Chapter 22 Lila The insignia on my lot shimmered faintly under the morning light , the golden ink standing out against the dark paper . My stomach twisted . Someone had switched my lot . I clenched my jaw , my pulse thudding in my ears as the realization sank in . It had to be the same person who took my clothes . And there was only one name that immediately came to mind . Vanessa . She had promised to make my life hell , and this seemed exactly like making good on that promise . My hands tightened into fists as I stormed down the hallway , my bare feet nearly silent against the polished floor . I didn't care who saw me , I was done letting her get away with her bullying . When I reached her door , I didn't hesitate . I pounded on the door loud enough to shake the frame . A few girls peered out of their rooms , drawn by the noise . Whispers spread as more gathered , their curious gazes flickering between me and the closed door . Finally , it opened . Vanessa stood in the doorway , her expression carefully blank , but the slight upturn of her lips betrayed her amusement . She leaned lazily against the frame , arms crossed , looking me over like I was a mildly entertaining inconvenience . " Elena , " she drawled , feigning surprise . " To what do I owe the early morning displeasure ? " I shoved the lot in front of her face . " You switched it . " She blinked at me, then at the insignia , before letting out a soft , mocking laugh . " Now , why would I do that ? " " You tell me , " I snapped . The girls around us whispered , some covering their mouths to hide their grins , others waiting for the inevitable explosion . I didn't cate Vanessa tilted her head , eyes gleaming " Even if I did , how would you prove it ? " The question sent a wave of frustration through me . She was right , without proof , all I had was my gut feeling , and I knew Vanessa was top careful to leave anything behind . Still , I wasn't about to let her walk away unscathed . " You and your little pack of cultists stole my clothes too , didn't you ? " Laccused Gasps rippled through the crowd Vanessa simply sighed , examining her nails with a bored expression . +15 Bonus " Elena , you sound desperate . " She met my gaze again , her smirk widening . " Unless you plan on stripping off your pants in front of the Lycan King while fighting , you can't possibly win . I don't see why you're so worked up over a silly lot . " A surge of anger burned through me , hot and unchecked . Without thinking , I stepped closer , forcing her back against the doorframe . " Say that again , " I dared , my voice low . Vanessa's smirk faltered for a fraction of a second . Then , before she could respond , a sharp voice cut through the tension . " Enough . " Helen's presence silenced the hallway instantly . Her sharp gaze flicked between me and Vanessa , irritation clear on her face . " Both of you , " she said , tone clipped , " confinement . Immediately . " Ruby let out a furious growl in my mind . This is bullshit ! It should be Vanessa who is punished . I knew arguing was pointless . Helen's word was final . Vanessa shot me a smug glance as she turned to follow Helen . I exhaled through my nose , swallowing my frustration . This wasn't over Hours passed in confinement . I sat against the cold stone wall , arms draped over my knees , the tension in my muscles refusing to ease . A commotion outside drew my attention and I straightened , listening . Before I could process what was happening , the door burst open with enough force to rattle the hinges . My head snapped up to see Helen standing in the doorway , her usual arrogance replaced with something almost hesitant . I narrowed my eyes ; that couldn't be a good sign . " Follow me , " she ordered . I did , my gut tightening with unease as we walked down the long corridor , Vanessa trailing behind . The further we went , heavier the atmosphere became .