Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 173

ISOLDE'S POV

Morning sunlight streamed through the windows of Ezra's penthouse as I gathered my things, preparing to head to Privilege Apartments. After an entire night tangled in Ezra's sheets—and his arms—I felt a strange mixture of triumph and tenderness washing over me.

*From now on, I'll be living in his penthouse as his girlfriend,* I thought, still hardly believing the turn my life had taken.

I glanced at the rumpled bed where Ezra had been sleeping peacefully when I slipped away.

The entire night we'd lost ourselves in each other's bodies, fucking in ways I never thought possible. *Last night was so fucking intense.*

My skin still tingled from his touch, and I couldn't help the smile that crept across my face.

*Finally, we've secured our rightful position,* Lyra purred contentedly within me.

"The entire Moon Alliance Program is going to explode when they find out," I muttered, imagining the chaos that would ensue.

When those ambitious girls discovered that Silver Moon Group's CEO and Lycan King Ezra had chosen me, they would absolutely lose their minds.

A pride swelled within me. Being Ezra's mate carried a special significance.

As I rode the private elevator down from Ezra's penthouse, I couldn't help but think about Thalia. I needed to tell her everything that had happened, and I knew she'd be thrilled for me. But beneath my excitement lingered a touch of sadness. Moving in with Ezra meant I wouldn't see Thalia as often anymore. In this hostile environment, she was my only true ally.

---

I arrived at Privilege Apartments and headed straight for Thalia's suite. Using the keycard she'd given me for emergencies, I quietly let myself in, finding her still asleep, her short chestnut hair spread across her pillow.

"Isolde!" Thalia bolted upright when she saw me standing in her bedroom doorway, her green eyes wide with surprise and relief.

"Good morning, Sleeping Beauty," I teased, leaning against the doorframe.

Thalia ran a hand through her tousled hair and groaned. "I must look like a complete disaster right now, like I've been dragged through a subway tunnel..."

I laughed, dropping into the armchair beside her bed. "You look fine. I've seen worse."

"Where have you been?" Thalia asked, her expression turning serious. "Cleo and I tried to visit you in the security office yesterday, but Nathaniel stopped us. We were going crazy with worry."

A shadow crossed my face as I remembered those terrifying moments locked in that room, thinking my debt nightmare was starting all over again.

"For a moment, I thought my nightmare was about to repeat itself," I admitted quietly. "I nearly broke down."

Thalia's eyes filled with sympathy. "I'm so sorry we couldn't get to you."

"Thalia, you don't need to apologize," I said, waving away her concern. "What I'm truly grateful for is that Ezra ultimately stood up for me and set things right. And Orion was surprisingly supportive afterward."

Thalia's expression darkened. "Sybilla was absolutely vile for what she did!"

"Yes," I agreed, my voice hardening. "But even more dangerous is the true mastermind. The one who orchestrated the entire trap."

"Who?" Thalia leaned forward, her eyes intent.

"Evanthe," I revealed, watching Thalia's eyes widen. "She meticulously designed the entire trap, making sure her own hands remained clean... Now, only Sybilla will face all the consequences."

"Oh my God!" Thalia gasped. "The PR director certainly knows how to manipulate public opinion and people's hearts!"

I nodded grimly. "I won't rest until I expose Evanthe's true face. She must pay for what she's done."

"She deserves punishment," Thalia agreed firmly. "If you need any help, just let me know. I'd be more than happy to assist you in taking her down."

A warmth spread through my chest at Thalia's unwavering support. In this cutthroat environment, her friendship was the one genuine connection I'd found since entering the Moon Alliance Program.

*We need allies,* Lyra commented. *It's unwise to fight alone in this dangerous game.*

"So," Thalia said, studying my face with a knowing smile, "did things get resolved between you and Ezra?"

A blush crept up my cheeks, and Thalia's smile widened. "Judging by that blush, I'm guessing the answer is yes."

"He apologized for the misunderstanding and promised to be more respectful of my feelings," I confirmed, unable to keep the happiness from my voice. "We are boyfriend and girlfriend now."

"No shit! Really?" Thalia's eyes widened in genuine surprise.

I nodded, a small smile playing on my lips.

"Holy shit!" Thalia exclaimed, fully awake now. "This is huge, Isolde! Do the others know yet? Has he made a formal announcement?"

"Not yet," I replied. "But that's actually why I came to see you this morning."

My smile gradually faded as I remembered my true purpose for coming. But when I thought about my real reason for being here, my smile disappeared, and my expression turned serious.

Thalia noticed my shift in mood immediately. "What's wrong? Your expression just changed?"

I hesitated, suddenly finding it difficult to say what I'd come to tell her. We hadn't known each other long, but in this hostile environment, she was the only person I trusted. While living with Ezra meant I'd won this power game for now, leaving behind my only friend made me uneasy.

Thalia's face softened with understanding. "Isolde, your silence is worrying me. Tell me what's happening."

"I'm moving into Ezra's penthouse," I finally said. "Today. He wants me to live with him."