The Betrayed Princess Rising: Read Chapters 1-5

Lylah’s POV

Today was the day I had been waiting for—the meeting that would decide my admission to the Academy of Lunar Grace, the pinnacle of werewolf education.

But as I stood outside my mentor’s door, a familiar male voice leaked through the narrow crack, stopping me cold.

“Finally you gave Lylah’s spot at Lunar Grace to Cora, Alpha Rowan. Thank you!" That's my father's voice. “My daughter is brilliant. She will not fail you.”

“Glad to help." Alpha Rowan, my mate, or the man I had believed was mine, replied.

“But... are you certain?” My mentor, a Pack's Gamma named Stone, asked. “Lylah has fought for this spot since last year. How could you do this to her, Alpha?"

“This is final,” My father, Alpha Eldric of Ironcrest Pack, snapped. “Alpha Rowan promised this spot to my precious Cora long ago. We had a deal. He took that useless mongrel Lylah off my hands, kept her from tainting my true family. In return, I poured gold and warriors when his pack was ready to collapse. Isn’t that right, Alpha?”

“But-"

“I’m the Alpha, so the decision is mine. That spot belongs to Cora." Rowan cut in coldly. "About Lylah, I’ll handle it."

I endured every word my father spat—until Rowan spoke.

The ground seemed to shift. I staggered back.

Selestine, my wolf who rarely stirred, howled now—her pain ripping my chest apart.

'What of his promises? Of the dream he knew I bled for to become a female Master Healer?'

Crying, I fled the building, barely making it into the car before I saw Cora through the window—her pale hair gleaming like moonlight.

Rowan had left before dawn for a conference that ended hours ago. I hadn’t imagined he would come here instead. My father, Cora, and Rowan together.

The manor doors burst open when I finally returned.

Rowan stood there, his cane polished to a mirror shine. His smile suggested nothing had happened at all.

“Where have you been, my little moon? I miss you," he said, striding toward me.

His cold pine and musk's scent fouled with cloying Rose. Cora's scent.

“Rowan,” I said, pushing him away.

“The conference was chaos. Reporters everywhere, all asking about Corlis Prime. I finished far later than expected.” He kissed my cheek, my forehead.

How could he lie that easily to me?

“Sorry I’ve been so busy lately, but it was to ensure you would never lack anything again,” he added.

Alpha Rowan of the Blackfang Pack was a genius, the mind behind the program that lifted his pack to legendary status, raising it from ash to the most loaded and renowned pack of the era.

“I understand, Rowan,” I said dully. “I can handle things on my own. You’ve done enough for me. I’m an adult now, I have my wolf and a job. I don’t want to depend on you forever.”

I will never rest my life on anyone again. Not my parents. Not him.

I was once the cherished daughter of the Ironcrest Pack for fifteen years. My parents loved me even as everyone whispered about my flaws, how my physique was frail, how I might not truly be their child. Then came the night of the Pearl Moon Festival and everything changed.

A mysterious white wolf appeared in the sacred clearing, perfect in every way.

Their family bond clicked instantly. Coraline 'Cora', was my parents' real daughter. Finally, they had found the missing piece of their perfect family. And just as easily, they cast me aside.

While Ironcrest celebrated Cora, I was cast into the wild forest, near the Rogues’ den, left to die.

There, I meet my savior. Alpha Rowan of Blackfang Paack finds me shivering, frozen with fear, my wolf still silent.

That night, we shared a silent pain—his leg mangled by a silver trap set by his enemies, mine buried deep inside.

Instead of hurting me like everyone else, Rowan carried me on his back and took me to his pack.

The injury left him limping and one by one, his pack members betrayed him. But I always stayed by his side.

I spent days and nights honing my mind so I could be worthy of an Alpha’s side—standing beside him in councils of rival packs, drafting treaties and diplomatic letters sealed with his authority. I carried him mentally and emotionally, all because I loved him.

I believed he loved me too, until today.

“Stop saying nonsense,” Rowan's fingers grazing my neck. “Soon I'll put my mark here, and you will become mine. Forever.”

Another lie.

I ask anyway,

“What do you mean?”

“Shh,” he murmured. “I know you’re upset that you didn’t get into the Academy of Lunar Grace. It’s alright, don’t blame yourself for submitting the form late. Because even the most prestigious academy is nothing compared to what’s waiting for you as my Luna. I’ll give you everything that you won’t even remember your dreams anymore.”

Dreams he had once sworn to protect.

Now he crushed them. He stole my right and handed it to Cora.

Rowan stood triumphant on the future I had bled to build for him, and this was my reward?

I would not accept it.

