Chapter 238

The morning sun cast golden rays through the curtains, stirring Lillian from her restless sleep. She blinked against the light, her mind still heavy with the weight of last night’s confrontation. Donovan’s words echoed in her ears, sharp and venomous—"You were never enough for me."

A soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Lillian?" Sebastian’s deep voice carried through the wood, laced with concern. "Are you awake?"

She swallowed hard, forcing herself to sit up. "Come in."

The door creaked open, revealing Sebastian’s towering frame. His dark eyes scanned her face, taking in the shadows beneath her eyes. "You didn’t sleep well."

It wasn’t a question.

Lillian sighed, running a hand through her tangled hair. "Not really."

Sebastian stepped inside, closing the door behind him. The scent of freshly brewed coffee clung to him, mingling with his natural woodsy musk. He held out a steaming cup. "Thought you might need this."

She accepted it gratefully, the warmth seeping into her fingers. "Thanks."

Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken tension.

Sebastian exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening. "I should’ve been there last night."

Lillian shook her head. "It wasn’t your fault. I didn’t expect Donovan to show up like that."

His fingers curled into fists at his sides. "He had no right to speak to you that way."

She took a slow sip of coffee, letting the bitterness ground her. "It doesn’t matter anymore. He made his choice."

Sebastian’s gaze burned into her. "It matters to me."

The intensity in his voice sent a shiver down her spine.

Before she could respond, her phone buzzed on the nightstand. Beatrice’s name flashed across the screen, followed by a string of frantic texts:

"Lillian, you need to see this. NOW."

Frowning, she unlocked her phone—and froze.

A photo filled the screen. Donovan and Evelyn, wrapped in each other’s arms, laughing under the neon lights of some high-end club. The timestamp? Last night.

Her stomach twisted.

Sebastian’s hand settled on her shoulder, his grip firm. "What is it?"

Wordlessly, she turned the screen toward him.

A low growl rumbled in his chest. "That bastard."

Lillian’s fingers trembled around the phone. "He was with her the whole time."

Sebastian’s expression darkened. "He’s playing games."

She clenched her jaw. "And I’m done being his pawn."

A knock at the door startled them both.

"Alpha?" Marcus’s voice called from the hallway. "We have a situation."

Sebastian’s eyes never left Lillian’s. "What kind of situation?"

Marcus hesitated. "It’s about Donovan. He’s at the gates—demanding to speak with Lillian."

Lillian’s blood ran cold.

Sebastian’s lips curled into a snarl. "Tell him to leave. Now."

But Lillian stood abruptly, setting the coffee aside. "No. I’ll handle this."

Sebastian caught her wrist. "Lillian—"

She met his gaze, her voice steady. "Trust me."

For a heartbeat, he searched her eyes—then released her with a reluctant nod.

Lillian squared her shoulders and strode toward the door.

This time, she wouldn’t run.

This time, he would regret ever crossing her.

Lillian's POV

Everyone was aware of the bitter rivalry between Maximilian Voss and Sebastian Blackwood. They were two of the most powerful Lycan Chairmen in existence. Centuries ago, all Lycans had ruled the werewolf territories together, but as power dynamics shifted and conflicts arose, they chose to divide their rule across different regions. Sebastian, the strongest among them, claimed the largest territory—a decision that never sat well with Maximilian, who was formidable in his own right but not quite at Sebastian’s level.

Rumors swirled that Maximilian had spent years scheming to overthrow Sebastian, sending spies and recruiting rogue wolves to destabilize his rule. None of it had ever been confirmed, but whispers persisted.

Having another Lycan in our territory was unsettling, to say the least—especially one who openly sought Sebastian’s downfall.

Professor Montclair smiled at me, but his eyes betrayed his nerves. I could tell he was thinking the same thing. The presence of Alpha Maximilian and the Elite Gamma Force was unnerving, particularly since Sebastian was the one who funded the Elites. Shouldn’t he be the one here instead?

"So, this is the Lillian Dumont you spoke of?" Maximilian’s voice was deep, laced with undeniable authority.

"Yes, Alpha," Professor Montclair replied. "She’s one of my most exceptional students."

I could feel Maximilian’s piercing gaze on me, and my cheeks burned under his scrutiny.

"She doesn’t appear particularly impressive," he mused. "Are you certain she can fight?"

"Absolutely, Alpha," Professor Montclair assured him, a proud smile curving his lips. "Don’t let her size fool you. She’s quick, fierce, and relentless."

Warmth spread through my chest at his praise.

Alpha Maximilian studied me a moment longer before turning to the Gammas behind him, nodding for them to proceed. They moved past me without a second glance, but Maximilian lingered, his icy stare sending a shiver down my spine. I quickly averted my eyes, focusing on a crack in the pavement, chewing my lip until it throbbed.

"I look forward to seeing what you’re capable of," he said, his tone laced with quiet challenge. Then, with those words hanging in the air, he strode away with the Gammas.

I stood frozen, pulse racing, unsure what had just happened.

Professor Montclair exhaled sharply and leaned against the doorframe.

"They’re here to recruit from the student pool today," he explained in a hushed tone. "I put in a strong recommendation for you."

"But why is Alpha Maximilian here?" I asked. "Shouldn’t it be Sebastian Blackwood?"

"The council voted for Maximilian to accompany the Elites this time. Sebastian has his hands full—running his own pack, managing his territory, and raising his children alone. Maximilian has no such responsibilities, so it was easier for him to go."

I nodded, absorbing his words.

"You’ve got this, Lillian," Professor Montclair said firmly. "I’ve always seen your potential. Now it’s time for them to see it too. Just fight like you always do—and win."

Easier said than done. Before, it had just been about class rankings and personal pride. Now? The stakes were infinitely higher.

I wished more than anything that Beatrice were here. Her unwavering support would have steadied me. After exchanging a final nod with my professor, I squared my shoulders and stepped forward—ready to prove myself.