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.

I watched my daughter stand her

a

None of them were.

and the elders filed in, their faces tight with skepticism. It was obvious that they were using this opportunity to shake the throne. With the king unconscious, they were

stepped forward. His sharp gaze settled on Harper and Cooper. "This

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

The labyrinth was sacred. No one had ever dared to question

couldn't believe that a child like Harper could stand up for

before! Who 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

me. Hold them? As if Harper and Cooper were criminals rather than the

sides as I fought the urge to shift right then and there. "What excuses are you going to use against them next? Will you accuse them of witchcraft? Treason?

clearly not expecting

I pressed on, my voice cutting through the tense air like a blade. "It has never erred in revealing the

over the

others exchanged hesitant glances. They

my words

chin raised high, her presence commanding far beyond her years. "If we were truly a threat, the Labyrinth would have never

suit, his voice steady despite the fire in his golden eyes. "We passed your test. We proved our right. And yet, you

among the council narrowed his gaze at

of the twins' words settling over the gathered elders like

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

of the younger council members shifted

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

your own power."

been here long before you, child! We are not going to allow you to disrespect us! Seize them!" the

me that they were clearly against the twins

in front of my children; I was ready to fight for them. I will not let them have their way. I already made a mistake in allowing them to force my children to go under an impossible test.

waiting for? Seize them and lock them away!"

moved. They remained frozen in place, their

had just witnessed

didn't take me long to understand

what grounds?" came a deep, commanding voice-one I had feared I would never hear

of relief crashed over me as my 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 of them stammered, struggling to find his voice. Titus's piercing gaze

on here?" His tone was calm, yet laced

authority wavering under the piercing gaze of the newly arrived king. The council members exchanged nervous glances, clearly unsettled by Titus's

with the quiet power of a ruler who had faced countless battles and won. He stopped beside me,

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

Their sudden growth and their abilities; it was clearly caused by dark forbidden

"Anomaly?" He turned his gaze toward Harper and Cooper, who stood tall despite the tension in the room. "How dare you call my children mere anomalies? They walked the Labyrinth of Truth, a sacred trial that has never erred. They