Lylah’s POV

Pale morning light bled slowly into Blackfang territory, washing the land in silver and ash. I left the manor before the pack fully stirred, heading toward the pack post office.

Tiara, my best friend, was already there, leaning against the wooden beam.

“This is our meeting spot, Birthday girl? How chic.” She teased, then grinned. “Still, Happiest birthday to you, Lylah darling.”

“Thank you. And thanks for agreeing to help me.”

She tilted her head, “You’re alone? I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen you without your brooding Alpha shadow.”

She meant Rowan.

It wasn’t a secret anymore how I’d followed Alpha Rowan like a pup, bound to him by more than habit, by something raw and aching that everyone could see. Heat crawled up my neck.

“He has nothing to do with today. Let’s not talk about him.”

“Oh, Selene! Did I hear that right?”

“I need your help,” I cut in, “Tell me how to submit my name to the Mate-market.”

Her jaw dropped dramatically.

The Mate-market was half tradition, half gamble—a system unmated wolves used to send their profiles across packs, letting fate, scent, and the Moon decide. Tiara was infamous for navigating it. I wanted my name there. Open. Available.

“Lylah, you can’t do that unless you’re completely unmated. And unless you don’t have a terrifying Alpha who might rip my throat out for helping you.” She hissed.

I met her eyes. “Oh, Tiara. Rowan, and I are Done.”

She gasped.

Done.

The word felt foreign, as if it belonged to another love story, not mine. Not after the night Rowan had found us, when Selestine, my timid wolf, had surged awake for the first time.

His presence was an intoxicating, dangerous current. Strong enough to pull us under. We knew the risk, yet we still dove in, forgetting how fragile we truly were.

Naive little wolf, caught in a trap we mistook for Moon Goddess' fate.

After we finished at the post office, Tiara and I crossed into the Pack’s square.

The scent of damp earth filled my lungs, followed by the sharp rose scent cut through it.

“Isn’t that Alpha Eldric’s daughter?” Someone shouted.

“Which one?”

“The beautiful one! Lady Cora of Ironcrest Pack!"

Tiara stiffened beside me. “What is that bitch doing in our Pack?”

I didn’t react. I’d known since yesterday that Cora was here.

Cora stood at the center of the square, her dress flowing like silk caught in the wind, her hair shining as though the sun favored her alone.

“Lady Cora, your necklace is stunning!” A girl gushed. “That must’ve cost a fortune.”

Cora touched the diamond at her throat, eyes glowing. “This is from someone special, given as a birthday gift today."

Yes. We shared the same birthday.

“Someone special? Your mate? Is he from Blackfang Pack? We’d be so honored to welcome you here!”

Cora laughed softly, covering her lips. “You’ll find out soon. It’s meant to be a surprise.”

I remember how Rowan had left before dawn.

How there's no cake, no candle, no kiss pressed to my brow like last year. He hadn’t remembered my birthday at all.

But he remembered hers.

For years, when everyone else chose Cora and dismissed me, when they wounded me, I believed Rowan was different.

How foolish I’d been.

As the day wore on, Tiara went home. I couldn’t return to Rowan’s mansion—the place we’d shared everything for five years—so I went to my mentor’s office instead.

“Lylah?” He rose to his feet as I stepped into the room, surprise flickering across his face. “I didn’t expect to see you today. Are you here to discuss your failed admission?

“No," I said, steadying my voice.

"Last month you offered me a position as a junior assistant at Lunar Grace, Mr Stone. I turned it down.” I swallowed. “Is the offer still open?”

His eyes widened.

Then he smiled. “Of course! It’s always been open. You can go whenever you’re ready."

Footsteps echoed in the corridor.

Mr. Stone stiffened.

"Wait here,” he said quickly. “I have important guests. Don’t leave until I return.”

He snatched up a glossy black box etched with a familiar sigil and rushed out, the door slamming shut behind him.

A familiar scent drifted through the crack, cold pine.

My heart sank.

I moved closer and peeked through the glass.

Rowan stood there. Holding Cora's waist.

Mr. Stone handed her the box. “Happy birthday, Lady Cora. This is your uniform. You’ve been officially accepted into the Academy of Lunar Grace."

Cora’s face lit up. “Thank you!”

“It arrived early because Alpha Rowan requested it. He wanted you to receive it on your special day.”

She turned to Rowan and rose onto her toes to kiss his cheek.

“After the necklace, another gift?” she teased. “You’re so thoughtful, Alpha.”

Rowan didn’t reply.

But his lips curved into a soft smile. His gaze warmed as it rested on her, the kind of look he’d never given lightly.

“May I ask one more thing?” Cora said.

“Of course.”

