Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

Chapter 174

Betryed 174

Chapter 174

SAGE

13

I couldn't take my eyes off Titus as we walked back to the palace. Every few steps, I glanced his way, as if afraid he'd disappear again-like this was all some fragile dream that could shatter at any moment. But he was here. Warm. Solid. Breathing. His fingers were laced with mine, his grip firm and reassuring. And for once, I didn't mind the possessiveness of

1. it.

I'm starving!" Harper groaned, rubbing her stomach as we stepped inside.

Titus chuckled, finally releasing my hand-only to drape his arm around Harper's shoulders, pulling her close. There was a warmth in his gaze, a soft wonder as he took in the sight of her, taller, older, and so much more grown than the last time he saw her.

I watched them, my heart swelling. I used to fear I'd never be the most important woman in his life. But now? Now, I knew I never would be. Because Harper was here. And I wasn't jealous-I was grateful.

"That's probably why you're growing so fast," Titus teased, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "I was only unconscious for a little over a week, and suddenly you've aged years."

"Ew! Don't call me 'princess,' Dad!" Harper scrunched her nose in disgust, then froze as the realization of what she'd just said hit her. Her expression softened, hesitation creeping in. "Is it okay for me to call you Dad?"

The vulnerability in her voice made my chest ache.

Titus's expression shifted, the teasing glint fading into something deeper. He crouched slightly so he was at eye level with her, his gaze searching hers. Then, with all the certainty in the world, he answered, "It's more than okay. It's all I've ever wanted."

Harper blinked rapidly, clearly trying to suppress her emotions. But Cooper, standing just behind her, smirked and nudged her playfully. "You're such a crybaby."

“Oh, shut up,” Harper shot back, shoving him in the arm.

I couldn't help but notice how much they had changed-not just in height, but in presence. Their words, their stance, even the way they looked at the world-it was all older, wiser. They weren't children anymore.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. I had missed so much already. And the truth was, they were still growing. With every second that passed, they were slipping further away from the childhood they barely had.

I used to think time stole children's innocence slowly.

But for Harper and Cooper, time had stolen it in an instant.

The halls of the palace felt both familiar and foreign as we walked through them. It had only been a short while, yet so much had changed. The way the guards eyed the twins with cautious curiosity, the hushed whispers of the servants as they stole glances-it was clear that Harper and Cooper were no longer seen as mere children. They were something more now.

Titus kept Harper close to his side, while Cooper walked just ahead of me, his shoulders squared, his steps confident. The way they carried themselves now makes me feel proud.

the dining hall, the servants had already laid out a feast fit for royalty, as if they had anticipated this very moment. The

next five seconds, I might actually die," she declared, plopping down onto the nearest

sat beside her. "Go on then,

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a glare, but her irritation barely lasted a second before she began piling food

however, was more reserved. He didn't dive into the food immediately. Instead, he watched as the servants

on his arm as I took a seat

flickered to me, then to Harper and Titus, before he finally spoke.

the room

set down his goblet, his

today," Cooper muttered, poking at his food but not eating. "They're

brows furrowing. "That's ridiculous. We passed the test. The labyrinth itself confirmed we belong

replied, his voice steady but firm. "They fear what they don't understand. And

elbows on the table. "Let them

turned to him,

"You don't need their approval. You don't need to prove yourselves any further. The labyrinth did that

you

you

conviction in his voice sent a shiver down

gaze. Cooper,

eating silently. And for the first time, we weren't pretending. We weren't hiding

We were a family.

Harper made a face after taking

is this?"

smirked. "Dragon pepper stew. A

my taste buds,

bite. Unlike his sister, he didn't seem bothered by the heat. "You're

not!" Harper shot back, taking another daring bite and immediately

the sound deep and rich, filling the room like a long-forgotten melody. My heart warmed at the sight

bothered

has ever known.

if he was afraid of her. "Definitely not,"

narrowed in suspicion, chewing furiously as if determined

But the

11 Mar

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