hapter 49 SAGE I was curled up on my bed, writhing in pain. Every part of my body felt like it was on fire, and the agony was unbearable. I knew exactly why this was. happening, but that didn't make it any easier to endure. The punishment was cruel and senseless-the loyal partner suffers when the other finds their mate. How could this happen? How could Annika be Titus' mate? The thought alone drovemad. But the searing pain ripping throughwas proof. They were together right now, and this torment was the result of them sharing a bed. together.
I tried to focus on anything to distract myself, but it was useless. The pain was too strong, and there was no escape. My mind was a storm of emotions- anger, jealousy, heartbreak-all mixed with the physical pain.
The room spun aroundas I gasped for air. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms, trying to ground myself. Each minute felt like an hour, and each second an eternity of torment.
This punishment felt like a cruel joke. I had stayed loyal, yet I was the one suffering. The bond, meant to unite us, had beca source of unimaginable. pain.
"I'm sorry, my lady. I tried to ask for smedicine for the pain, but they wouldn't giveany. This is cruel. You did nothing wrong, my lady," Elara said as she was crying because there's nothing she can do to help.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHolt had already toldabout what my father did to Titus. Even though I'm not sure if it's true, I still don't think it's fair forto be held responsible for something I wasn't involved in.
"It's fine, Elara. I can handle it," I assured her, my breath growing more labored.
"Your wolf is gone. Any she-wolf would struggle with this pain, even with their wolf sharing the burden. But you're enduring all of it with a human-like body.
11:43 Tue Sep Chapter 19 I'm not sure you'll be able to withstand it. I'm afraid you might die, my lady! I need to tell His Majesty," Elara said, her voice filled with panic. "N-No... argh!" I screamed in agony as another wave of pain hit my stomach, feeling like I was being run over by a thousand trucks repeatedly. "N-No, don't." I managed to gasp between breaths. "He's the one who wanted this. plea won't change anything." I told her, struggling to catch my breath. "My lady..." was all she could say.
I forced a smile, trying to reassure her. "Don't worry about me, Elara. I've been through worse. I can handle this- argh!" I curled into a ball, clutching my chest as the pain made it hard to breathe, feeling as if something was squeezing the life out of me. Elara kneeled beside me, her face etched with worry. "My lady, I can't just stand by and watch you suffer like this," she said, her voice trembling. "There must be something we can do." I shook my head weakly, my vision blurring from the pain. "No, Elara. I can't risk putting you in the middle of this. I have no power to protect you. "Just stay out of this." "But, my lady..." she insisted, her eyes filling with tears. "There has to be another way." I gritted my teeth, trying to suppress another scream. "Once this is over, I'll find a way," I whispered.
Elara nodded, wiping her tears. She took my hand in hers, offering a small measure of comfort amidst the torment. "I'm here, my lady. I won't leave you." The minutes dragged on like hours, each second a new wave of agony. My mind drifted, trying to find sescape from the relentless pain. Memories. of happier times flickered through my thoughts, but they only served as a stark contrast to the nightmare as enduring. Suddenly, a new, sharper pain ripped through my chest, and I cried out, unable to hold back. Elara squeezed my hand tighter, her own fear palpable.
2/7 "Hold on, my lady. Just hold on," she urged, her voice breaking.
1 clung to her words, trying to find strength in her presence. The room seemed to spin, and darkness crept at the edges of my vision. I knew I was losing the battle to stay conscious, but I fought to hang on. "Elara..." I whispered, my voice barely audible. "If... if I don't make it..." "Don't say that," she interrupted, her grip on my hand tightening. "You will make it. You have to." I tried to smile, though it felt more like a grimace. "If I don't, promisethat you'll take care of yourself, okay? I have few friends in this life, and you're among the few I consider part of my family." | Elara nodded, tears streaming down her face. "My lady..." I nodded weakly, feeling the darkness closing in. "Thank you, Elara. For everything.
As the world aroundfaded, I clung to the hope that somehow I would survive this ordeal. The pain was overwhelming, but I had to believe that there was a way through it. For now, all I could do was endure everything until my body couldn't take it anymore. I lost recollection of what happened right after I went blank. When I slowly opened my eyes, I was greeted by the familiar ceiling of my chamber. Every part of my body screamed in pain, even with the slightest movement. I pushed myself up despite the agony coursing through me. "My lady-I heard Elara's voice, but she quickly halted her words, as if someone inside the room was preventing her from continuing.
When I finally managed to sit up on my own, I immediately noticed the 3/7 11:44 Tue 11:44 Chapter 49 prominent figure sitting across the room. His presence was unmistakable. "You're awake," he said, his deep, cold baritone voice cutting through the silence.
I scoffed, a bitter smile curling my lips. "It turns out it wasn't that easy to discard me, Your Majesty," I said sarcastically.
