Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

SAGE

I was starting to think the potion Elara had been working so tirelessly on wouldn't be ready in time. The clock was ticking as we packed our things for the journey ahead, each item reminding me of the weight of what was to come. But just as I folded the last of my clothes

into my bag, Elara slipped into my room, a small, determined smile on her face.

"Here," she said, holding out a tiny, carefully sealed bottle. Her eyes were heavy with exhaustion, but there was a spark of satisfaction there too. "This is it. I only managed to make one dose of the oil and the potion. You've got one shot at this, Sage. If you don't follow the instructions exactly, there's a good chance it won't work. And if that happens... we're back to square one."

I took the bottle gingerly, as if it might shatter with just a touch. Are you sure this is safe?" My voice wavered, betraying the unease I had been trying to suppress. "I want Titus to get better, Elara. But if there's even the slightest chance this could put him in danger, I'm not going to risk it."

Elara's expression softened as she placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "I'm not going to lie to you. I'm not one hundred percent sure about its effectiveness-or the side effects. But I can promise you this: the worst that could happen is... nothing. He just won't remember you."

I blew out a loud sigh, the weight of her words settling heavily on my shoulders. "I guess I can live with that. If this doesn't work, then maybe... maybe this is the Moon Goddess's plan. Maybe we're not meant to be, and this is just her way of telling me to let go." Elara's smile turned bittersweet, her usual teasing demeanor softened by the gravity of the moment. "I don't think that's true, Sage. But if that's what you believe, then so be it. Whatever happens, I'm here with you. You'll handle this."

I nodded, though my heart felt like it was caught in a tug-of-war between hope and resignation. "Thanks, Elara. For everything."

She gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze before stepping back. "Good luck, Sage. And no matter what happens, you'll do good."

As Elara's footsteps faded down the hall, I stared at the small bottles resting in my hand, their liquid contents shimmering faintly under the soft glow of the light coming from the window One chance. That was all I had. No retries, no do-overs. Whether this potion would bring back the memories Titus had lost-or leave things unchanged-I knew one thing for sure! I couldn't walk away from this without trying.

The weight of it settled over me as I slipped the bottles carefully into my bag. My heart wavered between hope and fear, the stakes of what lay ahead both thrilling and terrifying.

Once everything was packed and ready, we gathered in the living room. The air was thick with unspoken tension, the weight of the mission ahead hanging heavily over us. It was supposed to be just the three of us-Scott, Titus, and me. But, of course, Anna had other plans.

"I'm coming with you," she declared, her voice ringing with determination as she stepped into the room.

Scott and I exchanged a look, our shared annoyance unspoken but perfectly clear, I opened my mouth to protest, but before I could get a word out, Titus turned to her, his expression softening in a way that made my stomach twist.

"If that's what you want," he said, his tone holding no hesitation. You can come."

I clenched my jaw, biting back the urge to argue. Of course, he couldn't say no to her. The way he looked at Anna-as though she were the only star in a dark sky-was enough to make my chest ache. He might not remember me, but he certainly remembered her. Scott caught my eye, his expression a careful mask, though I could see the flicker of annoyance behind it. He wasn't thrilled about the addition of Anna either, but like me, he knew better than to push the issue when Titus had already made up his 1/3

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"Then, I'll come as well," Elara announced. "There's no reason from me to stay here."

"Well," I said, forcing a smile and adjusting the strap of my bag on my shoulder. "I guess we're all set now."

3

Anna flashed me a triumphant look, her arm lightly brushing against Titus as she moved to stand beside him. My jaw tightened, but I said nothing. I couldn't let her presence-or her influence over him-distract me from what mattered most: completing this mission and helping Titus, no matter what it took.

Scott managed to secure a car for our journey, and to say it was impressive would be an understatement. The sleek black vehicle gleamed under the sunlight, its polished exterior reflecting everything around it like a dark mirror. Its elongated body spoke of elegance and power, the low hum of its engine a subtle reminder of its speed and strength. The tinted windows gave it an air of mystery, and the chrome accents added just the right touch of sophistication. It was a car that turned heads without trying-a perfect fit for someone like Titus. Scott slid into the driver's seat, adjusting the mirrors and steering wheel with an air of casual confidence. Titus was next, slipping into the passenger seat with the fluid grace he always carried, as if the world bent to accommodate him. Anna was quick to follow, securing herself in the seat beside him with a sense of entitlement that made my stomach twist. She leaned slightly toward him, effectively positioning Titus in the middle.

