Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

SAGE

I clenched my fists, frustration burning through me like wildfire. "Scott, we cannot let this happen! They're just Kids Therd's no way they'll survive the Labyrinth of Truth!" My voice wavered, but I refused to let fear consume me. I paced back and forth across the room, my mind racing for a solution-anything to stop this madness.

Scott sighed heavily, his expression grim. "There's nothing I can do right now, my lady, he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "This process is legitimate and in line with the rules of the court. The elders have the right to question the children's claim to the throne."

I turned to him, my eyes flashing with desperation. "But they're children! Can't this be delayed until they come of age?

He hesitated before answering, his voice laced with reluctance. "Honestly, the rules state that once an heir manifests their powers, they are eligible to walk through the Labyrinth of Truth. It usually happens after the coming-of-age ceremony, which is why it's never been questioned before." He exhaled sharply, his brows drawing together. "Put this... this is unprecedented. There has never been a case of children being sent into the labyrinth. But that's only becane there hasn't been an heir who manifested their power and shifted this early."

I shook my head, unwilling to accept it. "There must have been something we could do"

Scott met my gaze, his eyes filled with an emotion I couldn't quite place. "I'm sorry, but I believe we have nothing to do bur trust they will manage to succeed the test."

I clenched my jaw, frustration and fear warring inside me. "No," I whispered fiercely. “I refuse to stand by and do nothing while my children are thrown into danger,"

Scott sighed, his expression torn between sympathy and duty. "I understand how you feel, my lady, but the elders have spoken. The trial has been set. If we try to interfere, it will only make things worse. The best thing we can do now is prepare them."

Prepare them? The idea of my children facing a trial meant for fully grown wolves sent ice through my veins. But deep down, I knew Scott was right.

I turned to Harper and Cooper, who had been silently listening to our conversation. They have been sitting in the corner as if waiting for their sentence. "Mom?" Cooper asked hesitantly. "Are we really going into the labyrinth?"

I swallowed the lump in my throat and knelt before them, cupping their tiny hands in mine. "Yes, sweetheart," I said gently. though my voice wavered. "But you won't be going in alone. You have each other. You have to look after each other."

Harper squared her shoulders, determination shining in her gaze. "We're not scared, she declared, her little chin tilting up defiantly. "If we have to do this to stay with you and.." She stopped for a minute as if she were still adjusting to the truth the found about his father. "Dad. Then, we'll do this. We'll get through this safely, I promise

Tears burned the back of my eyes, but 1 forced a sinile. "You are both so brave; I whispered, pulling them into a tight embrace. "But listen to me-being brave doesn't mean you can't be scared. It means you keep going even when you are scared"

Scott cleared his throat, his usual serious expression softening slightly. "They were His Majesty's children. I truly believe that they can pass this test and get out of that maze safely?

I held onto Scout's words like a lifeline, but the fear in my chest refused to loosen its grip. My children were strong, yes-buo they were still just children. The Labyrinth of Truth was designed to break even the strongest warriors, forcing them to face their deepest fears and their darkest secrets.

I glanced at Harper and Cooper. They stood side by side, their hands tightly clasped together, their little faces set with

76%

determination. They shouldn't have to go through this.

But they would.

Because the elders had given their decree, and there was no way to take it back.

I turned to Scott. "If they must go through this trial, then I need to know everything about it. Every challenge they could face, every trick that labyrinth holds. If they're going in, they'll go in prepared"

Scott nodded, his expression grim but understanding, "I'll tell you everything I know. His gaze flickered to the twins. "The Labyrinth of Truth doesn't just test strength or skill. It tests who you are. It reveals truths that even the person walking through it may not be ready to face."

"Oh, my babies... I muttered under my breath.

Harper and Cooper exchanged glances but didn't waver.

"We'll be fine," Cooper reassured, his small fingers tightening around mine. "We have to do this, right?"

Harper nodded, her voice steady. "And we will"

I swallowed past the lump in my throat and forced a smile. "Yes," I whispered, brushing their hair back. "And no matter what happens in that labyrinth, I'll be right here, waiting for you."

The air was thick with tension as I walked hand in hand with Harper and Cooper toward the entrance of the Labyrinth of Truth. The courtyard was packed with onlookers-elders, noble families, and warriors alike, all gathered to witness the unprecedented trial. Their whispers filled the air like an ominous chant.

The massive stone archway marking the labyrinth's entrance loomed ahead, ancient runes glowing faintly along its weathered surface. Beyond it, an eerie mist swirled, concealing whatever awaited inside. My stomach twisted at the sight, but I kept my head high, refusing to show weakness-not in front of my children, and certainly not in front of the council that had forced this upon them.

One of the elders, the same silver-haired woman who had questioned their lineage, stepped forward. She lifted her hand, signaling for silence. "The Labyrinth of Truth has stood for centuries, a sacred test meant to reveal the worthiness of those who claim the throne, she announced, her voice carrying over the hushed crowd. "It does not care for lies, nor does it bend to favoritism. If these children are truly of royal blood, they will prove it here."

A murmur spread through the audience. Some watched with skepticism, others with eager anticipation.

Harper and Cooper remained silent, standing tall despite their small frames. Their hands were still clasped tightly together, their chins lifted in quiet defiance.

Scott crouched to their level, placing a firm hand on Cooper's shoulder. "Listen to me. The labyrinth will try to get inside your heads. It will use illusions, fear, and doubt to shake you. Do not let it break you. Trust yourselves. Trust each other." Harper nodded, her sharp eyes flickering with determination. "We understand."

I knelt in front of them, cupping their faces in my hands. "No matter what you see in there, remember who you are. Remember that you are not alone. My voice wavered, but I refused to let the fear show. "You are my children. You are His Majesty's children. And you will make it back to me."

Cooper's lips pressed together in a firm line, and Harper gave me a brave smile, though I could see the flicker of uncertainty

in her eyes.

An elder stepped forward, holding out an ancient dagger with an ornate handle. "A

drop of blood," he declared. "A pact with the labyrinth

I stiffened, my body protesting, but before I could react, Harper reached for the dagger first. She took it without hesitation,

16:17 Mon, 10 Mar MM.

3.76%

slicing a shallow cut across her palm. A single drop of crimson dripped onto the stone threshold. Cooper followed suit, though I saw him wince slightly as he repeated the ritual.noveldrama

The moment their blood touched the ground, the runes on the entrance pulsed,

the mist thickening into a swirling vortex. The doors creaked open on their own,

revealing nothing but darkness beyond.

The elder stepped back. "The trial begins now."

Harper and Cooper turned to me one last time.

I couldn't speak past the lump in my throat. So I just nodded.

With their hands still clasped together, they stepped forward.

And the doors slammed shut behind them.