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

a hopeleze tænks. T'm not

the park's money

not my fault that your gambling addiction.

my best word before orng around. But I haven't even taken a few reps since

the

dumbfounded

taunted her words ripping with mockery,

my skin. Again, none of your business, Annika. I retorted,

muls on a chalkboard. "Oh, but sis, everything about 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.

to quell the rising panic within me. There was no way she could know about what was happening

Just.

I remind you that you are a gurst, and I'm a woman of the palace? Watch your

after you. You don't want anyone to know your secret, do you?" she said. "But

Whiat

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

he becomes aware of your infidelity," she

was racing in panic. I was

on telling His Majesty about

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

gleam in her eyes. "Call it what you want,

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Chapter 23

we want, and you know what will happen if we don't get it." Her word sechoed

words

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. with the weight of her ultimatum heavy on

feeling of dread settling in the pit of my stomach.

knew I couldn't ignore her threat. Annika wouldn't hesitate to use it against me.

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

my lady. Would you like me to

offered.

"Thank

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

my lady?" she asked

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 my room, I hurried over to the dresser

a plan yet for getting past the gate, but I knew I had to do something. I couldn't just sit around and wait for my family to decide my fate. They'd do anything

outside. The hallway beyond was eerily quiet, the silence adding to the sense of

blocking my path. It was Elara, my loyal attendant, whose expression was a mix of concern and confusion. "My