CHAPTER 3: Delusion

My mind is a mess. I pushed myself to get into Lycan Academy because, just as Rumi said, it was part of my agreement with Soren. 

This is the most prestigious school for wolves, one that doesn’t favor any pack, no matter where they come from, because it answers only to its own standards. I had told myself I would study here so that Soren would never have to be embarrassed because of me. 

But now… I don’t know anymore. 

A knock at the door pulled me out of my thoughts. When I opened it, the House Matron stood in the hallway, her gaze slowly sweeping from head to toe. She held a sheet of paper, checking it with practiced authority. 

“Gwyneth Valerius?” she asked. 

“Yes.” 

“There’s a general assembly at the main building. House rules and school regulations will be explained.” She was already turning away when she added, sharp as a whip, “Get moving. Now, or it’ll cost you a markdown!” 

She was just as intimidating as my first impression of her. Not wanting to risk it, I hurried into a hoodie and made my way to the main building. 

Finding it wasn’t difficult; most of the students were heading in the same direction. But then I noticed Soren taking a different path, and before I could stop myself, curiosity pulled me after him. 

He headed toward the training ground, where two members of the Ravencrest Pack approached him, greeting him with the easy, teasing banter of old friends. 

‘What am I even doing here?’ 

I shook my head at my own foolishness and was about to slip away when my name surfaced from their conversation. 

“I heard the disgrace of the Valerius family arrived today,” one of them said. “A servant spotted you at the female dormitory. So, what’s your plan, Soren?” 

“Gwen is different now,” Soren replied. “She’s beautiful, not that innocent little cub she used to be.” 

“I know, right?” the other laughed. “I couldn’t believe she’s the same girl who used to follow you everywhere. She’s way hotter now that she’s nineteen. So, what, are you planning to break things off with Muriel?” 

The other friend cut in, scoffing. “Please. How can you even compare Muriel of the Blackwood Pack to Gwen? Soren’s obviously just going to use that loser.” 

Their laughter rang out, and I stood there in silence, burning with humiliation. 

Soren spoke, his voice laced with arrogance. “My plan is to make Gwen my mistress. I can’t present her to the pack as my mate; we all know how poorly the Hollow Pack treats her.” 

My chest burned at his words. 

“Not a mate but a bed warmer?” 

“But she’s still Alpha Conrad’s daughter.” 

Soren let out a dismissive laugh. “That doesn’t change anything. Alpha Conrad won’t go to war with Ravencrest over an illegitimate child; it wouldn’t be smart. In the end, he’ll probably just let Gwen be with me.” 

Disbelief knotted in my stomach. This was the real Soren, the man behind the mask I thought I knew. 

“Wait!” one of his friends exclaimed sharply. “I’m picking up a scent.” 

Panic surged through me. I stumbled back and tripped over someone’s foot. I almost cried out, but Rumi’s hand clamped over my mouth before a sound could escape. 

Voices echoed from the other direction as Rumi quickly pulled me away. 

“What are you doing here?” an authoritative voice demanded. “The training grounds are closed today!” 

Even as we moved, a quiet, merciless ache tightened around my chest. 

‘A mistress?’ 

Soren had no intention of ending things with his chosen. And even if he did, he would never honor whatever unspoken agreement existed between us. 

All that I had believed in, everything I had held onto with the Moon Goddess, had only ever been foolish hope. 

Rumi brought me to a room in one of the dormitory buildings. 

“This is mine…” Rumi said softly. 

I sank onto the small couch near the door, letting the tears flow freely at last. 

“I’m sorry,” Rumi murmured. “I saw you leave the general assembly, so I followed. And those wolves… who do they think they are?”  

“I thought he was my savior, Rumi. I thought he was the one meant for me… and it’s so humiliating, not just for me, but for my pack! I feel so stupid!” 

“That’s why I never told you about his history here. I wanted you to see the real him, because I knew you wouldn’t believe me. You’ve always thought he was your mate… and I didn’t know how to show you the truth.” 

I wiped at my face and looked up at her. “What history?” 

“Those wolves from Ravencrest have a reputation. They use their status to get what they want, especially with omegas... I’m sorry, Gwen. I should’ve told you sooner.” 

Everything I’d learned today, everything I’d built my dreams on before this moment… leaving nothing but the ache of betrayal. 

I was nothing but a lonely fool, hoping, believing in a mate bond with Soren that had never existed.