Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

Betryed 173

Chapter 173

SAGE

11

"I must say, they truly surpassed their father's legacy. They were the youngest and fastest heirs to conquer the Labyrinth of Truth," Scott admitted, unable to hide the pride and admiration in his voice.

Harper beamed up at him, her once childlike features now sharper, her eyes filled with wisdom far beyond her years. "We did great, right, Uncle Scott?"

Scott blinked. "Uncle?" A chuckle rumbled from his chest, caught somewhere between amusement and disbelief. He turned to me, silently asking if I was truly okay with it.

1 smiled. "You and Titus were practically brothers. I don't see anything wrong with them calling you that."

Scott exhaled through his nose, shaking his head slightly, but the fondness in his expression was undeniable. "Mom, I'm hungry," Cooper suddenly said, his voice deeper than before, catching me off guard.

"Me too, Mom," Harper chimed in, rubbing her stomach for emphasis.

I laughed softly, brushing my fingers over their hair. "Come on, guys. I'll prepare something for both of you."

But before we could take another step, a group of guards moved into formation, blocking our path.

I frowned. "What is the meaning of this?"

One of the guards hesitated before stepping forward. "I apologize, my lady. But the children-" His gaze darted to Harper and Cooper, who had entered the labyrinth as young children and emerged as adolescents. His uncertainty was evident as he struggled to find the right words. "...They are not permitted to leave without the elders' approval."

My jaw tightened. "It's not our fault the elders weren't here when the trial ended. The labyrinth has spoken. The trial is over. Now, step aside and let us pass."

The guard looked genuinely torn but remained firm. "I'm truly sorry, my lady. We are only following orders."

I clenched my fists. Frustration burned hot inside me. The trial was over, my children had proven themselves, and yet- there was always another hurdle, another battle to fight.

Scott exhaled sharply. "This is ridiculous! Step aside before anyone gets hurt!"

Before I could respond, Harper stepped forward, lifting her chin. "Fine. Then summon the elders," she commanded, her voice calm yet laced with quiet authority.

For a moment, I saw a glimpse of her father in her-the commanding presence, the unwavering confidence.

The guards exchanged uncertain glances, clearly caught off guard.

Scott crossed his arms, smirking slightly. "You heard the princess. Summon the elders."

The guards hesitated only a second longer before one of them hurried off.

daughter stand

a child

None of them were.

skepticism. It was obvious that they were using this opportunity to shake the throne. With the king unconscious,

the elders, a wiry man with deep frown lines etched into his face, stepped forward. His sharp gaze settled on Harper and Cooper. "This is impossible. Mere children cannot age years

we stand," she said, her voice smooth but firm. “Are you saying the

labyrinth was

said. They couldn't believe that a child like Harper could stand up

knows what chaos these children might cause?" One elder shouted, slamming his hand against the armrest of his chair. "We must hold them until we are certain they are not a danger

Hold them? As if Harper

stepping protectively in front of my children. My fists trembled at my sides as I fought the urge to shift right then and there. "What excuses are you going to use

clearly

voice cutting through the tense air like a blade. "It has never erred in revealing the truth. Are you now questioning the very traditions you

over the

avoided my gaze, while others exchanged hesitant

my words

her years. "If we

followed suit, his voice steady despite the fire in his golden eyes. "We passed your test. We proved our right. And yet, you still refuse to accept us. Tell me,

gaze at the twins but remained quiet. He had no

elders like an unshakable storm cloud. Murmurs rippled through the council, uncertainty flashing across their wrinkled

her voice unwavering. "The Labyrinth of Truth doesn't make mistakes. It judged us

hall. A few of the younger council members

his stance unwavering. "Our father fought for this kingdom, bled for it. And now, we stand here, proving that we belong. If you still refuse to acknowledge us, then maybe it's not the throne you're trying

your own power."

We've been here long before you, child! We are not going to

clear to me that they were clearly against the twins because

fight for them. I will not let them have their way. I already made a mistake in allowing them to force my children

waiting for? Seize them and lock them away!" the lead

They remained frozen in place, their

had just witnessed

take me long to understand

voice-one I

gaze landed on Titus. He stood tall and steady, no longer the unconscious man I had helplessly watched over. The council members stiffened, their arrogance crumbling in an instant. "Y-Your Majesty..." one

care to explain to me what exactly is going on here?" His tone

newly arrived king. The council members exchanged

over the room, sharp and unyielding. His towering figure moved with the quiet power of a ruler who had faced countless battles and won. He stopped beside me, his warmth radiating like a

shakily, still reeling from the sudden turn of events. He was awake. He

the safety of the kingdom. T-These children are an anomaly. Their sudden growth and their abilities; it was clearly caused by dark forbidden magic! We cannot

curving into something between amusement and disdain. "Anomaly?" He turned his gaze toward Harper and Cooper, who stood tall despite the tension in the room. "How dare you call my children