The Lycan Prince’s Wolfless Slave (Academy Romance) novel Chapter 161

12:28 Fri, Jul 10

The Lycan Prince’s Wolfless Slave (Academy Romance)

Chapter 161

Lyra

(6

I stand in front of the huge public transport vehicle, my fingers tightening around the handle of my suitcase, Around me, the academy entrance is filled with people. Faculty members are shouting directions, and students are scurrying everywhere, but for a moment, the world feels like it’s moving in slow motion.

This is it. I have to go back home.

“I can’t believe we’ll actually be separated,” Amara says, her voice breaking. I turn to see her eyes brimming with tears, her lower lip trembling. “It’s only been a few weeks, but it feels like you’ve been with us forever, Lyra Diamond.”

“I know,” I whisper, the lump in my throat making it hard to swallow. I pull her into a tight hug, burying my face in her shoulder. She smells like the vanilla lotion she always uses, a scent that I love so much.

Isolde joins the hug, squeezing us both so hard I can barely breathe. “Stop the waterworks, both of you,” she says, though her own voice is thick. “It’s just a matter of weeks. We’ll be back here before the dust even settles on these grounds. We’ll see each other real soon, okay? Don’t you dare forget to message the group chat.”

“I won’t,” I promise, pulling back and wiping my eyes. We stand there in a little circle, three girls who shouldn’t have been friends but somehow became a family.

“Lyra?”

I pause and turn around. Erika is standing a few feet away, looking paler than I’ve ever seen her. Her eyes are red-rimmed, and she’s twisting the hem of her jacket nervously.

“Erika,” I say softly. My friends go quiet as Erika moves closer to me.

“I know… I know you probably don’t want to see me,” Erika starts, her voice cracking. A tear escapes and rolls down her cheek. “But I just wanted to say bye. This was my last week here. I’m being dropped out. My pack… they don’t think I’m worth the tuition anymore.”

A wave of unexpected pity washes over me. I know what it’s like to be told you aren’t worth the space you take up.

“Erika, I’m sorry,” I say, and I mean it.

“No, don’t be sorry,’ she says, moving closer until she suddenly throws her arms around me. She’s sobbing now, her head resting on my shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Lyra. For everything. For being such a bitch, for the bullying… I was just jealous. You have a light in you that I could never reach. You are so strong and resilient in a way that I can never be. Instead of asking for help, I started to envy you. I’m so sorry Lyra. I hope you can forgive me. I’m going to miss you so much.”

I hesitate for a second before hugging her back. “It’s okay. I forgive you. Take care of yourself, Erika.”

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12:28 Fri, Jul 10

Chapter 161

gives me one last watery smile before her pack name is called. She waves once more and disappears into another

bus, leaving me watching her in silence.

82

pocky voice beaks the silence. It’s not the end of the world, is it? Why are you all crying like you won’t see each other again?

1 turn to see Roman walking towards us with a playful smirk on his face. He looks as handsome as ever, though there’s a look of sadness in his eyes that he’s trying to hide with humor.

Oh, shut up, Boman, 1 say, playfully hitting his chest. “These are my best friends. I’ll miss them a lot so I’m allowed to be emotional.”

You know 1 could just talk to the King, Roman suggests, his tone turning a bit more serious. “I could have all of you stay at the palace with us. It’s got enough rooms to house half the academy. We wouldn’t have to say goodbye at all.”

I immediately shake my head. Roman, no. Can you imagine how awkward that would be? A slave, living in the palace guest wing while your family glares at me over breakfast? No thank you.”

Roman sighs, clearly unhappy with my answer, “I had to try. But I guess I have no choice. I should get going anyway, the royal car is leaving in five minutes.” He leans in and gently kisses my forehead, his hand lingering on my waist. “Stay safe, Lyra. I’ll call you tonight.”

“Being a royal must be nice,” Isolde jokes as Roman walks away. “Private cars and palace breakfasts. Must be a really soft life.”

Suddenly, someone slams into my side, I turn to see that It’s Kara. She hugs me so tightly I nearly fall over.

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