After I Let Go My Alpha He Knelt in Regret

Chapter 80

I nodded, meeting her challenge head-on. "Fine. But if you lose, you'll have to apologize to Jane and everyone else you've ever bullied, one by one. And then you and every single one of your cronies will drop out of the academy." Sorcia's smirk faltered, replaced by a look of fury. "You can't possibly win," she hissed.

"We'll see," I replied coolly.

Later that evening, I slid into the passenger seat of Lorik's car. He was already there, his expression tense as he gripped the steering wheel. The atmosphere between us was thick with unspoken words.

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"I heard about your challenge today," Lorik said, his voice low and strained. "You shouldn't have risked our relationship like that. You know how dangerous Sorcia can be."

I turned to him, my expression calm. "Lorik, let's not forget that we're only pretending to be a couple. This bet means nothing to me."

His eyes flashed with frustration, and for a moment, he was silent. The tension between us grew, heavy and uncomfortable. After a while, he spoke again, his voice softer this time. "You've changed, Shirley. You're becoming more and more distant, harder to understand." I let out a bitter laugh, looking out the window at the passing scenery. "Yes, I've changed a lot. But so have you."

Lorik was quiet for a long moment before he finally asked, "What do I have to do to make things right between us? To make you forgive me?"

I turned my head, letting silence speak for me as I stared out the window, my thoughts drifting. Lorik waited, expecting an answer, but I couldn't give him one. My gaze lost its intensity, and I focused on the world outside, a blur of fading light and distant trees. In truth, I'd considered forgiving him many times. We had shared tender moments, and there were times when I felt my heart softening. But every time, Andrew's cold demeanor, Lorcia's snide remarks, and Sorcia's constant meddling would remind me why I had to protect myself. I had learned the hard way that holding on too tightly could lead to heartbreak.

I wasn't the same woman who once believed that my world would end if Lorik left. I had changed, grown stronger. The sky no longer seemed like it would collapse if our relationship did. This distance, this occasional intimacy we shared now, was comfortable, not consuming. It gave me a sense of freedom I had never experienced before.

After I Let Go My Alpha, He Knelt in Regret

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glanced at Lorik, who seemed deep in thought. A small, mischievous smile crept onto my face as I asked, "What, do you think I'll lose?"

"Of course not," he replied with a hint of frustration, shaking his head. "You must not lose." After a pause, he sighed, seemingly accepting the reality that I had agreed to the duel. "I'll create a training program for you. In seven days, you'll be ready to win."

We had just arrived back at the pack when Daria came rushing towards us, excitement written all over her face. "Guess who's back!" she exclaimed, practically bouncing on her feet.

Before we could respond, a familiar figure stepped out from behind her. It was Narik. The moment Lorik and Narik's eyes met, the atmosphere grew tense, a subtle undercurrent of rivalry filling the

space. Daria noticed it too, her confusion evident as she looked between the two.

Lorik was the first to break the silence. He walked up to Narik, forcing a smile as they embraced briefly. "Welcome back," he said, his voice strained.

We made our way inside, and at the dinner table, Narik explained his sudden return. "I heard about your duel with Sorcia," he said, looking directly at me. "I came back to help with your training."

His words touched me deeply, and I couldn't help but smile. "Thank you, Narik. Your help means a lot."

Daria, still puzzled, looked between us. "You two know each other?"

Before Narik could answer, Lorik cut in, his tone defensive. "She has me. I'll make sure she's ready." Narik remained calm, unfazed by his brother's tone. "The more people helping, the better, don't you' think?"

Sensing the tension rising, I quickly intervened. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We should focus on the training."

After hearing my words, the animosity between the two brothers seemed to have calmed down a little.

But the atmosphere between them was still tense with swords.

"Hey, Alpha Lorik." Narik said slightly provocatively, "I'll prove that I can do more than you. We'll see."

Lorik responded indifferently, "I look forward to it."

After I Let Go My Alpha, He Knelt in Regret