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."

for me?" I asked, overwhelmed by her

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

innocent

for her loyalty. "Thank

The fear of being caught was a constant presence. Finally, we reached a hidden door behind a tapestry. Elara pushed it

words. "Thank you, Elara. I'll find a way to clear my

glistening in her eyes. "Be safe,

enveloping me. I

was long and

thought of justice. and the desire to escape the clutches of those who sought to destroy

over her chest, a wicked smile playing on her lips. "No," I breathed, my heart sinking.

"Bring her back to the cage," she ordered the guards, her tone cold

I shouted, struggling against the guards as they

Chapter 25

my chest as I kicked and thrashed, but

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 by now, sister," she said, her voice mocking. "There's no escaping your fate." "Why are you doing this?" I spat, desperation and anger mixing in my voice. "What have I ever done to

laughed, a harsh sound that echoed off the tunnel walls.

If there's anyone here who's ruined a family, it's yours, not mine. Your father killed

her palm landed on my cheeks. "You should have died together with your father. He deserved to die after what

I

you're going to die, I think it's time for

mean?" I

break every piece of his beloved family." "You

that t your father was not so perfect, just like you thought he would

You probably made it up just to justify all

me or not, Sage.

locked up forever," I said, my

her smile widening.

me towards the cell, my feet barely touching the

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Chapter 25