Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

Chapter SAGE

23

There are a lot of things going on inside my head right now. Aside from planning to escape, I still need to reassess my conflicting feelings for Lord Titus.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice as her person following me from behind.

"The palace suits you well, sister," said that familiar voice behind me.

I rolled my eyes as I stopped my track. Of course, she's here as well. Why am I not surprised?

"Hello, Annika," I said without a trace of warmth in my voice.

"That's not the most sisterly greeting, Sage. Oh, forgive me, Lady Sage," she jabbed, her tone dripping with sarcasm. Stepping forward, the enveloped me in a tight embrace before placing a gentle kiss on my cheek. "Did

you come here with your brother?" I inquired, brushing aside her snide comment,

"Still fixated on my brother while you already had a handsome man warming your bed! My, my, aren't you a bit greedy, sister she reported, her words laden with disdain.

"What happened inside my bed was none of your business. If you'll excuse me, I still have important matters to attend to," I said before turning my back

"Dad

I needs some money, and we came here to ask. His Majesty, she said.

I scoff, "And what does it have to do with me

"You're going to help us convince His Majesty to give us money, right?" she asked confidently.

"Tell me, why would I do that, Annika

"We

We feed you. We gave you home. This is the least you could do for us," she replied.

"You do all those things just so I can take your place! I exclaimed

And look how it turns out You should be thankful we did that. If not for that, you

ouldn't be wearing these fancy clothes and sleeping on that comfortable bed. You should be thankful' she smirked

£11

hopeleze tænks. T'm

wing the park's

not my fault that your gambling addiction. If you'll

orng around. But I haven't even taken

the

dumbfounded

someone" she taunted her words ripping with

shoulders, refusing to let her get under my skin. Again, none

with a smirk, her eyes glinting with mischief. Well, aren't you being a little

trying to quell the rising panic within me. There was no way she could know about what was happening between me and Lord Titus.

Just.

don't appreciate what you are implying, Annika. May I remind you that you are a gurst, and I'm a woman of the palace? Watch your word," I

steered. "I was just looking after you. You don't want anyone to know your secret, do you?" she said. "But don't worry, sister. Your secret is safe with me

Whiat

she was talking about. Though I'm starting to put every piece of the puzzle Together. The shadow that I saw in the garden-could it be her? "Stop acting dumb, Sage. I saw you

he becomes aware of

racing in panic. I was dumbfounded

planning on telling His Majesty about it

words sent a chill down my spine. "You can't be serious, I managed

in her eyes. "Call it

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Chapter 23

know what will happen if we don't get it." Her

words

had to tread carefully. "I won't let you manipulate me," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "You and your brother may think you hold all the cards, but I won't bow to your threats." Annika's smirk widened, her confidence unshaken. "We'll see about that, sister," she replied cryptically

of dread settling in the pit of my stomach. Her words

Annika wouldn't hesitate to use it against me. I need to

back to my room to think about my next move. As soon as I saw the door, I

me

offered.

"Thank

If I pursue my plan, I need to get

my lady?" she asked

fine. Thank you. You may rest for tonight, Elara. Good night." I didn't give her time to answer, as I quickly shut the door behind me. She was trying to say something, but I didn't bother waiting for what she was about to say. As soon as I reached

had to do something. I couldn't just sit around and wait for my family to decide my fate. They'd do anything to protect themselves, even i if it meant sacrificing me. clothes, some food,

reached the door, I paused, listening for any sign of movement outside. The hallway beyond was eerily quiet, the silence adding to the sense of urgency that pulsed through my veins. With a deep breath, I pushed open

It was Elara, my loyal attendant, whose expression was a mix of concern and confusion. "My lady, where are you going?"