Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 8

Isolde's POV

 

Being led to my quarters felt like sleepwalking. Greta Morris kept explaining various rules and expectations along the way, but my brain was still stuck on what Sybilla had just said.

 

*She tastes sweeter than you ever did.*

 

*Just like your mother—a loser, destined to be abandoned.*

 

My fists unconsciously clenched. If it weren't for Nathaniel being there, I really would have torn apart that fake face of hers.

 

"This is your room," Greta stopped in front of a door.

 

I pushed open the door and was immediately shocked by the luxury of the room. It was bigger than my bedroom at home, with two single beds, each equipped with exquisite bedding.

 

A girl turned from the window. She had chestnut curls and warm brown eyes, looking about my age. She wore simple jeans and a sweater, but had a comforting quality about her.

 

"I'm Thalia," she said, her green eyes kind. "From Azurite District."

 

"Isolde," replied, setting my suitcase by the empty bed. "Emerald Valley. Nice to meet you."

 

Thalia came over to help me with another bag. "This place is pretty nice, isn't it? Much better than I expected."

 

I looked at her, trying to determine if she was sincere or being sarcastic. "What were you expecting?"

 

She shrugged. "Honestly? I thought it would be some kind of dungeon or prison. But here... it's almost like a resort."

 

"A resort we can never leave," I said bitterly.

 

Thalia's expression became sympathetic. "You don't sound very happy to be here."

 

I stopped unpacking and looked at her. "Are you happy?"

 

"No," she admitted. "But I figure, since we're already here, we might as well make the best of the situation."

 

Her pragmatism surprised me. Most girls should be crying or complaining right now.

 

"How did you end up here?" I asked.

 

Thalia sat on her bed, her expression becoming cautious. "Family debt. Two days ago. You?"

 

"Same." I decided not to elaborate. "Do you have family?"

 

"Just my grandmother. She's old and needs care." Thalia's voice became soft. "Actually, the pay from this program will help her get the medical care she needs."

 

I studied her face. There was something flickering in her eyes—something deeper than what she was letting show. But I decided not to push. We all had secrets.

 

"So," Thalia said, obviously wanting to change the subject, "want to check out this place? I've been waiting for you to arrive so I can show you around."

 

Honestly, I was curious about what Silver Moon Group actually looked like. From what I'd seen, this didn't seem like some kind of shady sex trafficking operation. It was too bright, too professional.

 

"Okay," I said. "Let's see what my new prison looks like."

 

Thalia laughed. "I like your attitude."

 

We left the Alliance Residence.

 

She showed me around various areas. "There are facilities for beauty treatments like hot springs and spas. There are classes to learn skills that enhance 'feminine charm.' And there's combat training, though few girls participate..."

 

"That's what I want to do," I interrupted, suddenly feeling hopeful.

 

Thalia raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"

 

"Absolutely. I've been training since I was little."

 

She nodded and led me to a massive outdoor area that took my breath away. The training center was like a small athletic complex, with open green spaces and strategic buildings scattered throughout.

 

"The combat training starts tomorrow," Thalia informed me as we turned to head back.

 

"How many girls are here?" I asked along the way.

 

"I heard about over a hundred," Thalia answered. "All at different... stages of development. Some have been here for years."

 

"Years?" I stopped walking. "Can't they leave?"

 

Thalia's expression became complicated. "From what I understand, some choose to stay. Apparently, if you become a Lycan's companion, life becomes quite comfortable."

 

"Or if you become the Alpha's Luna," I thought of Greta's words.

 

"Exactly." Thalia said quietly. "But the current front-runner is Evanthe Hawthorne. She's been here for three years and basically manages the other girls. Just a warning, Isolde, be careful around the other girls, especially Evanthe. She is a bully."

 

"Who is she exactly?" I asked.

 

"Evanthe Hawthorne," Thalia explained. "Public Relations Director for Silver Moon Group officially, but unofficially? She's been Alpha Ezra's main... companion for years. Her brother Orion is the Security Director. Their family has been with Silver Moon for generations. She's convinced he'll eventually make her his Luna. The problem is..."

 

"What?"

 

"He's never shown any interest in making that arrangement permanent. But she acts like it's just a matter of time."

 

"Come on," Thalia changed the subject, "let's go to the beauty center. I heard it's a wonderful place!"

 

Five minutes later Thalia and I stopped in front of a frosted glass door.

 

"I have a feeling that we'll love this," she said, pushing open the door.

 

I was immediately stunned by what I saw. This wasn't an ordinary spa—this was a luxurious hot spring and beauty center that could rival any five-star resort. The air was filled with the scent of lavender and eucalyptus, with soft music playing in the background.

 

A huge hot spring pool occupied the center of the room, with steam rising from the water's surface. Around it were various beauty treatment rooms, and through the glass walls you could see massage beds and professional equipment inside. Several girls were enjoying various treatments, looking completely relaxed.

 

"Just how big is this place?" I marveled.

 

"The entire floor belongs to the Moon Alliance Program," Thalia explained, leading me toward the hot spring area. "They want us to look perfect, so they provide all the necessary facilities. The floors above are Silver Moon Group's actual offices. Alpha Ezra's office is on the top floor."

 

We sat down on lounge chairs by the hot spring pool. The warm steam felt soothing, making me feel somewhat relaxed for the first time.

 

"I'm going to use the restroom quickly," Thalia said, standing up. "Wait here—I'll be right back."

 

I nodded, closing my eyes as I leaned back in the chair, trying to process everything I'd learned today.

 

Then it happened.

 

A scent from somewhere deep in beauty center hit me—unlike anything I'd ever encountered before. My nostrils flared as I inhaled deeply, my body responding in ways I couldn't control. It was masculine and powerful making my skin prickle with goosebumps. Heat rushed through my veins, and my heart began to race.

 

Lyra suddenly came alive within me, practically vibrating with excitement. *Follow that scent*, she urged. *It's important.*

 

I sat up straight, scanning the room. None of the other girls seemed affected. Whatever this was, only I could detect it.

 

"We're supposed to stay put," I argued quietly.

 

*Please, Isolde. Trust me.* Lyra's voice was almost desperate.

 

I hesitated, glancing toward the hallway where Thalia had disappeared. I'd promised to wait. But the pull was becoming unbearable—like an invisible thread tugging at my core.

 

*It's fading,* Lyra warned. *We need to move now.*

 

Against my better judgment, I rose from the chair.

 

*Shit. This is exactly how people in horror movies get themselves killed!*