Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 145

ISOLDE'S POV

Thalia and I entered the executive cafeteria, quickly locating an empty table in a secluded corner. I felt a wave of relief wash over me as I noticed the other "Moon Alliance" girls weren't hovering around as they usually did. Finally, I could enjoy a peaceful meal without their constant scrutiny or fake smiles.

"This is nice," I murmured to Thalia as we settled into our seats. "No entourage today."

Thalia smirked. "Enjoy it while it lasts. Your freedom from their attention is probably temporary."

I glanced around the elegant cafeteria with its modern décor and floor-to-ceiling windows. The place was designed to impress, like everything else at Silver Moon Tower. Even the employee cafeteria screamed wealth and power. But today, I was just grateful for the relative peace.

Before I could respond, a cheerful voice called out, "Welcome, beautiful ladies!"

I looked up to see Cleo approaching our table, her face bright with her usual enthusiasm. I couldn't help but smile. Unlike the other girls, Cleo had always maintained her upbeat, friendly demeanor regardless of my standing with Alpha Ezra.

"Hi, Cleo," I greeted her. "How have you been?"

"Busy as always!" She beamed, bouncing slightly on her toes. "But you two are in for a treat today. The chef made this amazing Italian chicken risotto. You can smell it from here, right? Absolutely divine!"

I inhaled deeply, catching the rich aroma of herbs and slow-cooked chicken. My stomach growled in response. "That does smell incredible. I'll have that."

"Great choice," Cleo nodded approvingly before turning to Thalia. "What about you, Thal? Same?"

I frowned slightly at the familiar nickname. When had they become so close? I didn't recall Cleo and Thalia spending much time together.

"I'll have the same," Thalia replied with a polite smile.

"Coming right up!" Cleo chirped before hurrying off to the counter.

Once she was out of earshot, I turned to Thalia. "Have you noticed how differently everyone's treating me lately?"

Thalia's expression hardened. "It's disgusting how quickly they've all changed their tune. Yesterday I overheard some girls talking about you in the research center."

"Let me guess," I sighed. "They said I'm 'losing my appeal to Alpha Ezra' and that he'll 'discard me like Evanthe's predecessor once he's had his fun'?"

Thalia's eyebrows shot up. "How did you know?"

"I heard similar comments yesterday." The memory stung more than I wanted to admit. "Not that I care about Ezra's attention, but..."

"But it still hurts," Thalia finished for me, her eyes flashing with anger. "I shut them down immediately. I've never seen such fake people in my life. They flock to you when you're in favor and abandon you at the first sign of trouble. Who needs 'friends' like that?"

I nodded in agreement, grateful for her loyalty. "Let's talk about something else," I suggested, not wanting to dwell on the unpleasant topic. "Something more interesting."

"Like what?"

"There was an interesting announcement at the training center today," I said, leaning forward.

Thalia immediately perked up, her body shifting closer. "Do tell."

"They're organizing a fighting competition," I explained, describing the format Orion had outlined. "It's supposed to be for fun, with cash prizes and advancement opportunities for the winners."

"And let me guess," Thalia said, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Evanthe had something to say about that?"

I laughed. "She was completely dismissive at first, calling it beneath Silver Moon's standards and something only 'common werewolves' would enjoy." I rolled my eyes at the memory. "But then, the moment she realized I'd be participating, she suddenly changed her mind and declared she'd see me in the finals."

"That's quite the turnaround," Thalia commented, stirring her water with the straw.

"You should have seen her face when she realized I'd be participating. It was like someone flipped a switch. One minute she's sneering at the whole concept, the next she's practically salivating at the chance to fight me publicly."

Thalia shook her head, still smiling. "Evanthe. That woman is pathologically obsessed with you."

"That's exactly what I thought!" I exclaimed. "One minute she's calling the competition a 'farce,' the next she's threatening to teach me a lesson in front of everyone. It's creepy, isn't it?"

"Not creepy," Thalia replied thoughtfully. "Just interesting. It means you have the upper hand in this power game between you two. You keep her constantly on edge."

I burst out laughing, drawing hostile and jealous glares from several "Moon Alliance" girls seated across the cafeteria. I'd learned to ignore them.

*They hate seeing you happy,* Lyra observed. *Misery loves company, after all.*

"You don't understand the full picture," I started to say, but was interrupted by Cleo's return with our food.

"Here you go, ladies," she announced, placing two steaming plates of risotto before us. "Enjoy!"

The three of us fell into easy conversation as we began to eat. Cleo's natural warmth and humor made the meal pleasant, a welcome change from the tension that had become my constant companion lately. She shared a funny story about one of the kitchen staff accidentally setting off the fire alarm during a cooking demonstration, and for a moment, I felt almost normal.

I was just about to say to Thalia, "Thalia, you need to understand, I'm not trying to win—" when a sharp voice cut through the cafeteria chatter.

"Does anyone know where Sybilla is?"

The question came from a Lycan woman standing in the center of the cafeteria, clutching an expensive designer handbag. Her expression was cold and furious. My heart rate picked up immediately; instinct told me that a Lycan woman publicly seeking out a "Moon Alliance" member this way couldn't be good news.

Several girls simultaneously pointed toward a corner where Sybilla sat alone. I hadn't even noticed her there.

The Lycan woman marched toward Sybilla with purpose in every step. She wore the same style of high-end clothing that Evanthe favored, and carried herself with the same air of authority and arrogance. Every movement screamed power and status.

"This can't be good." I muttered under my breath as I watched the scene unfold.