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

was wing the park's money to

It's not my fault that your gambling addiction.

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

the

dumbfounded

words ripping with mockery, as

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

she said with a smirk, her eyes glinting with mischief. Well, aren't you being a

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

Just.

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

she said. "But don't worry,

Whiat

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. I'm sure His Majesty

aware of your

in panic. I

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

words sent a chill down my spine. "You can't be serious, I

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

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Chapter 23

you know what we want, and you know what will happen if we don't

words

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

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

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

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

like me to help you settle for the

offered.

"Thank

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

my lady?" she

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

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.

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 the shadows as I made my way through the labyrinthine. halls of the palace. But

It was Elara, my loyal attendant, whose expression was a mix of concern and confusion. "My lady, where are you going?" she asked,