Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 88

Isolde's POV

The hot water cascaded down my back as I scrubbed away the remnants of another day in this gilded cage. My thoughts, as they often did lately, drifted to Ezra.

I couldn't believe what he did to me yesterday. He invited me to his home, —yet he slept with other women. The mixed signals were driving me insane.

*He's toying with us,* Lyra growled in my mind. *Making us want him while he keeps his distance.*

"He's making me crazy and doesn't even realize it," I muttered to myself, shutting off the water with more force than necessary.

It was nearly seven in the evening. I had nothing planned except sleep after Thalia left for her night shift. Poor Thalia—she was absolutely dreading her first time serving the Lycan executives in the VIP lounge. I couldn't blame her. The memory of my own first night there still made my skin crawl.

I wrapped a large towel around my body and padded into the bedroom, where Thalia sat on her bed, fidgeting nervously with the hem of her shirt. Her anxiety was so palpable I couldn't help but laugh softly.

"Thalia, I told you you'll be fine!" I said, trying to sound reassuring.

She shot me a look of pure indignation. "You're the one who said these men are like vampires who will drain any unsuspecting girl dry."

I winced. "Fair point!"

Walking to my closet, I opened my section and dropped my towel without hesitation. Thalia and I had grown comfortable enough with each other that nudity wasn't an issue. I began applying an expensive body lotion to my skin.

"You'll be okay," I repeated, more gently this time.

"Yeah, sure!" Thalia suddenly exploded, tears welling in her eyes. "Unlike you, I don't have a security director or the CEO of the company to rescue me from any man who wants me."

I paused mid-application, noting her extreme distress. I understood her frustration—I remembered my own first day all too well. The terror, the uncertainty, the feeling of being completely powerless. But apparently, my attempts at comfort were only making things worse.

"I don't know what else to tell you, Thalia," I said with a sigh. "It seems like everything I say just makes you more agitated."

"Yeah. You'd better shut up and let me wallow in misery in peace," she replied, but there was no real bite to her words.

I chuckled softly, shaking my head as I slipped into my silk nightwear.

Just then, one of the other Moon Alliance girls poked her head into our room. "Thalia, time to go get dressed," she announced before disappearing again.

Thalia collapsed back onto the bed with a dramatic groan, writhing in agony. "I hate my life!" she wailed loudly before forcing herself to stand up straight.

I knew there was nothing I could say that would make this better. Platitudes would only sound hollow. So I simply said, "Good luck," and leaned in to kiss her cheek.

Her eyes grew moist. "Now you're going to make me cry."

Before I could respond, Ash appeared in the doorway, her expression confused as she took in our intimate moment.

"What's going on in here?" she asked, looking between us.

Thalia and I quickly separated. "I... uh... I should go," Thalia said, heading for the door. "Goodnight, ladies." She nodded and left.

"Goodnight. Take care. Have fun," I called after her.

Ash leaned against the doorframe. "She's going to be terrified the moment she steps into that lounge."

I nodded in agreement. The memory of my first night in the VIP lounge flashed through my mind—the sheer number of Lycan executives, their intimidating stares, the expensive liquor, the knowledge that I had no right to refuse their touches. It was disgusting.

*Fucking ridiculous,* I thought, trying to push the memories away.

Ash came over and sat on my bed. We'd grown closer these past few days.

"Here... I managed to smuggle two bottles of juice from the dining room after dinner," she said, handing me an imported orange juice. "This one's for you."

"Thank you," I said, genuinely touched by the gesture. "You're brave... I never dared to do that."

I twisted the cap off and took a long swig. The sweet, tangy flavor burst across my tongue.

"God, I love juice!" I exclaimed with genuine delight. "May the Moon Goddess grant all your wishes, Ash. You've made my night."

A wide smile spread across my face, and Ash looked pleased.

"I'm glad I could put such a bright smile on your face," she said, then stood up. "I should go."

"You're leaving already?" I asked, disappointed.

"Sybilla was very unhappy that no one was there to pour her water when she got thirsty last night," Ash explained with a grimace. "She gave me until eight o'clock to get back, and it's seven-fifty now."

"Ah... I understand. You should go then," I said, trying to hide my disappointment. "Okay. Goodnight, enjoy your juice."

"I certainly will," she replied, glancing at me before leaving.

Sadness filled my heart as I watched her go. Sybilla's influence seemed to touch everything, even my small moments of happiness.

I sighed, looking at the juice in my hand. "I'd better finish you and get to bed," I muttered, then downed the rest in one go, placing the empty bottle on my nightstand.

I stood up to head to the bathroom to brush my teeth when something felt... off. My mind began to fog over, thoughts becoming fuzzy around the edges. I blinked, trying to clear my vision, but it only got worse.

The furniture seemed to be... moving? Flying from one place to another, swapping positions with each other. It was terrifying, yet somehow fascinating. The dizzying sensation made me sway on my feet.

"What the fuck!" I slurred, my body swaying dangerously.

Suddenly, I found myself laughing hysterically. The world was spinning like a rollercoaster, and I felt like I was on top of it all. Maybe I was the Lycan King. Or the Moon Goddess herself.

The door opened, and two figures walked in. I couldn't make out their faces through my blurred vision, but I was still giggling at the absurdity of my hallucinations.

They grabbed my arms and pulled me out of the bedroom.

"You better be taking me to get more orange juice," I mumbled as they dragged me into the hallway. I couldn't see their faces clearly—everything was too distorted.

Once in the hallway, I felt like we were walking on the ceiling, with the tiled floor above our heads.

"We're walking on the ceiling," I laughed again. "Even the ceiling and floor switched places." I giggled stupidly, noticing the walls around us. "Were they always this white?"

The initial euphoria began to fade, replaced by a slow, steady, relaxed feeling. Like I was riding a calm wave. My thoughts became sluggish, but I was certain I knew where they were taking me—to get more orange juice, of course.

I smiled at the people holding me on either side, letting them guide me wherever they wanted to go.