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 not

the park's money

of you. It's not my fault that your gambling addiction. If

hate to gri" It's my best word before orng around. But I haven't even taken a few reps since

the

dumbfounded

words ripping with mockery,

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

huckle grated on my nerves like 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.

my breath, trying to quell the rising panic within me. There was no way she could know about what was happening between me

Just.

Annika. May I remind you that you are a gurst, and

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

Whiat

starting to put every piece of the puzzle Together. The shadow that I

he becomes aware of your infidelity,"

panic. I was

wasn't planning on telling His Majesty about it as long as you convince him to give us the money that we

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

nonchalantly, a wicked gleam in her eyes.

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12:56 Wed, Sep

Chapter 23

you know what will happen if

words

my 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

pit of my stomach. Her words lingered like a dark cloud, casting

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

about my next move. As soon as I saw the

like me to help you

offered.

"Thank

like to be alone tonight," I decline. If I pursue

my lady?" she asked

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

me. I didn't have 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 to protect themselves, even i

time. With a determined nod, I slung the bag over my shoulder and made my way to the door. As I 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 the door and stepped out into the corridor. I moved. quickly but quietly, sticking to

path. It was Elara, my loyal attendant, whose expression was a mix of concern