The Betrayed Princess Rising Chapter 18

Lylah's POV

“Which boy?” Tiara tilted her head, brows knitting together.

“Sir Riven’s.”

She nearly choked on her drink. “He already has a Pup? And you’re expected to care for him? How are you supposed to focus on your studies?”

“Tiara,” I said gently, steadying her. “He wouldn’t burden anyone unnecessarily. The fact that he’s raised the Pup alone all this time proves his capability. And none of this is the child’s fault. A Pup is always a blessing, no matter the circumstances of their birth.”

She hesitated. “But-"

“Sir Riven accepted my past without question,” I cut in softly. “So I will accept his.”

I had disclosed in my profile how I ended up in Blackfang Pack—how once I left, I would stand utterly alone. A wolf without a Pack was little more than prey.

“Fine,” Tiara sighed. “A Pup, then. That’s far better than some scheming Alpha and his venomous bitch.”

I nodded.

Just then, my phone vibrated across the table.

“Answer it,” Tiara smirked. “Let’s see what kind of performance Alpha Rowan puts on this time.”

I did—switching on the speaker.

“Lylah,” Rowan’s voice came through, smooth and practiced. “I’m at the office. Just finished meetings with several investors for my latest project.”

“I’m fine,” I replied evenly. “I’m eating.”

“Good. Rest afterward. I’ll return tomorrow night. We’ll depart immediately and reach Starfall Pack before dawn.”

Before I could respond, a woman’s voice drifted faintly through the call—soft as silk, familiar, unmistakable.

Tiara’s face twisted as the line went dead. “Was that… your sister?”

“Yes.”

Rowan must have been at Cora’s apartment again.

“How can he even call himself an Alpha?” Tiara scoffed. “Using Pack business as an excuse while he beds another woman?”

“Not another woman anymore,” I said quietly. “His mate. Rowan belongs to Cora now. I want no bond—spoken or unspoken—tying me to him.”

Tiara smiled, fierce and satisfied.

“Bless Selene, I love hearing that. Don’t be sad Lylah, you’re no longer on their level.”

“I know.”

Let Rowan and Cora share their cramped den. I chose this place, breathing the clean air of Starfall, gazing upon the vast beauty of Mount Silvaris—far above them.

And I would remain so.

-----

We began our ascent at dawn.

Two hours of aching limbs and burning lungs later, the Great Sanctum finally emerged from the mist.

Carved from gray marble and anchored into the mountainside, the Sanctum loomed like a sentinel of the Moon—ancient, powerful, and humming with quiet magic. Wolves from every Pack journeyed here to offer prayers. Each soul was permitted one amulet, one vessel, one recipient.

I had come here twice before.

Both times, I prayed for the same man.

“Lady Lylah?” The Moonwarden—a bent old wolf in white ceremonial robes—studied me with recognition.

“You remember me,” I said, surprised.

“How could I forget?” he smiled gently. “You were the one who always lingered long after the others left. I’ve been waiting for your return.”

I returned the smile, though it felt fragile.

The last time I was here, Rowan’s injury had kept him from climbing the mount. I remained alone until sunset, pleading with Selene to grant him healing—pouring my devotion into the stone until my knees trembled.

“The amulet I placed here before,” I asked quietly. “Does it remain?”

“Of course,” the Moonwarden replied. “It has been kept intact, your prayer flowing unbroken to its bearer.” He studied me carefully. “Whoever received it is a fortunate soul.”

I nodded. That prayer had already served its purpose.

“I’ve come to end it,” I said. “Please destroy the amulet.”

His expression darkened, unease flickering in his eyes.

“You never etched your name upon it,” he said slowly. “You offered sacrifice without claim. Are you certain you wish to sever such a prayer now?”

“Yes.” My voice did not waver.

After a moment, he bowed and left.

When he returned, he carried my amulet—a flawless white moonstone—and a stone hammer.

“Do it,” I said.

The crack echoed through the Sanctum.

The moonstone split cleanly in two.

“I don’t wish to keep it,” I added. “You may discard it.”

With a sorrowful nod, as though he understood more than he spoke, the Moonwarden accepted the fragments. “As you wish.”

Tiara and I descended as the sky grew heavy with clouds.

More pilgrims gathered at the gates, their scents mingling in the wind.

At the entrance, I stopped.

The air shifted, saturated with a familiar scent that cut through the crowd like a blade.

My heart stilled.

Then I saw him.

Rowan stood within the Sanctum grounds.