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

wing the park's money

It's not my fault that

orng around. But I haven't

the

dumbfounded

she taunted her words ripping with mockery, as if she

shoulders, refusing to let her get under my skin. Again, none of your business, Annika. I retorted,

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

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

Just.

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

secret, do you?" she said. "But don't worry, sister. Your secret is safe

Whiat

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 with that man.

once he becomes aware of

racing in panic. I was dumbfounded and lost

His Majesty

can't be serious,

shrugged nonchalantly, a wicked gleam in her eyes. "Call it

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Chapter 23

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

words

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

I couldn't shake off the feeling of dread settling in the pit of my stomach. Her words lingered like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over any

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

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

you like me to help you settle for

offered.

"Thank

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

my lady?" she asked

about to say. As soon as I reached

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 if it meant sacrificing me. clothes, some food, and a

familiar surroundings one last 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

loyal attendant, whose expression was a mix of concern