Chapter 465
Chapter 465
3rd Person’s POV
“Publicly explain it?” Lylah’s brows drew together.
“The Volunteer Council believes there may be truth to the article,” the volunteer said quietly. “They want
answers p>
A flicker of disbelief passed through Lylah, but she followed without protest.
By the time she reached the central lawn, a large crowd had already gathered.
The volunteers parted instinctively, creating a path through the center. Lylah walked forward beneath dozens of watchful eyes, acutely aware of the scrutiny pressing against her skin.
The raised platform ahead held the members of the Volunteer Council. Their expressions were solemn, their gazes sharp.
For a brief moment, Lylah felt like a prisoner standing before Lunaris tribunal. The crowd’s attention pressed against her from every direction, hungry and relentless, like a predator circling wounded prey.
At the center of the dais sat Professor Hilal.
The chairman folded his hands before him.
“We have all heard the reports circulating from Lunaris,” he began gravely. “Unfortunately, these allegations do not concern only your personal reputation, Lylah. You were sent here under the authority of Lunar Grace and the Healing Department. Any scandal involving you inevitably reflects upon those institutions p>
His gaze settled on her.
“Before we issue an official response, we will allow you the opportunity to speak. If you have a defense, present it now p>
A murmur swept through the crowd.
Before Lylah could answer, another voice rose.
“Professor Hilal, what defense could there possibly be p>
Senior Healer Maeve stepped forward from the side of the gathering. Standing beside Seraphina, she lifted her chin.
“The article already provided all the answers we need p>
Several volunteers exchanged uneasy looks.
Maeve continued relentlessly.
“Surely everyone remembers that Lylah personally volunteered to accompany Sir Jude Knight during his outreach campaign p>
1
A few reluctant nods followed
Yes. Seraphina added smoothly.
Her voice was sweet.
Too sweet.
“That was the very reason my own offer to assist Sir Knight was declined. Looking back, it seems Lylahhar motives beyond community service p>
The bitterness hidden beneath her words was impossible to miss.
Maeve seized the opening immediately.
“Seraphina was publicly disciplined and removed from her responsibilities over a comparatively minor mistake. If fairness is truly being upheld, then Lylah’s actions warrant far harsher consequences p>
Lylah’s eyes lifted.
Across the lawn, her gaze collided with Seraphina’s.
The other woman’s expression remained composed.
But her scent betrayed her.
The sharp bite of resentment saturated the air.
Her wolf was furious.
Still humiliated by what had happened at Abba’s hut.
Still nursing wounds to her pride.
Still hungry for revenge.
The realization settled heavily inside Lylah.
“Lylah, say something!” The shout came from somewhere within the crowd.
Immediately others joined in.
“Aren’t you going to defend yourself p>
“They’re accusing you of having an affair with Sir Knight”
“Your future is at stake p>
“Defend yourself p>
The voices rose one after another until they blended into a chaotic roar.
Lylah remained motionless.
Which only seemed to agitate them further
“She has nothing to say.” Seraphina said with a dismissive roll of her eyes
The crowd quieted slightly to listen.
“If she truly cared about her education or her future career, she would have acted with more restraint Her gaze shid toward Lylah. “The outreach work had already concluded. Yet she chose to remain behind Shr spent time alone with him. Talking. Laughing intimately.” Seraphina’s lips curved faintly “Sharing diner beneath the stars p>
Every word dripped with implication.
Every sentence is carefully chosen to poison the minds around them.
“Seraphina…” A hesitant voice interrupted.
“How do you know so many details about what happened that night p>
The crowd fell silent.
The question hung in the air.
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The Betrayed Princess Rising