#Chapter 17 – Pranked

Lila I clenched the small slip of paper in my hands, scanning the name printed there. It wasn’t the Lycan King’s insignia. Relief flooded through me, but only for a second. My opponent was a girl I barely knew, Cassidy, quiet and unassuming. One of the few who had stayed out of the constant scheming and backstabbing among the other candidates. That didn’t mean she was weak. If anything, those who hid in the background often had the most to prove. Or hide. Well, Ruby murmured, that’s something, at least. We’ve got a chance to win. A chance. But what did winning even mean anymore? Before I could respond, a commotion broke out a few feet away. A cluster of girls had gathered around Vanessa, who was dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief, sniffling softly. I tilted my head, catching snippets of conversation. "She’s so cruel." "Let that bitch go." "She doesn’t deserve to be here." Their voices dropped into hushed whispers as I stepped closer. As if sensing my pres