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

tænks. T'm not

the park's

not my fault that your gambling addiction. If you'll

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

the

dumbfounded

her words ripping with mockery, as if she held some julcy

to let her get under my skin. Again, none of your business,

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.

me. There was no way she could know about what was happening between me and Lord Titus.

Just.

what you are implying, Annika. May I remind you that you are a gurst, and I'm a woman

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

Whiat

I'm starting to put every piece of the puzzle Together. The shadow that I saw in the garden-could it

becomes aware of your

panic. I

"But you have nothing to worry about. I wasn't planning on telling His Majesty about it as long as you convince him to give us

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

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

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Chapter 23

we want, and you know what will

words

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

settling in the pit of my stomach. Her words lingered like

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

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

you like me to help you settle for

offered.

"Thank

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

my lady?"

say something, but I didn't bother waiting for what she was about to say. As soon as I

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 decide my fate. They'd do anything to protect themselves, even i if it meant

bag was packed, I glanced around the room, taking in the 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

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