“Run with me. Let our wolves loose beneath the trees, just the two of us.”

Rowan nodded without hesitation.

My fingers curled into my palms.

I’d begged him once to do that with me. To run together, to deepen what we had. He’d refused, claiming his leg injury made it impossible.

Yet for Cora, he agreed instantly.

Lylah's POV

I returned to the manor and shut myself inside my room.

The space reeked of Alpha indulgence, luxuries Rowan had claimed for me after Blackwood Pack rose to dominance. Velvet-lined boxes of diamonds and enchanted gems. Robes spun from pure winter fur.

None of it felt like mine anymore.

I dragged my suitcase from beneath the bed and began packing the few simple clothes I’d bought myself over the years.

Just as I folded the last shirt, my phone buzzed to life.

Tiara:

'Lylah, the Mate-market is buzzing! Your profile has drawn more than fifty unmated males already! Mentioning Lunar Grace was a brilliant move, but are you really leaving? How about Alpha Rowan? I never believed he’d allow you that much distance.'

A bitter smile curved my lips.

Once, I would have waited for permission. Once, my feeling for him would have tightened around my ribs at the thought of disobedience.

But that girl was gone.

Suddenly, a knock struck the door.

I sighed. I was too exhausted to face anyone.

“Lylah,” Rowan’s voice carried through the wood, “Open up. I have something for you.”

I crossed the room and slid the door open.

A chorus of voices burst forth at once.

“Surprise! Happy birthday, Lylah!”

Rowan stood at the center, smiling as if nothing in the world was amiss. In his hand rested a small velvet box. Behind him were Gavriel, his Beta, and Rosella—Gavriel’s mate—both wearing practiced smiles.

“What is this?” I asked.

“What else?” Gavriel laughed. “A surprise. Alpha's been driving us mad preparing this since morning.”

Morning.

The same morning he’d spent with Cora at my mentor’s office.

I smiled anyway.

“Go on, Alpha,” Rosella urged brightly. “Give her the special gift you’ve been planning all week.”

Rowan stepped closer and opened the box.

His scent, and the unmistakable trace of the deep wood, rolled over me. Telling me exactly where he’d been moments ago.

“I’ll put this gift on you,” Rowan said.

Inside lay a tiny bracelet set with a small amethyst. Pretty. Modest.

A diminished echo of the elaborate necklace he’d given Cora.

Rowan fastened it around my wrist.

“Thank you,” I managed.

His brows knit. “You sound distant, little moon. Aren’t you happy? You used to light up whenever I gave you gifts. You’d jump into my arms. Where did that go?”

“I’m just tired, Rowan.”

Rosella tilted her head, her lips curving into a poisonous smile. “Perhaps the bracelet disappointed her, Alpha. Too simple."

“No,” Rowan said quickly, cupping my cheek. “I know my Lylah. She prefers simple things. Anything extravagant wouldn’t suit her.”

I caught the amused glance Gavriel and Rosella exchanged.

“You smell like the woods,” I said lightly. “Did you just finish a run? I thought you’d stopped doing that.”

He stiffened for half a heartbeat.

“Of course not. I was at my office.” The answer came too fast. “Actually, I just remembered I have unfinished work. I should go.”

Of course.

He kissed my cheek and left, his presence fading down the hall.

The familiar flutter in my chest never came.

Selestine remained silent, the bond unmoved, as if something vital had already snapped.

Night fell.

I stood behind the counter of the small restaurant where I’d been working part-time for six months. Rowan knew I worked, but he’d never once asked where. I’d wanted savings, something that belonged to me alone. Tonight, I was grateful for that foresight.

The door opened.

And whispers rippled through the room like wind through tall grass.

“That’s Alpha Rowan!"

“And Lady Cora.”

“They look like they were paired by Selene herself.”

I froze.

At the far end of the room, Rowan entered with Cora at his side. Gavriel and Rosella followed. Rowan’s hand never left Cora’s waist, his touch openly possessive, his power flaring softly around her in a way he no longer bothered to hide.

“I hope I’m not inconveniencing anyone,” Cora said demurely.

“Of course not, Lady Cora,” Rosella replied warmly, so different from the honeyed venom she used on me. “It’s your birthday. Alpha Rowan wants everything perfect.”

A server placed a cake before them, candles flickering.

“Go on,” Rowan said gently. “Make a wish.”

“A-a wish?”

“Yes. Anything."

She glanced at him through her lashes. “Would it be all right if I prayed to Selene to bind me to you, Alpha?"

Rowan flushed.

Gavriel sucked in a breath. “Alpha, that’s a signal.”

Rosella clapped her hands softly. “It means you should mark her. Make her your Luna!"

