Chapter

SAGE

91

The cool forest air did wonders, easing my nerves and clearing my head. As I walked, I caught sight of a nearby lake, its still waters inviting. For a moment, I thought about taking a dip but decided to save it for later. Just knowing it was there félt like a small escape. Deeper into the woods, I found trees heavy with ripe fruit-apples, dark berries, and even a few wild pears. I gathered a few, each bite calming me and filling me up bit by bit. Picking and eating them was a quiet comfort, helping me put aside the mess of feelings I'd left behind. I lost track of time, and soon an hour had slipped by. The peace here was so comforting that part of me didn't want to go back. But I knew I couldn't avoid them forever. If I stayed out much longer, they'd start to worry or, worse, send someone after me. With a deep breath and one last look at the forest, I turned and made my way back, hoping this calm would be enough to face what waited for me.

As I stepped back into the house, the silence felt strange. The living room was empty, with no trace of anyone. I took a few more steps, glancing around, when a faint voice caught my attention from down the hall. My curiosity got the better of me, and I quietly moved closer, noticing one of the doors was slightly ajar.. Peering through the small gap, I saw Titus and Scott, their heads bent close together over what appeared to be a map sprawled across the table.

"My cousin has taken over the kingdom along with my army. To reclaim it, we'll need to gather all the forces still loyal to me. Every ally we can find," Titus said, his voice low but carrying a sharp edge of determination. Scott shook his head, brow furrowed in confusion. "How did your cousin manage to seize so much power in such a short time? None of us had any hint that he was planning to take the crown." Titus's gaze darkened

darkened as he traced a line on the map with his finger. "I suspect someone from inside the castle orchestrated this. Yosef... he's nothing more than a puppet."

Scott's eyes narrowed as he considered this. "Do you have anyone in mind? A traitor who might have aided him?"

Titus's mouth tightened, and after a moment's pause, he replied "The fact that Jane remains queen even after I was dethroned says more than enough. I wouldn't be surprised if she were pulling the strings." Scott's face grew hard as he took in the gravity of Titus's words. If she's the one behind this... then this isn't just a power grab. It's personal."

Titus nodded, his jaw clenched. "Exactly. She's waited years for a moment like this. I should've seen it coming, but I didn't want to believe the depths she'd go to."

They both fell silent, the weight of betrayal hanging heavy in the air. I felt my stomach churn at the mention of Jane-she wasn't just some scheming noble; she was his former queen, someone who had once pledged loyalty to him. And now she was conspiring to destroy everything he had fought for.

Scott finally broke the silence, "So, what's the plan? We can't just waltz in there and expect the guards to lay down their

arms

Titus leaned closer to the map, his finger tracing potential routes and hiding places. "We start with those who've remained in the outer territories-those loyal to my father's rule. They won't be easy to convince, but if they know what's happened, they'll rally." "And if they don't?" Scott pressed.

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Titus met his gaze, his expression fierce. "Then I'll remind them who their king truly is."

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both men turned sharply. Titus's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I wondered if I'd overstepped by barging in on their private discussion. But I stood my ground, lifting my chin slightly to show I meant every word. "If you're planning an attack, I'd like to help," I repeated firmly, meeting his

a flicker of surprise, but it quickly vanished, replaced by a guarded look. "I don't know you well enough to trust you," he replied, his tone measured. "There's no

"Scott can also vouch for me," I continued, glancing between him and Scott. "I know a few people who'd be more than willing to support a

look with Titus, a spark of interest in his eyes. "I can assure

me by my name. Just until

Alpha."

me as if trying to weigh my decision. "Are you sure about this?" he finally asked, his

hesitated for a moment, his

pushing away the

!

creep into my mind. "I'm certain,"

a challenging

swords, and then. he tossed one in my direction. I wasn't ready for it and ended up cutting myself

hissed in pain as the sharp sting from the cut raced

Scott rushed over to check on me, concern

more than just a little scratch," Titus replied with a hint of authority in his tone. "Follow me," he said,

room, leaving me with a mix of determination and anxiety. I followed him, my heart racing as I realized what was about to happen. He led me to a training area, a large open space filled with dummies and weapons scattered about. The atmosphere crackled with tension, and I could feel the weight of his challenge hanging in

air.

expression serious. "If you're going to fight alongside us, you need to show me what you've got. I

apprehension. "I

confidence almost infuriating. "Let's see about that." He took his

quickly realized I was in over my head. Titus moved with grace and power, every strike calculated, while I was struggling to keep up. "Focus, Sage!" he shouted as he pushed me back with a forceful swing. I stumbled but regained my footing, trying

myself growing more exhausted with each passing moment. I attempted to block his blows, but my movements were too slow. In one quick motion, Titus disarmed me, sending

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challenged, his

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pounding, I scrambled to retrieve my weapon, but before I could react, he lunged forward. I managed to dodge, but in my haste, I lost my balance.

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