Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

Chapter 121

SAGE

Titus's confession stayed with me, lingering in my thoughts even after our conversation ended. His words echoed in my mind, over and over again, like a song I couldn't stop hearing. The way he looked at me, the way he spoke-so honest, so certain-should have given me

comfort, but instead, it only left me feeling more confused.

A part of me wanted to believe him, to hope that maybe, just maybe, we could have a future together.

But hope is a dangerous thing. It sneaks up on you, fills your chest, and makes you dream of things that might never happen. I knew better than to hold on to it. I knew better than to let myself believe in a happily-ever-after when so much was still uncertain. The truth was, it felt like wishful thinking. A fantasy. And fantasies, no matter how beautiful they seem, always disappear when you wake up

We are already packing our things for our next journey. We are planning to leave as soon as possible.

But before we left the Silver River Pack house, Titus, Scott, and I gathered for a meeting to discuss our next move. Elara was busy packing some elixirs and ointments that we might need in our journey. On the other hand, I have no idea where Anna is, and why is she not included in this meeting?

The mood in the room was serious but hopeful. Gaining the Silver River Pack's support was a huge victory, but it came with an even bigger bonus-three other packs allied with Silver River had also agreed to stand with us. In total, we now had the backing of four packs, a solid step forward in our fight against Titus's uncle.

Titus stood at the head of the table, his strong presence filling the room as he laid out our strategy. "We can't lose momentum," he said, his voice steady and commanding. "The more allies we gather, the better our chances. We need to keep moving."

Scott, seated to Titus's right, flipped through the pages of his journal before stopping on one and looking up. "The next pack we're heading to is the Ironclaw Pack," he informed us, his tone thoughtful. "Their Alpha, Marcus, is known for being tough and cautious. He doesn't make decisions lightly, and he's not the type to be swayed by empty words."

means we need to be direct with him," Titus replied firmly. "Marcus will want to know exactly what he's

he refuses to join us?" I asked, voicing the worry

move on," he said calmly but with an edge of resolve. "We don't have time to force anyone's hand. This has to

agreement. "Marcus doesn't like the way Titus's uncle has been running things, much more than his son. From what

take shape, and the sense of urgency in the room was undeniable. We were racing against time, and each pack we convinced brought us closer to turning the

rising to his feet. The journey to Ironclaw territory will take us a couple of days. We need to stay alert and

glance at Tifus. Despite the heavy responsibility on his shoulders, he carried it with such determination, like he refused to let doubt touch him. It was hard not to feel inspired when

Arthur graciously saw us off, standing tall at the edge of his pack's territory as we readied ourselves for the long journey ahead. His warm farewell came with a few words of encouragement, along with the quiet understanding that the road

a long way to our next destination, and as before, we only had four horses between the six of

time. Scott would ride with Elara, Titus with Anna, and I would share with Kieran, the skilled hunter whose calm demeanor had made him an easy riding partner. But just as

wrapped around my wrist. Before I could protest, he tugged me firmly toward him. "You're with me," he said,

words were ignored. With practiced ease, he turned and lifted me onto his horse

softly as he mounted up behind me, his

My heart raced as I

far less willing to let it slide. "Titus!" she snapped, her voice sharp with irritation as she moved toward us.

mind," Titus said calmly, cutting her off without so

face flushed with frustration. "This isn't fair! Why

have time for this, Anna. If you

though he shot me a knowing look as he mounted his own horse. Scott, meanwhile, stood back with Elara, clearly trying not to laugh at the drama unfolding before