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

my fault that your gambling

orng around. But I haven't even taken a few reps since she spoke again. However, what

the

dumbfounded

with mockery, as if she held some

her get under my skin.

you is my business. After all, we are family," she said with a smirk, her eyes glinting with mischief. Well, aren't you being a little bit busy entertaining my brother. His Majesty, and another mystery man? Her tone dripped

about what was happening between me and Lord Titus. She had arrived, hadn't she! It couldn't

Just.

are a gurst, and I'm a woman of the palace? Watch your word," I warned

anyone to know your secret, do you?" she said. "But

Whiat

"I don't know what you're talking about," I said, acting as if I had no idea what 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

becomes aware of

racing in panic. I

tongue, sister?" she taunted. "But you have nothing to worry about. I wasn't planning on telling His Majesty about it as long as you convince him to give

"You can't be serious, I managed to say, my wire trembling with disbelief. "You're blackmailing

gleam in her eyes. "Call it what

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12:56 Wed, Sep

Chapter 23

will happen if we don't get it."

words

mind, a grim reminder of the precarious situation I found myself in. I couldn't believe Annika would stoop so low, using my personal life as leverage to satisfy her own desires. Anger surged within me, but I knew I 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 before turning on her heel and sauntering away, leaving me alone.

disappeared from sight, I couldn't shake off the feeling of dread settling in the pit of my stomach. Her words lingered like

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

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

me to help you

offered.

"Thank

to be alone tonight," I decline. If I pursue my plan, I need to get rid

my lady?"

to say something, but I didn't bother waiting for what she was about to say. As soon as I reached my room, I hurried over to the dresser to find something comfy to wear. Most of the clothes there were fancy dresses and skirts, but luckily,

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,

door, I paused, listening for any sign of movement outside. The hallway beyond was eerily quiet, the silence adding to the sense of urgency

reached the main entrance, a figure stepped out from the shadows, blocking my path. It was Elara, my loyal attendant, whose expression was a mix of concern and