Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 144

ISOLDE'S POV

I pushed open the doors to the Battle Arena, relieved to see Alpha Ezra wasn't present. Thank the Moon Goddess for small mercies. The last thing I needed was to face his cold, dismissive behavior while trying not to break down in tears.

*Keep your dignity intact,* Lyra reminded me. *We don't need him.*

*Do we?* I wondered, but quickly pushed the thought aside. I needed to focus on training, not on my complicated feelings for the man who seemed determined to push me away.

The training center buzzed with activity as I joined the group warming up. Orion nodded at me from across the room, his expression neutral but not unkind. At least someone didn't hate me here.

During our sparring session, I managed to block most of Orion's attacks, even landing a few solid hits that made him grunt with approval. I was getting better, stronger—despite Evanthe's constant attempts to undermine me.

"Good form, Isolde," Orion commented after I executed a perfect counterattack. "Your reflexes are improving."

I couldn't help noticing Nyssa watching us from the corner of the room. Once friendly, she now barely acknowledged my existence. Lately, she'd been practically joined at the hip with Evanthe, the two of them whispering and laughing together during training sessions.

"Great! Just what I need. Another ally for Evanthe," I muttered under my breath.

*Such a genuine friendship,* Lyra mocked in my mind. *I'm sure it has nothing to do with Evanthe's position or influence.*

After our final sparring match of the day, Orion called for everyone's attention. Exhausted trainees groaned in protest, clearly wanting nothing more than to hit the showers and collapse into bed. I felt the same—my muscles screamed for rest, and all I wanted was to return to my room at the Alliance Residence, take a hot shower, and sleep for twelve hours straight.

I pushed through the crowd of sweaty bodies, finding a spot on the floor directly in front of Orion. He caught my eye and smiled at my obviously exhausted state.

"This won't take long, I promise," he assured me.

I nodded and attempted a smile, trying to ignore the various aches and pains throughout my body. The training had been particularly intense today.

"Alright, everyone," Orion began, his voice carrying across the now-quiet training center. "The executive team at Silver Moon Group has decided to organize a competition among our warriors."

A murmur of interest rippled through the crowd. A man raised his hand. "What kind of competition?"

I looked up curiously, suddenly interested despite my fatigue. Lyra stirred within me, suddenly alert.

"Well..." Orion paused, scanning the room. "This competition is primarily for entertainment purposes."

"Entertainment?" Evanthe's voice dripped with disdain from somewhere behind me. "You mean fun?"

She said the word like it was beneath her, a concept too lowly for someone of her status to consider.

Orion nodded firmly. "Yes, Evanthe. Fun. The executive team believes our warriors deserve to enjoy themselves after all their hard work. Plus, there will be substantial cash prizes and promotion opportunities for the winners."

Evanthe scoffed loudly. "We are Lycans. We don't do things just for fun. Only common Werewolves do that. That's why they're weak and pathetic."

The training center fell silent. I felt dozens of eyes shifting between Evanthe and me, the only "common werewolf" in the room. Evanthe stared directly at me, her challenge clear.

"Did that hurt your feelings, Isolde?" she asked with mock concern.

I opened my mouth to respond, then closed it. Part of me wanted to lash out, to remind her that this "common werewolf" had bested her more than once in training. But I held my tongue, hoping Orion would intervene.

*Don't let her get away with that!* Lyra growled inside my head. *Show her what this common werewolf can do!*

Thankfully, Orion spoke before I could give in to my wolf's demands.

"That's enough, Evanthe," he said, his voice calm but firm. "You're entitled to your opinion, but there's no need to insult common werewolves."

Evanthe's perfect features twisted with contempt. "I just think holding a fun little competition for warriors is beneath Silver Moon's standards."

Orion's eyes narrowed slightly. "Quiet down and listen."

I couldn't help the small laugh that escaped me. Lyra rumbled with satisfaction in my mind.

"As I was saying," Orion continued, "the competition will be divided into male and female categories. It's open to all warriors eighteen and older." He looked pointedly at Evanthe. "Participation is not mandatory."

He explained that those who didn't want to participate could attend as spectators. The male warriors nodded enthusiastically, already discussing potential opponents.

"The format will be one-on-one battles until we have champions in each category. The executives will handle the matchups. The top three in each category will receive substantial rewards, including cash prizes and opportunities for advancement within Silver Moon."

He went on to explain that the competition would take place this weekend in the underground arena at Silver Moon Tower. There would be no regular training this week—instead, they would focus on preparing for the competition.

"You have until the end of today to decide if you want to participate. I'll collect the names tomorrow morning, and then the organizers will announce the matchups."

As the session ended and people began dispersing, I remained seated on the floor, too exhausted to stand immediately. Orion approached and extended his hand to help me up.

"Need a hand?" he asked, genuine concern flickering in his eyes.

"Thanks," I said gratefully, taking his offered hand and trying not to wince as my sore muscles protested the movement.

As Orion helped me to my feet, Evanthe approached him, her face set in a scowl. "Orion, I'm extremely disappointed with this entire competition farce."

Orion sighed heavily. "Evanthe, it's simple. Either go tell Ezra directly about your disappointment... or keep quiet! Damn... you always have something to complain about."

Shaking his head, he walked away toward his office, presumably to handle competition details.

Evanthe turned to me, her eyes blazing with hostility. Her Alpha female aura pressed down on me, making the air feel thick and oppressive. Lyra stirred restlessly within me, ready to face the threat.

"And you..." she said, stepping closer. "Make sure you make it to the finals. I'm looking forward to teaching you a lesson in front of everyone."

I stared at her, shocked and confused. "Wait... you just expressed extreme disappointment about the competition... I thought you wouldn't participate."

A cold smile spread across her face. "Miss the opportunity to put you in your place in front of everyone, especially Ezra? Never! See you in the finals."

As she walked away, I realized that her only reason for entering the competition was to defeat me in front of Ezra. Her obsession with me had reached pathological levels.

*She's completely fixated on you,* Lyra mocked in my mind. *How flattering.*

I sighed. This competition had just become much more complicated than I'd anticipated.