Chapter 217
Chapter 218
Lylah’s POV
Finished
“Ezra, you sent me something extraordinary today,” I murmured the moment the line connected, my voice softer than I meant it to be. “Something that hasn’t surfaced anywhere in Verdam for decades p>
He didn’t hesitate.
“Do you like it?” he asked, as if what he’d done carried no weight at all.
A quiet breath slipped from my lips.
“I do. I really do.” My fingers curled into the sheets. “But… why? Why give me something worth enough to arm ten packs-something so rare it barely exists anymore?” I swallowed. “Do I really deserve that p>
The question escaped before I could stop it.
Lyah. His voice softened, warm and almost indulgent. “It was an apology. I told you I wouldn’t be there with you.” A quiet breath followed. “Even so, you deserve far more than something like that p>
My heart fluttered-traitorous and light.
“That gift. he continued, his voice dipping lower, threaded with quiet promise, was only the beginning. If I could, I’d place the rarest things in the world at your feet p>
Warmth spread through me, leaving me both touched and overwhelmed.
“You’re going to make me completely unreasonable,” I said, a soft laugh slipping out. “Ar this rate, if someone hands me an ordinary bouquet, I might stare at them and ask where the legendary artifact is”
A quiet chuckle drifted through the line.
“Good.” Ezra murmured, unmistakably pleased. “Then no one will ever dare compete p>
Then, softer,
“Lylah, I love you p>
My breath caught.
“And I won’t prove that with words alone,” he went on. “I’ll prove it in everything I do-every choice, every action. Again and again, I’ll show you that my love for you only grows stronger. I want nothing more than to cherish you better than I ever have before p>
Silence settled between us-gentle, but heavy.
“Ezra… in this life Selene gave us, no one has ever treated me better than you” My voice softened. “So why do you speak as if you’ve failed me p>
“You haven’t,” I added quietly. “Not once. You’re already more than enough”
0445
Finished
Chapter 218
The silence deepened.
For a moment, I wondered if he would answer at all.
“I…” His voice returned, rougher now, as though he held something back. “I’m just… grateful. To have you p>
A small smile curved my lips.
“And I’m grateful for you too,” I murmured. “But you don’t need to keep proving yourself to me like this. I trust you. I believe in you p>
A quiet breath passed through the line.
“Thank you,” he said.
But something in his tone had changed-heavier, deeper. Emotion pressed against his restraint, something unspoken lingering just beneath the surface.
Even across the distance, I could feel it.
“Alright,” I said gently, letting a smile color my voice. “Damon messaged me. The Research Center scheduled an online meeting. Don’t forget to eat before you sleep p>
A brief pause.
‘Good night, Ezra p>
A soft hum answered me.
Then the line went still.
I lay back against the bed, staring at the ceiling as my thoughts drifted. Ezra’s voice lingered, his words echoing in the quiet.
‘Lylah,” Tiara called from beside me, pulling me back.
‘You know tomorrow’s the final day of the event, right? But the students won’t be competing.” She asked,
I turned toward her. “Then who will p>
‘The alumni,” she said, shifting closer, her eyes bright with interest. “You’re going to participate, aren’t you p>
A small laugh slipped from me as I shook my head, “No, Tiara. I won’t p>
‘Why not?” she pressed. “Back in Ironcrest, you told me you trained as a rider since you were a pup. Your grandmother taught you herself. You were good-you even had your own horse p>
My gaze softened as the memory surfaced.
‘Yes,” I said quietly. “Her name was Nyx p>
I let the name linger, fragile on my tongue, as if I might lose it again if I spoke too quickly.
2/3
1:07 pm P p pp.
Chapter 218
A dull ache settled deep in my chest.
“That was a long time ago, Tiara,” I murmured. “Before my parents sold her p>
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9 Finished
3/3
:07 pm pppp.
The Betrayed Princess Rising
Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.