Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

Chapter 25

SAGE

The guards led me through the winding corridors of the palace, their grip on my arms firm but not painful. I struggled to keep my composure, my mind racing with thoughts. of betrayal, anger, and a desperate need for escape. They finally deposited me in a dimly lit cell, the heavy iron door clanging shut with a finality that sent a shiver down my spine. I sank to the cold stone floor, my body trembling with a mixture of fear and fury. How had it come to this? I had done nothing wrong, and now I was facing trial for crimes I didn't commit. To my

A few hours passed in agonizing silence before the cell door creaked open again. To surprise, it was Elara, her face pale but determined. She slipped inside, a bundle of clothes and a small pouch clutched in her hands. "My lady," she whispered urgently, kneeling beside me. "I brought you some things. I can't stand to see you like this."

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"Elara," I said, my voice breaking. "Why are you here? You could get into so much

trouble."

She shook her head, her eyes filled with resolve. "I couldn't just stand by and do nothing. You've always been kind to me. I won't abandon you now."

I took the bundle from her, my hands shaking. Inside were a simple dress, some bread, and a small dagger. "Thank you," I said, tears springing from my eyes. "But what can I do? They've set me up to take the fall." "I'll go ask His Majesty. I'm sure he can help you get out of this mess. I've been trying to look for him, but I couldn't find him. You need to hang in there, okay?"

"No! His Majesty couldn't help me. If you're not aware, he's basically the main reason I'm in this mess. And if he finds out about this, I'll just suffer the same fate. So, no. I need to escape now. I don't want to die here." I can see in her face that she wants to convince me more. But I'll definitely have the

same answer.

After a few minutes of contemplation, she finally decided to agree with me. Elara glanced around the cell, making sure we were alone.

"There might be a way out, my lady. The palace guards change shifts at midnight. There will be a brief window when security is at its weakest. If you can get past the guards,

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Chapter 25

there's a secret passage that leads out of the palace grounds. It was used during the last rebellion, but it's been forgotten by most."

My heart pounded with a mix of hope and fear. "How do you know this, Elara?"

"My father was a guard here during the rebellion. He told me about it in case I ever needed to escape," she explained. "I can guide you to the passage, but you'll have to be quick and careful."

this for me?" I asked, overwhelmed by her

"Because I believe in you, Lady Sage. And because I know

innocent

for her loyalty. "Thank you, Elara. I'll

the shadowy halls, avoiding the patrolling guards with practiced ease. My heart raced with every step. The fear of being caught was a constant presence. Finally, we

gratitude beyond words. "Thank you, Elara. I'll find a

in her eyes. "Be

stepped into the tunnel, the darkness enveloping me. I had no idea what

was long

and the desire to escape the clutches of those who sought to

stood at the end of the tunnel, her arms crossed over her chest, a wicked smile playing on her lips. "No," I breathed, my heart sinking. This couldn't be happening. I

back to the cage," she ordered

guards as

Chapter 25

my chest as I kicked and thrashed, but their grip was like iron.

ignored my pleas, their faces set in stony determination as they dragged me back through the tunnel. The darkness closed in aroun the hope I had felt only moments ago slipping away like sand through my fingers. Annika followed behind, her footsteps echoing ominously. "You should know

a harsh sound that echoed off the tunnel walls. "My father shouldn't have taken

here who's ruined a family, it's yours, not mine. Your father killed mine! Your family is the

my cheeks. "You should have died together with your father. He deserved

I

I think it's time for you

mean?" I frowned

me! He broke my heart, so I'm going to break every piece of his beloved family." "You and my father?

t your father was not so perfect,

jaw clenched. "I don't believe. You probably made it up just to justify all your

don't care if you believe me or not,

locked up forever," I said, my voice shaking with

eyebrow, her smile widening. "Oh, of course I

the cell, my feet

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Chapter 25