Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 109

ISOLDE'S POV

I slammed the door to my suite, fury still coursing through my veins after the humiliation at the Battle Arena. My body ached from Nyssa's holds, but my pride hurt far worse. I paced the luxurious room like a caged animal, hands clenched into fists.

"Fucking Lycans," I muttered, kicking off my shoes with unnecessary force. One hit the wall with a satisfying thud. "What makes them so damn special anyway? A bit more muscle and some ancient rules they made up to keep themselves on top."

*They're not better than us,* Lyra growled in agreement. *Just stronger physically.*

"And they never let us forget it," I said bitterly. "Always lording their superior strength and status over us like we should bow down and worship them."

I stopped in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, staring at my reflection.

I'd been training since I was five years old, had won numerous competitions, had skills that most werewolves—Lycan or common—would envy.

"I'm going to train harder," I promised my reflection. "I'll win every match from now on, even against the male fighters. I'll show them all that being a common werewolf doesn't make me weak."

I turned away from the window, determined to channel my anger into something productive, when something caught my eye. I froze, staring at the crystal coffee table in the sitting area of my suite.

There, displayed in an elegant crystal bowl, were assorted high-end snacks that definitely hadn't been there when I left this morning.

Nestled among the expensive chocolates and imported candies was a small gold-embossed note. I picked it up gingerly, my fingers tracing over the Silver Moon Group logo embossed at the top.

"A special treat for our distinguished resident of Privilege Apartments. Please enjoy," I read aloud, a bitter smile twisting my lips.

So this was my new reality. I'd been "upgraded" from the regular quarters to the Privilege Apartments after my encounter with Ezra, and now I was receiving special treatment.

I tossed the note back onto the table and grabbed an imported chocolate, unwrapping it as I headed toward the bathroom.

After a hot shower that did little to soothe my aching muscles or wounded pride, hunger drove me to the Silver Moon Group's cafeteria. I grabbed a handful of the fancy candies and chocolates from the crystal bowl before leaving my suite—might as well make use of my "privileges."

The moment I walked into the sleek, modern cafeteria with its panoramic views of the city skyline, the room fell silent. A group of Moon Alliance girls quickly vacated their table, and one of them rushed over with a bright smile.

"Isolde! Welcome!" she exclaimed with exaggerated enthusiasm. The other girls waved and smiled at me from across the room.

It was exactly like yesterday after my "promotion"—suddenly everyone wanted to be my friend.

"Thanks, " I replied coolly.

"Come over here," she said, gesturing to the now-empty window table. "We saved the best seat for you."

I shook my head. "No, that's really not necessary... I don't need special treatment. You guys really don't have to do this."

"But we must!" She insisted, gently guiding me toward the window seat.

Her smile widened as she practically forced me into the chair. "We're happy to serve you."

I glanced around the spacious cafeteria. There were plenty of empty tables. But this fawning attention made my skin crawl.

"Look, girls..." I said, meeting their eager gazes directly. "I don't know why you're suddenly being so attentive to me, but I'd like you to stop. It's weird and it makes me uncomfortable. I'm just like all of you—someone who was forced to come here."

She politely cut me off. "Would you like truffle pasta or wagyu beef for lunch? The chef can prepare either specially for you."

They weren't listening to a word I was saying. All they cared about was serving the new "favored" girl.

"Truffle pasta," I sighed in defeat.

She beamed and turned to leave, but I called after her.

"Wait."

I reached into my pocket and pulled out the fancy imported candies and chocolates, placing them in her hand.

"It makes me uncomfortable to have you all waiting on me like this, so here—these are from my suite. Let's at least maintain some equality here."

"Are these from Privilege Apartments?" one of the girls asked excitedly. When I nodded, they erupted in excitement.

"Oh my god, you're so generous, Isolde!"

"Thank you so much! You're different from the others!"

They scurried away, buzzing with excitement over how to divide the treats. I shook my head and laughed softly, saddened by how easily they were manipulated by such small tokens.

I looked around the cafeteria, contemplating how drastically my situation had changed since being "upgraded" to Privilege Apartments.

Almost everyone was treating me with deference now, even Ms. Greta, who had previously regarded me with cold disdain.

Scanning the cafeteria, I spotted Thalia entering with a gym bag slung over her shoulder. My face lit up with genuine joy at seeing the one person in this cold environment I considered a true friend.

"Thalia!" I called out, waving to get her attention. She paused, and I waved again, hoping she would join me for lunch.

*Finally, someone real.*

But Thalia just stood there, staring at me with an expression I couldn't comprehend. Her eyes were uncharacteristically cold and distant, nothing like the warm, friendly gaze I'd grown accustomed to during our intimate conversations just yesterday.

"Thalia?" I called again, gesturing to the empty chair across from me. "Come join me!"

She held my gaze for one more second before turning away without a word and walking out of the cafeteria as if I didn't exist.

I jumped to my feet, shocked and hurt, intending to follow her and find out what was wrong. But before I could take a step, the group of girls returned with my food.

"Where are you going? Your truffle pasta is here!" Cleo announced proudly, holding an elegant plate that smelled divine.

I looked at the girls with their expectant faces, then back at the door where Thalia had disappeared. In this environment, I realized, every action was watched. Running after Thalia now might only cause problems for her. My heart ached with the realization.

With a heavy sigh, I decided to stay for now and find an opportunity to speak with Thalia later. Perhaps she had her reasons—maybe Evanthe or Greta had warned her against associating with the "favored" girl.

"Thank you," I managed a weak smile and sat back down.

Cleo placed the pasta in front of me, the aroma of truffles wafting up luxuriously.

After thanking me again for the treats, the girls left me alone with my meal—a meal I no longer had any appetite for. I mechanically began eating, the exquisite food tasting like cardboard in my mouth.

Throughout the meal, I couldn't stop replaying the image of Thalia's cold eyes and retreating back. *Was she threatened? Or did my "promotion" change our relationship? Is friendship so fragile in this place?*