a small O of surprise.

Seeing her reaction, Vargan burst into booming laughter, his shoulders shaking with delight.

Then he looked at her again, his expression softening.

“So that means you’re not planning to leave him, are you?”

Lylah didn’t hesitate. “I won’t.”