Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

Chapter 170

SAGE

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The week was almost over, yet the elders remained silent. No summons, no accusations, no whispered threats. On the surface, it seemed as if they had accepted Titus' declaration that I was to be queen. But deep down, I knew better. Their silence wasn't acceptance-it was a strategy. They were waiting, planning, biding their time.

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Titus was doing better, but he still hadn't woken up. His wounds had healed, yet his body remained trapped in unconsciousness. We were doing everything we could to keep the truth hidden from those who wished the crown harm, but we wouldn't be able to maintain the illusion forever. Sooner or later, someone would notice.

The thought weighed on me heavily as I sat beside his bed, watching the steady rise and fall of his chest.

A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. Scott entered, his usual composed expression in place. "Good morning. my lady, he greeted, glancing briefly at Titus. "How's His Majesty?"

1 let out a slow breath. "He's doing better. His wounds have healed, but he hasn't fully recovered. He should have woken up by now," I admitted, my voice laced with concern.

Scott nodded. "That's still good news," he said.

I studied his face, knowing he hadn't come here just to check on Titus. "Do you have any news about the attack?" I asked. I knew he'd been investigating, searching for the ones responsible.

His jaw tightened. "Not much. Whoever orchestrated this attack left no loose ends."

My stomach twisted. "What do you mean?"

Scott exhaled, crossing his arms. "His Majesty's wounds have been difficult to heal because the rogues were using wolf's bane on their claws."

I stiffened. "Wolf's bane? That's lethal to any werewolf. Even rogues aren't immune to its poison."

"Exactly," Scott confirmed grimly. "That's why we're convinced they weren't meant

to survive this attack. Whoever sent them knew they were going to die."

A chill ran down my spine. "Then why would they agree to such a suicide mission?"

Scott's expression darkened. "We found traces of forbidden magic in their systems. They were most likely forced."

I swallowed hard, horror creeping into my bones. "Mind control."

Scott nodded. "Yes. And whoever did this has access to magic we thought was long buried."

I blew out a sharp, unsteady breath, trying to steady the turmoil brewing inside me. "I hope you catch whoever is behind this, Scott. They should pay for their crimes," I said.

"We will do everything we can, my lady. I swear it."

I was startled when I suddenly heard a voice coming from the hallway.

"My lady! My lady!" she shouted.

I was about to open the door and check it when a maid came rushing into the

was catching her breath in

wrong?" I

The kids..." she said

slammed against my ribs. "What about the

chest, still gasping for air. "The elders ordered to bring the kids

blood drained

made it past my lips, my entire body going cold. “Not this

body going rigid beside me. "On what grounds?" he demanded, his

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frantically. "I don't know, my lord! I only heard the guards saying that the elders summoned them immediately. They didn't even allow me to speak before taking

My children- my babies-were dragged before the very people who had wanted me

heel and stormed toward the doors, my heart hammering in

wait!" Scott called after

I couldn't stop.

same people who had ordered my execution now had my children

what they planned to

to the courtroom, my breath coming in ragged bursts. The doors were closed, guards stationed at every corner. My presence

I ordered, my voice ringing through

guards hesitated, glancing at

elders say! Those are my

my

suddenly creaked open from

her enter," a voice

words.

past the guards without hesitation, my

then I

middle of the courtroom, small yet unyielding, their little hands clenched into fists. The elders

me, but I refused to let it show. I straightened

had left.

finger on them," I warned, my voice deathly calm, "I swear on everything you hold dear, I will

want me to respect this court,

An older man with deep-set wrinkles and piercing eyes leaned forward.

to unearth every secret I held. "We are

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his voice slow and deliberate, "are not ordinary. We

"The problem, Lady Sage, is that we were informed that you have been claiming that these kids were His Majesty's children." "They're my children," I said

sharp, knowing eyes-tilted her head. "Your children... and

fell

and charged, like a brewing

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heart pounding against my ribs. I had always known this moment would come. I had feared it, but I had

declared with

me. Their wide eyes mirrored their shock-an innocence shattered by the weight of the truth. My heart ached knowing they had to

hesitation, they grasped it, their tiny fingers wrapping around mine as if entrusting

of the elders let out a mocking laugh. "Do you take us for fools, young lady? We are well aware of when you left His Majesty's side, and the timeline simply doesn't add up. These children couldn't possibly

rate, far beyond that of any normal being. In truth, they are not