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 ground, I realized

a

None of them were.

to shake the throne. With the king unconscious, they were basically the ones running

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

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

of unease passed through the room. The labyrinth was sacred.

into murmurs at what Harper said. They couldn't believe that a child like

against the armrest of his chair. "We must hold them until we are certain they are not a danger to

words sent a chilling wave of anger through me. Hold them? As if Harper and Cooper were criminals rather than the rightful heirs of the

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 against them next? Will you accuse them of witchcraft? Treason? Or will

stiffened, clearly

like a blade. "It has never erred in revealing the truth. Are

stretched over

the elders avoided my gaze, while others exchanged hesitant glances. They wanted to keep fighting, but had cornered

my words

years. "If we were truly a threat, the Labyrinth would have never let us leave.

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

gaze at the twins but remained quiet. He had no

gathered elders like an unshakable storm cloud. Murmurs rippled through the council,

Labyrinth of Truth doesn't make mistakes. It judged us worthy. If you still doubt us, then maybe the

sharp breath echoed through the hall. A few of the younger council members shifted uncomfortably,

kingdom, bled for it. And now, we stand here, proving

your own power."

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

this moment, it was clear to me that they were clearly against the twins because they wanted the

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. I will

waiting for? Seize them and lock them away!"

single guard moved. They remained frozen in place,

had just witnessed

me

what grounds?" came a deep, commanding voice-one I had feared

wave 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

explain to me what exactly is going on here?" His tone was calm, yet laced with an undeniable

piercing gaze of the newly arrived king. The council members exchanged nervous glances,

room, sharp and unyielding. His towering figure moved with the quiet power of a ruler who had faced countless battles

reeling from the sudden turn of events.

Their sudden growth and their abilities; it was clearly caused by dark forbidden magic! We cannot risk the stability of our

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