Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 149

ISOLDE'S POV

Thalia and I walked side by side through the cool night air, making our way toward the Privilege Apartments.

"That was the best dinner experience I've had since joining the Moon Alliance Program," Thalia declared, her voice bright with satisfaction. She practically bounced with each step, energy radiating from her like she'd just won a prize.

I glanced at her sideways. "You're not going to let this go, are you?"

Thalia stopped walking and turned to me, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Never. Do you know how satisfying it was to see someone like Sybilla get put in her place? It's like... the Moon Goddess is just after all."

She continued with growing enthusiasm, her voice getting faster. "That bully, that rumor-spreading Sybilla, now she's the one everyone's talking about. And to think those rumors were actually true!" Thalia laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. "Oh great Moon Goddess, Sybilla destroyed her own life."

I could tell Thalia was trying to draw me into gossiping about Sybilla. Part of me—a large part, if I'm honest—desperately wanted to join in, to finally release all my pent-up frustration about my step-sister. The words hovered on the tip of my tongue, ready to spill out in a torrent of righteous anger.

But I couldn't bring myself to do it.

I patted Thalia's shoulder gently and shot her a warning look.

Despite everything Sybilla had done to me—the betrayal with Kieran, the rumors, the constant attempts to undermine me—I couldn't bring myself to publicly celebrate her downfall. My father would be so disappointed if he knew I was badmouthing his precious daughter, even after everything. Alaric had always held me to a higher standard than Sybilla. I decided to stay silent and let others do the bullying for me. It was cowardly, perhaps, but it was all I could manage.

Thalia studied my expression and then broke into a mischievous grin. "What's wrong? If you're not going to talk trash about her, then let me do it for both of us, okay?" She winked at me, her green eyes sparkling with mirth. "Consider me your personal Sybilla trash-talking proxy."

I tried to hold back my laughter but failed miserably. It burst from my lips, and soon I was nearly doubled over. Thalia joined in, and our combined laughter filled the night air, echoing between the buildings.

"I shouldn't be laughing at my step-sister's misfortune," I said between gasps, trying to regain my composure. "I'm a terrible person."

"No, you're just human." Thalia paused. "Well, werewolf, but you know what I mean."

We continued walking toward the apartment building, still chuckling occasionally. I looked everywhere except at Thalia's face, knowing I'd start laughing again if I caught her eye.

Suddenly, yellow headlights flashed behind us, cutting through the darkness. Thalia and I turned around, and my heart sank into my stomach as I recognized the sleek black luxury car approaching—the same one Ezra often sent to collect me. The vehicle moved with silent precision, like a predator stalking its prey.

The car pulled to a stop in front of us, and Cade, the driver, stepped out with a smile when he spotted me. His uniform was impeccable as always, not a wrinkle in sight.

"Good evening, Miss Isolde. I'm here to take you to Alpha's penthouse. He's waiting for you."

*No, he's not!* my mind screamed. Ezra hadn't been waiting for me—not the real me—for days now.

I looked at Thalia in horror, silently begging her to tell the driver I couldn't go to Ezra's penthouse tonight. My fear wasn't rational, but it was overwhelming. Ezra had been cold and distant for days now. Our interactions had been emotionless, and when he claimed me physically, he did so with a detachment that terrified me. His eyes would look through me, not at me. His touch was technically perfect but devoid of any warmth. *He scared me.*

As Cade opened the passenger door, my heart plummeted further. I looked at Thalia again, and when she nodded and gestured for me to get in, I nearly fell to my knees. My legs felt weak, like they might give out at any moment.

"I don't want to go," I whimpered, clutching Thalia's arm so tightly my knuckles turned white. My voice sounded small, even to my own ears.

"You surely know how angry he'll be if his driver brings this news back," Thalia reasoned, her voice dropping to a whisper. "For your own sake, to avoid his wrath, just go see him. It'll be worse if you refuse."

"But he doesn't even like me anymore," I protested, desperation creeping into my voice. "Why does he keep calling for me?"

Thalia pried my fingers from her arm and pulled me toward the car door. "Isolde... you'll be fine. Just get in." Her tone was firm now, brooking no argument.

"Please, come with me," I begged, tears forming in my eyes. I knew it was a ridiculous request, but fear made me irrational.

"Are you kidding me right now?" Thalia hissed under her breath, glancing nervously at Cade who pretended not to hear our exchange. She placed her hand on my head, guiding me into the back seat like a child. "Get in. You shouldn't keep the Lycan King waiting. If you're too scared to do anything with him, tell him. Okay?"

I slid into the car and nodded miserably. "Okay." The leather seat felt cold against my skin.

"Good. Buckle up," she instructed, motherly. I complied, fastening my seatbelt with trembling fingers.

"Have a wonderful night. See you tomorrow," Thalia said with a bright smile before shutting the car door with a definitive thunk.

I couldn't return her smile or wish her the same. The sinking pain in my stomach was so intense it felt like my insides were being shredded. *I'll be vomiting them up soon enough.*

I scoffed internally at Thalia's parting words. *Have a wonderful night.*

I doubted it.