His expression remained impassive, though his eyes flickered with a hint of something I couldn't quite place. "And you're stronger than I expected," he replied, his tone devoid of any warmth.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"You would need more than just sleeping with your mate to kill me," I bravely replied, my voice dripping with defiance.
His eyes narrowed slightly, a flash of irritation crossing his features. "Such insolence," he muttered, though there was a grudging respect in his gaze. "Yo speak boldly for someone in your position." I straightened up, wincing at the pain but refusing to show weakness. "Whatever gyou and Annika are playing, it will take more than that to break me, Your Majesty." He took a step closer, his towering presence casting a shadow over me. He then grabbed my chin and lifted it up, forcingto meet his eyes. "You underestimate the power of the bond," he said, his voice low and menacing." can bring even the strongest to their knees." I met his gaze unflinchingly. "You might have forgotten that despite the situation I am in right now, I still have alpha blood running in my veins." "Still claiming innocence, are we? Instead of doing so, you should be on your knees, begging, and ready to face the consequences." I glared at him, my anger momentarily eclipsing the pain. "Consequences? Fo what? For something I had no part in? For a crI didn't commit?" His gaze hardened, and he leaned forward slightly. "You are bound by the sfate as your family. The sins of the father, as they say." 1 croched any in, frustration boiling. And you call the Punishing ste for something my father did, something I had no control over is nothing but cruelty Elara stepped closer, her eyes pleading withto remain calm. "My lady please...
I took a deep breath, trying to meady myemotions. Your M-esty." I began, my voice softer but no less determined, it justice that you truly seek or is it revenge for the death of your beloved Agma?" I said that my voice was filled with bitterness. The next thing I knew. Í fein has palm lasting on my cheeka. "Don't dare speak her nuning yonar dilday out hirur "If you despisethat much, why dianti taponai jrant kalli do met Raject me, and freefrom this bond! I shouned while holding my ch**ka, still stinging from the pain of his sl**s the the a a "Why would I do that when I talk with you or your booty, and teams make timur watch you slowly dran pano de puck death for what your thr "Boxe father did tommer your to pay for every single vins that ver groung your family metod against du de desse Do whatever you want is not trade maloruby rad uel A tense sence Blied them as we kind eyes, orters of us willing to back down. His jaw clean mid sore internal struggle within him A "Very well," he said "Let's where than grower takes you." With that he turned and let there, his persener lingering like a dark cloud I let out a shaky breath, the terms in my baby slowly easing, Elas rushed to my side, by far end with gen "My lady, are you all righ asked, her voice trembling sightly I managed a weak etmir. Tis fine, Klara fant exhausted." 80%; 11:44 Tue Sep 17 Chapter 49 She nodded, her eyes reflecting both concern and admiration. "You were incredibly brave, standing up to him like that. It's unfortunate we had no other choice but to endure his wrath.
"We actually do have another choice," I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper.
Elara's brows knitted together in confusion. "What do you ran, my lady?"
"I need to escape." I explained. "As soon as I leave this place, the alpha m command and the pain from the broken bond will no longer have any power over me. I'll be free from all of this and can finally live in peace, away from the torment." Her eyes widened with sudden understanding, and she moved closer, her concern evident. "But how do you plan to escape? The palace is heavily guarded, and security is tight." freedom."
"I'm not entirely sure yet," I admitted, my voice wavering slightly despite my attempt to remain composed. "But I have to try. If stay try. If ystay here, the to outcis certain-I'll face death eventually. The choice is between dying here, trapped and defeated, or fighting for a chance at Elara's expression softened, a mix of worry and resolve crossing her features. "But, my lady, that's dangerous." "I know it's a dangerous move," I continued. "I'd rather die trying than give them the satisfaction of seeingdie in their hands." Elara's eyes were full of determination as she looked at me. "I understand. Then, I'm coming with you." "What? No, it's too dangerous!" I said, Panic in my voice. "You've already done so much for me. I can't let you put yourself in danger, especially not for me." Elara shook her head firmly. "You said I'm like family to you. This is what family does-we stick together no matter what. If you leave, I'll be left here with no purpose. I want to help you." 6/7 11:44 Tue, Sep 17 Chapter 49 1 looked at her, unsure. "No, I won't put your life in line just to save mine." П ה Elara moved closer, her eyes steady and full of sincerity. "I know this palace like the back of my hand. I grew up here and have learned all its secrets. I can help us escape." I looked at Elara, her determined face glowing in the dim light of the room. Her knowledge of the palace was exactly what we needed. I realized that having someone like her on our side could really improve our chances.
Even though I was initially hesitant, I knew I had no other choice. With the palace's tight security meeded m e someone who knew it well. Elara's willingness to help and her deep understanding of the palace were too important to ignore. Finally, I nodded, feeling more resolved. "Okay, Elara. If you're sure about this, I'll accept your help. We need to plan carefully and make every move count. Your knowledge will be essential." Elara's face showed relief and determination. "We'll figure this out together," she said confidently. "I'll do everything I can to make sure we both escape safely."