Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 55

**Isolde's POV**

"After breakfast, meet me in the training room," the woman continued, her voice cold and detached. "You need to learn how to properly serve the Alpha tonight. It's quite an honor."

My throat felt impossibly dry. "Are you certain it's me he wants?"

The woman's eyes narrowed slightly, annoyance flickering across her features. "Yes. I don't know how you did it, but you've gotten lucky." With that, she turned and walked away, leaving me frozen in my seat.

My hands began to tremble uncontrollably. Ezra wanted me in his private suite tonight. The Lycan King, the most powerful Alpha in the city, had specifically requested me.

*This is what we've been waiting for!* Lyra, my wolf, practically howled with excitement inside my mind. *Our mate has finally acknowledged us!*

"Did I just hear that correctly?" a shocked voice called out from a nearby table. "She's going to spend the night with the Silver Moon CEO?"

The dining hall, which had been filled with the quiet murmur of conversation and the clinking of silverware, suddenly fell silent. All eyes turned toward me, and I could feel the weight of their stares like physical pressure against my skin.

"That's impossible," another girl said, her voice dripping with disbelief and jealousy. "Wasn't she supposed to be punished for her behavior at the training center yesterday? How did she end up being chosen by Ezra instead?"

The whispers grew louder, spreading through the room like wildfire. I could smell their emotions—sharp jealousy, bitter resentment, burning curiosity. Their gazes scorched my skin, and I wanted nothing more than to disappear.

"She must have done something special to get his attention," someone whispered loudly enough for me to hear.

Thalia slid into the seat beside me, her green eyes concerned. "Isolde," she whispered, "this is important! I told you he had a special interest in you, didn't I? Your mate bond sensing wasn't wrong."

I could only stare blankly ahead, unable to process what was happening. My wolf continued to dance with excitement inside me while my human side was paralyzed with fear.

"You look terrified," Thalia observed, studying my face.

I managed a small nod, my body still trembling.

*This is our chance!* Lyra insisted. *Don't screw it up!*

"It's normal to be shocked," Thalia assured me, placing a comforting hand on my arm. "But this could be your opportunity to prove your worth. To establish yourself."

"Oh, Evanthe is going to lose her mind when she hears about this," Thalia added, almost as an afterthought.

The mention of Evanthe's name sent a fresh wave of terror through me. My bones literally shook with fear. Evanthe, who had explicitly warned me to stay away from Ezra. Evanthe, who had made it clear she considered him her exclusive territory.

"She'll try to eliminate me," I whispered, the horrifying realization dawning on me.

*Let her try,* Lyra growled. *We're stronger than she thinks.*

"Speak of the devil," Thalia murmured, her eyes fixed on something behind me.

The dining hall fell completely silent as Evanthe Hawthorne strode in. Her golden hair was pulled back in a sleek ponytail, her blue eyes scanning the room with calculated precision.

Sybilla immediately rushed to her side, her face alight with malicious glee. "Evanthe, did you hear?" she asked loudly enough for everyone to hear. "Isolde will be spending the night with Ezra. HR says he specifically requested her."

Evanthe went perfectly still, her eyes flashing gold for a brief, terrifying moment before she regained control. She walked directly to my table, her heels clicking against the floor like a countdown to execution.

"Is this true?" she demanded, her voice dangerously soft.

I felt the familiar wave of intimidation washing over me, but something inside had changed. Thalia's words echoed in my mind—this was my opportunity. Ezra's interest in me could be protection against Evanthe.

I set my coffee cup down carefully and stood up to face her. For once, I met her gaze steadily, refusing to cower.

"What do you think?" I replied, my voice surprisingly calm.

Evanthe's eyes widened slightly, clearly surprised by my response. She had expected me to deny it or cower in fear.

"So it is true," she said, her voice tight with barely controlled rage. "You will be spending the night with Ezra."

"You heard correctly," I confirmed, while Lyra cheered in my mind. *Finally showing some backbone!*

Evanthe's perfect features contorted with fury for a split second before she regained her composure. "You will decline," she commanded. "Tell them you're feeling unwell."

I shook my head slowly. "I'm afraid I can't do that."

"Yes, you can, and you will," she insisted, her voice taking on a dangerous edge.

"I won't," I said firmly, surprising myself with my own resolve.

"Isolde," Evanthe's voice dropped to a threatening whisper, "think very carefully about what you're doing."

"I am," I replied. "I want this opportunity, and Alpha Ezra isn't stupid. He'll know if I'm lying about being sick."

Evanthe stepped closer, invading my personal space. I could smell her expensive perfume mixed with the sharp scent of her anger. "Isolde, if you go through with this, I will make you regret it for the rest of your life." Her eyes flashed gold again, longer this time, a clear threat from her wolf.

But instead of backing down, I leaned forward slightly, closing the gap between us even further. "Then I'll be prepared," I said quietly. "Because I'd rather face your anger than the wrath of the Silver Moon King. Excuse me."

With a courage I didn't know I possessed, I deliberately bumped my shoulder against hers as I walked past, a clear message that I would no longer be intimidated by her.

As I walked out of the dining hall, my legs felt like they might give way at any moment. My hands were still shaking, and my heart was pounding so hard I was sure everyone could hear it. I had just made a dangerous enemy even more determined to destroy me.

But for the first time since being forced into the Moon Alliance Program, I felt something other than fear and resignation. I might be his mate, and that gave me power I hadn't fully realized until now.

*That's right,* Lyra responded. *We'll show them all our true worth.*

I straightened my shoulders and continued walking. No matter what happened tonight, I wouldn't let them break me anymore