Their table glowed with warmth and laughter, promise thick in the air.

Behind the counter, my wolf finally stirred. Not in pain, but aching rage.

Lylah's POV

The lights in my chamber were turned low, a soft amber glow settling over the walls like a held breath.

After a long bath that washed away the ache in my muscles and the lingering scent of toil, I sat at the edge of my bed.

My phone lit up. An unfamiliar number but I knew exactly who it was.

I slid my finger across the screen.

“Lady Lylah,” a deep, velvet voice greeted. “This is Riven of the Moonclaw Pack. It still feels unreal that you accepted my call.”

Tiara had told me he hadn’t looked away from my profile even once after receiving it. Curiosity had led me to request his in return, and from the first reading, I’d felt a quiet resonance.

“Lylah Moonrow of Blackfang Pack,” I replied.

A low chuckle sounded on the other end. “Your voice… It’s soft. Just as I imagined.”

He paused, then added, “My pack’s territory lies so close to Lunar Grace. Once you arrive, I’ll come for you myself if you permit it. I want to spend every day with you.”

There was no arrogance in his words, only sincerity.

Riven was a warrior and a part-time tutor at the academy according to his profile. His Pack, Moonclaw, was far from ordinary. Led by the infamous Alpha Ezra, it had expanded its influence through agriculture and commerce, rising to rival Rowan’s technological empire. Second only to Blackfang in strength.

“May I ask something about my soon-to-be mate?” He said softly.

“Yes.”

“Are you truly still unmated?” His curiosity was genuine.

“I haven’t found the right one yet,” I answered calmly. “After giving the best of myself, I couldn’t allow just anyone to take me. Certainly not a man lacking honor.”

He laughed, rich and approving. “You’re right. I admire that you value yourself. A woman with dignity is rare these days.”

A pause.

Then, gentler, “Before we end this call, happy belated birthday. I’ll bring you a gift when you arrive. Sleep well, Lady Lylah.”

“Sleep well.”

The line went dead.

We had spoken only once, yet I already had a great deal of respect for him.

Lady.

He said it with respect, when everyone here and in my former pack had only ever spoken my name like an insult.

I rose from the bed, my nightgown whispering against my skin as a sudden gust of wind burst through the room,

The door slammed open.

“I’m back from work,” Rowan announced, already striding toward me.

My smile vanished.

The air thickened, my wolf shrinking back as the familiar pressure of his presence filled the room.

“Going to sleep?" His gaze flicked over me, possessive. "I was planning to take you out to dinner with my friends.”

“I’ve eaten. You can go without me.”

He frowned. “Really? We’re going to your favorite restaurant. You always wanted to come when I was with them. Why refuse now?”

I pushed past him, needing space.

“I just got back from work. I need rest. Tomorrow I’m delivering my graduation speech and I want it flawless.”

“Ah. The speech.” Rowan's eyes drifted to my phone, still warm from the call. Something dark flashed in his gaze—territorial, dangerous—but he masked it quickly.

“Very well,” he said lightly. “We’ll have dinner another time. Anywhere you want.”

I murmured a response.

He left without protest.

I was about to close the door when a maid approached, “Beta Gavriel requests to see you.”

My stomach tightened.

I hurried downstairs to the guest chamber.

“What is it?” I asked, keeping my tone steady.

Why was Gavriel here? Had Rowan canceled the dinner?

Ah, he's probably at Cora’s place now.

Gavriel’s expression was sharp, his dislike for me barely concealed. “I’m here on behalf of Hector, head of the Pack High Council.”

My pulse quickened.

“At tomorrow’s graduation ceremony,” he continued coldly, “you will not be attending. Nor will you be delivering the speech. A replacement has been chosen.”

“What?”

Selestine stirred violently beneath my skin. My fists clenched.

Gavriel’s lips curled into a smug smile. “This decision is final.”

Impossible.

The headmaster of Blackfang College himself had chosen my speech after reviewing twenty submissions. Mr. Stone, my mentor, had praised my work. I had spent a month perfecting it.

“The ceremony cannot proceed without my speech!" I said, my voice trembling with restrained power. “The headmaster approved it two weeks ago!”

My eyes must have begun to glow, because Gavriel’s brow lifted.

“The college answers to the High Council, Lylah," he said flatly. “Your name has been removed from the agenda. And if you insist on attending tomorrow,"

He leaned closer, voice dropping.

“You will be dragged from the Pack’s central hall by force.”

Lylah’s POV

Morning mist clung to the Pack’s Central Hall when I arrived, pale and restless as a living thing. It curled around my ankles as I stepped into the crowd gathered outside, their whispers slicing sharper than claws.

