TWO

Sage's Pov

Alastair bursted into laughter. “You sever all ties with us?” He echoed with enough mockery in his voice to fill the room, “Is this some kind of joke, Sage?”

“It's not!” I retorted, “I'd rather return to being a rogue than continue to live another day here being treated like an outsider or even worse an idiot!” 

Regan chuckled loudly, and I shot him a stern look, clenching my fist, “You'd rather return to being a rogue? You didn't just say that, did you?” He reiterated mockingly, “Your weak wolf wouldn't survive a day out there if you leave.”

I smirked, “Is that what you think? You forget, brother. I survived years of being a rogue on my own before I was found and brought back to this family. If I could survive it then, I sure as hell know that I can do it again,” I enunciated and turned, walking away.

“They will kill you once they discover Silver,” Alastair said, bringing me to a full halt, and I turned to him. He was right. They would, but still, I prefer to take that chance than stay a minute longer in this house.

“I'll take my chances, Alastair,” I responded, starting towards the door.

I reached for the doorknob but before I could grip the handle the door flew open, revealing the Alpha King, and Luna.

Mother arched a brow the moment her gaze landed on me, “Sage? Why are you—” her eyes instantly drifted to my neck, and there was horror all over her face, “Where is your collar?” she asked in a stern voice that made me shiver as I stumbled backwards.

Fear sent goosebumps all over my arms.

“Sage?” She called sternly, “Where is your collar?” She repeated.

“I took it off,” I replied, “Eleanor—”

“What? You did what?” She enunciated, her nose flaring with rage, “You rascal,” she grabbed me by the arm so tight it hurt, “What did I tell you?” she growled, dragging me with her, “Never take off the collar, you ungrateful child.”

“Mother! You're hurting me,” I protested as she dragged me to the living room.

“Mother,” Alastair muttered as we entered the living room, and mother pushed me to the ground.

The three of them bowed to welcome them.

“Why did you let her take off her collar?” Mother asked, facing Alastair.

“I didn't have a choice, Luna. She wouldn't listen to us, and because of her, Eleanor almost got hurt today—”

“What?” Mother blurted, glaring at me, “What did you do to Eleanor this time?—”

“I didn't do any—”

“Shut up,” she interrupted before I could finish, her voice dripping with disdain, “What lies are you going to spill this time?”

I felt a tear roll down my cheek as I struggled to contain my emotions. They weren't listening to me. No one ever listened to me. No one cared about my side of the story or the truth. I was tired of the constant blame. No more! 

With a surge of determination, I clenched my fist and pushed myself to my feet, “Enough!” I yelled, my voice echoing through the living room.

“I have had enough of all of you, calling me liars and treating me like I did something wrong when I've done nothing wrong,” I turned to my mother, my teeth gritted in anger.

“—You came in here pointing fingers at me without knowing the facts.  I will not take that anymore! I will not!”

Mother's face cracked with shock, her eyes widening in disbelief. “H-h-How dare you!” She stammered as she clenched her fist.

“How dare you speak back to me! Is this what I get for letting you into my house, witch!” She yelled, launching towards me, “You're going to regret that—”

“Enough!” The Alpha King roared from behind us, and the room echoed with silence, “You can discipline the child later,” he looked at me with disgust, “For now, we have more important issues to address.”

“What do you mean, father?” Regan asked.

“Our enemy, Darkfangs pack, has demanded for a marriage alliance with our pack for their Lycan Prince.”

“What?” Alastair blurted, “We cannot possibly agree to that.”

“I'm afraid we have no choice. We cannot afford a war with them after the hit we took in the last war. If we go to war with them now, we will lose everything,” he sighed in defeat.

He continued, taking his seat, “I agreed to it. The Lycan King and his Gamma will arrive shortly to take Eleanor,” he said, casting his gaze on her, and the horror on her face was priceless.

“Wh-what?” Eleanor stammered, “Take me? You can't possibly be serious. You want me to marry that ogre?” she enunciated, looking dumbfounded.

The best part of my evening, I daresay. I was enjoying this. This outcome of things. Surely, I hadn't seen it coming but it felt deserved.

The Lycan Prince was rumoured all over the nation to be this ugly, limping weak werewolf, and now he was to be Eleanor's husband.

I could understand her anger, and repulsion. I really could but It was also hilarious.

“Eleanor, we do not have a choice. If there was some other way I would have taken it but there's no other way.”

“Father,” Alastair chipped in, “There must be something we can do. We can't just give Eleanor away to be married to our enemies—”

“Alastair,” he cut in with a frown, “This isn't any easy for me as it is for any of you but I have to think about our pack. I am the Alpha King, and my role encompasses much more than one life. I'm sorry, Eleanor but as the princess this is the weight that you must bear.”

Eleanor shook her head, “No. Never. I refuse this. I cannot, and will not marry him. It's disgusting, father.”

“I agree. I cannot allow Eleanor to marry the Lycan Prince. He's not fit for her, and she deserves much more than that Ogre—”

“Alana!” Father exclaimed, cutting mother off.  “Do you know what's at stake if she doesn't marry him?” He jumped to his feet, and everyone instinctively stepped back, “If we turn down this alliance. It is war. We have no choice but to give in to their wants. I'm sorry.”

“I have a suggestion, Father,” Eleanor said suddenly and I felt my gut twisted painfully.

“And what's that?” Father asked.

“Sage,” she replied.