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

wing the park's

fault that your gambling

gri" It's my best word before orng around. But I haven't

the

dumbfounded

her words ripping with mockery, as

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

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

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

Just.

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

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

Whiat

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

aware

I was dumbfounded and lost

she taunted. "But you have nothing to worry about. I wasn't planning on telling His Majesty

can't be serious, I managed

her

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12:56 Wed, Sep

Chapter 23

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

words

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

the feeling of dread settling in the pit of my stomach. Her words lingered like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over

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

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

my lady. Would you like me to help you settle for

offered.

"Thank

alone tonight," I decline. If I

alright, my lady?" she

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 my room, I hurried over to the dresser to find

into the trousers and grabbed a few more clothes to take with 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

for any sign of movement outside. The hallway beyond was eerily quiet, the

figure stepped out from the shadows, blocking my path. It was Elara, my loyal attendant, whose expression was a mix of concern and confusion. "My lady, where are you going?" she asked, her voice filled with