“Isn’t that the Mutt?”

“What is she doing here? Goddess, I hope she’s not here to cause trouble.”

Guards moved to intercept me, hands hovering near their weapons.

But the moment they caught sight of my elongated claws and the faint silver glow burning in my eyes—Selestine bristling beneath my skin—they faltered.

I didn’t slow down.

Bang!

My foot crashed into the doors, kicking them open.

Warmth and laughter spilled from within, mocking the storm clawing through my chest. Cora stood at the center of it, framed by Hector and Gavriel.

“It’s impressive you managed to memorize a speech like that overnight, Lady Cora,” Hector said, pride heavy in his tone. “I have no doubt your performance tomorrow will be flawless.”

Cora giggled, lowering her lashes. “Thank you, sir. But, is it truly all right that I used this beautifully written text?”

“Of course,” Gavriel replied smoothly. “It’s an honor enough that you’re delivering the speech. You shouldn’t exhaust yourself writing one from scratch.”

Their laughter grated against my bones.

“So theft is how y'all disguise incompetence these days?” My voice sliced through their laughter.

Silence snapped into place.

All three turned toward me.

“Lylah.” Hector’s face hardened instantly.

Cora blinked, wide-eyed, innocence perfectly arranged.

“That speech text,” I said, stepping forward, my presence thickening the air, “Is mine. I wrote every single word. And I won’t let anyone use it without my consent.”

Hector stepped in front of Cora, broad shoulders blocking her from view, his gaze cutting into me. “Who do you think you are?”

“We don’t need your approval. Alpha Rowan has already given his permission.” Gavriel sneered, his gaze sliding over me in open dismissal. “The fact that he agreed so easily should tell you how much your work is worth to him.”

They were smiling now. Both of them.

As if they’d been waiting for this moment.

“What…?” Cora whispered. “So the speech belongs to Lylah?”

Her eyes widened, fear fluttering there, but not guilt. Never guilt.

Why would she feel guilty? She had asked Selene herself to bind Rowan to her, knowing exactly what he was to me.

The paper trembled in her hands.

Our gazes locked.

She shrank back.

Something inside me snapped.

Selestine surged forward, her growl vibrating through my bones as my claws sharpened, power flooding my limbs. In a heartbeat, I crossed the distance between us, rage burning hot and feral.

I reached for the paper,

But a hand clamped around my wrist.

“How dare you raise your hand against Lady Cora?” Hector snarled, teeth bared

“I don’t give a fuck about her,” I hissed. “I want the paper. That’s all.”

“It’s not yours anymore.”

Gavriel slid an arm around Cora’s shoulders, protective, already turning her away. But she resisted, her eyes fixed on me.

“Lylah,” she said, voice trembling. “I-I didn’t know it was yours... I-I’m so sorry."

Tears welled, glistening, perfectly timed.

The crowd had gathered by then; the committee, administrators, and pack elders. Their murmurs spread like poison through the hall.

“Poor Lady Cora. She doesn’t deserve to face this feral mutt’s jealousy."

“So this is who Alpha Rowan favored all this time? So uncivilized. No wonder she’s being replaced.”

“Know your place, Lylah. Walk away.”

Hector turned to me, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. “Are you satisfied now? You forced her to apologize for something that wasn’t even her fault. Now leave.”

Of course it wasn’t her fault, it was mine.

For letting her steal my place at Lunar Grace.

For letting her reach for Rowan fully aware of the heart she was breaking.

And now this.

“Beta Gavriel,” Hector ordered coolly, “take Lady Cora away. She doesn’t need to witness this shit.”

Then, to me, voice lowering with threat, “Leave. Or shall I let Alpha Rowan hear of your shameful display?”

“Let him hear,” I said, forcing my wrist free. “Let the entire pack hear.”

Behind me, Cora’s sobs rose, pleading with Gavriel to stop this, insisting she felt so guilty, that she would apologize to me later.

“Guards!” Hector barked.

Hands grabbed at me, but I twisted free, forcing Selestine down, clinging to the last thread of restraint.

I would not give them violence. Not today.

“My text,” I said, my voice deadly calm. “Give it back. Or I will spread this beyond Blackfang, to every pack and every council. Your reputation will rot. Your name will never recover.”

“So you want this the hard way?” Hector’s lips curled. "Fine."

He seized me by the back of my collar and dragged me forward himself. The High Council’s dais loomed ahead, cold stone and towering pillars.

I struggled, kicking, my boots scraping uselessly as he hauled me like a captured animal.

My footing slipped.

Stone slammed into my foot, pain exploding up my leg as I crashed against the pulpit.