Our eyes met briefly through the car's side window. The pull was immediate, that familiar ache stirring deep in my chest. I hadn't expected this-the sharp pang of longing mixed with an unbearable sense of loss. To sit near him, to be that close, even for the duration of a car ride, felt like too much. The rawness of my emotions caught me off guard, and I had to look

away.

I chose the front passenger seat instead, settling in beside Scott. Behind me, I heard Elara chuckle softly before sliding into the back seat. She strategically placed herself next to Titus.

As Scott started the engine, the low purr vibrated through the car, and we pulled onto the road. The quiet tension in the vehicle was palpable, broken only by the faint hum of the engine and the occasional rustling as someone shifted in their

seat.

I glanced in the rearview mirror, my gaze inadvertently colliding with Titus's once more. His expression was unreadable, his eyes sharp and focused yet somehow distant. Was he looking at me, or was he lost in his own thoughts?

I couldn't tell, and the uncertainty gnawed at me. The memories of his touch, his voice, his smile-it was all there, just beneath the surface, threatening to consume me. But now, in this moment, he was a stranger. A stranger who carried my heart without even knowing it. Unable to bear the weight of his gaze, I turned my attention to the road ahead, pretending to be engrossed in the passing. scenery. In the rearview mirror, Titus shifted slightly, his movements subtle yet noticeable, as though he, too, was unsettled.

Elara caught my eye and raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips. I shot her a warning glare, silently willing her to behave, but she only shrugged, her amusement evident.

The car pressed forward, carrying us toward our destination-and the unknown that lay ahead.

The plan was to reach the town proper before noon. There, we were to meet an infamous hunter who, according to Scott, was one of the best in the region. His reputation was both fearsome and respected-aman known for his ruthlessness but also his unerring efficiency. If anyone could help us navigate the treacherous road ahead, it was him.

As we drove our way, Scott and Titus were deep in conversation, going over the details of the hunter's background and the logistics of the mission. Their voices were low, urgent, and precise.

I stayed silent but attentively listened to their conversation. Anna, of course, deliberately held Titus' hand as if she were marking her territory.

The town appeared on the horizon as the sun climbed higher, its golden rays spilling across the rooftops and cobblestone

F

streets. The sight was both charming and ominous-a picturesque facade hiding secrets and, perhaps, danger.

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Scott handed me a folded map and told me to pull out, pointing to a small tavern near the edge of town. "That's where he said to meet him," Scott explained, his tone clipped.

Titus nodded, his expression unreadable as his sharp eyes scanned the surroundings. There was something about the way he carried himself-rigid, focused, and entirely in control-that kept the rest of us on edge. "Let's move quickly," he said in a low, commanding voice. "I don't want to linger here longer than necessary."

Scott pulled the car to a discreet stop behind a row of dilapidated buildings on the outskirts of town. The narrow alley provided just enough cover to hide the vehicle from prying eyes. As we stepped out, the cool morning air greeted us, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and the faint aroma of bread baking somewhere nearby.

Titus adjusted his jacket, his movements deliberate. "Keep your eyes open," he said. "We don't know who else might be watching."

The town was already alive with activity, the streets bustling with early risers preparing for the day ahead. Vendors arranged their wares in small stalls lining the cobblestone roads, their voices calling out to passersby in an attempt to make their first sales. Children darted through the crowd, laughing as they chased each other, while shopkeepers swept their doorsteps, adding to the rhythm of the waking town.

We walked cautiously, trying to blend into the crowd. Elara stuck close to me, her sharp eyes scanning every face we passed, while Scott led the way with practiced ease. Anna clung to Titus's arm, her presence as overbearing as ever. I trailed slightly behind, my senses heightened, and every sound and movement around me amplified.

It didn't take long for the bar Scott had mentioned to come into view. Nestled in a quiet corner of the bustling square, the establishment looked unassuming at first glance. Its weathered wooden sign creaked as it swayed in the breeze, the faded letters spelling out The Rusty Fang. The windows were clouded, obscuring whatever was happening inside, and the faint sound of muffled voices leaked through the walls.

Scott stopped just outside, turning to face us. "This is it," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "The hunter should be waiting inside. Remember, let me do the talking.".

Titus gave him a curt nod, his expression betraying no emotion. "Let's get this over with."

I swallowed the unease bubbling in my chest as we approached the bar. Whatever lay ahead, there was no turning back now.

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