The Betrayed Princess Rising Chapter 25

3rd Person's POV

At the station, Tiara held Lylah in a fierce embrace at the edge of the platform, tears shimmering in both their eyes.

“Good luck, Lylah,” Tiara murmured, her voice breaking. “Chase your dreams at Lunar Grace. This summer, if they open internship openings for wolves across the packs I’ll take it, so we can meet again. Take care of yourself.”

“I will.” Lylah swallowed the ache rising in her chest. “Thank you for everything. I’ll see you again. I promise.”

They waved until distance stole the shape of one another away.

Then Lylah stepped onto the train, and moments later, it lurched forward.

Originally, she had booked an economy seat. But late last night, Riven had called—his tone casual, as if upgrading her to executive class were the simplest thing in the world. He’d said his assistant would be waiting when she arrived.

Now Lylah reclined against a seat upholstered in silken fabric, the space wide and indulgent. The air smelled faintly of cedar and luxury. Warm food was served on porcelain plates. The steady hum of motion lulled her senses, and her eyelids grew heavy.

Then the executive door slid open.

Conversation died instantly.

As if some unseen force tugged at her instincts, Lylah’s drowsiness vanished. Her eyes snapped open.

“Is that… Alpha Ezra of the Moonclaw Pack?” someone whispered, reverent awe threading their voice.

“What blessing did Selene grant me today to see him in person?”

Escorted by an attendant, the man stepped inside.

Power rolled off him in invisible waves, thick enough to tighten the air. They stopped beside the empty seat next to Lylah.

“Excuse me,” the attendant said softly, “Alpha Ezra’s seat is beside you. He is unable to see. If he requires anything, please inform us.”

“Y-yes,” Lylah breathed.

Too late.

Her body had gone utterly still.

Alpha Ezra of Moonclaw—traveling without guards, without ceremony—was sitting beside her. The infamous Alpha whose name alone could bend spines and silence councils. Selene herself must have been watching.

Lylah dared to study him from the corner of her eye. When she was younger, she’d thought no man could surpass Rowan—the most handsome Alpha in Vedanth. But the presence beside her eclipsed that memory entirely.

Ezra wore a long, raven-black coat trimmed with dark fur at the collar. Tinted glasses concealed his eyes, yet his sharply sculpted features radiated unquestionable authority. He was tall and immaculately composed, exuding a dominance so potent it made Lylah’s chest throb in an unfamiliar way.

Suddenly, the Alpha shifted slightly, head angling toward her.

As if he could feel her staring.

“Alpha,” Lylah managed, clearing her throat. “Would you like me to unfold your blanket?”

“Yes.” His voice was low and rich, a vibration that slid beneath her skin. “Please place it on my lap. Thank you.”

Her pulse stumbled.

'That voice…' A strange familiarity brushed her thoughts, unsettling and warm.

“It’s no trouble,” she said, doing as he asked.

“Is this your first journey to Lunar Grace?” he asked.

Lylah blinked, startled that he’d initiated conversation.

“I’ve visited Lunaris lands before on holiday. But the academy itself…I’ve only ever seen it from the outside.”

“You should see it from within,” Ezra replied. “Visitors are permitted.”

“I will,” Lylah said, nodding. “I’ll be studying there.”

For a fleeting second, she saw the corner of his mouth lift—barely there, but unmistakable.

Questions crowded her mind.

'Why would an Alpha of his standing travel by public transport? Why Lunar Grace?'

Yet instinct warned her not to pry. Some truths were not meant for casual conversation. So she remained silent for the rest of the journey.

They arrived as the sky bled into a faint dawn.

Without thinking, Lylah took hold of her suitcase and guided him onto the platform.

As she walked beside him, his scent—sandalwood, winter night, something undeniably intoxicating—wrapped around her senses, leaving her faintly unsteady.

Near the exit, she spotted a man holding a sign with her name, standing beside a sleek, jet-black vehicle that practically hummed with power.

“Alpha,” Lylah asked hesitantly, “is your Beta or escort coming to collect you? Have they arrived?”

Ezra didn’t answer.

Instead, the man with the sign stepped forward.

“Lady Lylah,” the man said with a polite incline of his head. “I’m Damon. I’m here to take you to your apartment.”

'Riven’s assistant,' she realized.

“Thank you,” Lylah said, then paused, glancing back at Ezra. “But Alpha Ezra traveled on the same train as I did. He is your Alpha, isn’t he? Could you contact his Beta to arrange a pickup? And please inform Sir Riven that we may be late.”

Since Riven belonged to the Moonclaw Pack, his assistant must as well. Yet Damon showed no surprise at the sight of the Alpha standing there.

Instead, his lips curved into a knowing, almost amused smile.

“Ah i'm sorry, allow me to correct my introduction,” he said smoothly. “I am Damon, Beta of the Moonclaw Pack.”

He glanced toward Ezra with unmistakable loyalty. “And no need to inform anyone, you’ve already gotten along so well with Sir Riven.”

Lylah’s breath hitched. She could only gape at him.

Damon straightened, gesturing toward the vehicle. "Now then, let us head out together!"