The Betrayed Princess Rising Chapter 208

3rd Person's POV

Tiara knew Rowan had grown desperate after Lylah left—how that restless edge had slowly twisted into something far less dignified.

But this?

This was something else entirely.

Pure humiliation.

If word spread beyond Blackfang, the pack’s reputation would be stained.

"What on earth has gotten into him?" A scoff escaped Tiara’s lips as she folded her arms, “This is beyond embarrassing. I’ll have someone take it all down by morning.”

“Why is Rowan bothering now?" Lylah’s expression remained indifferent. “Back then, every time I gave him anything I made with my own hands…” Her voice faltered for the briefest moment before hardening again. “He never even looked at them. Just shoved them away into some cupboard like they meant nothing.”

A faint, bitter smile touched Lylah's lips. “Regret? Maybe. But it’s far too late for that now. None of his stunts will change anything.”

Tiara studied her carefully, then nodded. “I’m glad you see it that way, Lylah.” A smirk tugged at her mouth. “Though I have to admit seeing this embarrassing side of him is so entertaining. And compared to the perfect Alpha Ezra…”

She stopped abruptly, her brows knitting together before she shook her head, correcting herself. “No. That comparison doesn’t even make sense. They’re not in the same league!"

Lylah chuckled softly, the tension easing as they began exchanging light, teasing remarks at Rowan’s expense.

Tomorrow would be the highlight of Blackfang College’s events—the equestrian race, where young students would ride and compete. It should have been a day of excitement, of laughter, and thrill.

Yet Lylah found herself pacing now, unease coiling tightly in her chest. Ezra had promised he would arrive that morning.

But he hadn’t.

Her fingers tightened around her phone before she finally called him.

The line clicked, and his voice came through—lower than usual, rougher, like something restrained beneath the surface.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “Something came up. I need to stop by the treatment center for a while.”

Lylah’s heart lurched. “Ezra, what happened?!"

“Sshh.” His tone softened, attempting reassurance. “It’s nothing. Just a fever.”

“No. I don’t believe you, Ezra,” she said, her voice tightening. “Are you hiding something from me? Why would you suddenly come down with a fever?”

The words lingered—and then guilt struck her.

What if he had already been unwell back in Lunaris? What if he had hidden it, simply to honor her request to come here? That was just like him—to put her first, always, even at his own expense.

“I’ll come pick you up after the event is over,” Ezra said gently. “Don’t worry about me, alright?”

Lylah fell silent.

Her thoughts turned, searching for something that made sense. Ezra was strong—far too strong for something like a simple fever to slow him down this much. So was there another reason he seemed distant?

Could it be that he simply didn’t want to step into Rowan’s territory?

That explanation settled far too easily in her mind—far easier than believing he was actually unwell.

Once the thought settled, Lylah chose not to press further.

“…Alright, Ezra. When I’m done here, we’ll return to Lunaris right away,” she said.

“Don’t rush back on my account,” he murmured. “Stay, enjoy your time there. I’ll be right here when you’re done.”