Betrayed By My Mate, Claimed By His Lycan King Uncle
Chapter 84: Change Of Plan.

Chapter 84: Change Of Plan.

"Let’s go, Your Highness," Rhys said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Fine, Your Royal Highness," Sorayah replied aloud, her gaze and words directed pointedly at Dimitri. However, he did not spare her even a passing glance, his emerald eyes firmly fixed on the distant city gates he planned to destroy.

Without wasting another moment, Sorayah, Rhys, and Anaya who had remained unusually silent, whether because of Dimitri’s presence or for some other unknown reason began walking swiftly down the path Dimitri had indicated earlier.

They had not traveled far when a chorus of bloodcurdling screams reached their ears. Wails of terror and horror filled the air, so sharp and piercing that Sorayah, Rhys, and Anaya instinctively covered their ears in a desperate attempt to block out the agony echoing through the city.

Sorayah’s heart twisted painfully at the thought of the innocent soldiers and citizens perishing behind them, but she clenched her fists and forced herself to keep moving. Dimitri had made his intentions perfectly clear, he intended to raze the city to the ground. Their compassion would be useless here.

Steeling themselves against the horrific sounds behind them, the trio pressed forward. They had just begun to pick up their pace when Rhys suddenly reached out and grabbed Sorayah’s hand, halting both her and Anaya in their tracks.

"What’s wrong?" Sorayah asked, raising an eyebrow at him. She was panting heavily, her chest heaving from the effort of running. "We’re still far from the camp. If we don’t keep moving, we might not reach it before nightfall."

Rhys hesitated, his hand tightening around hers. His gaze was troubled, his body tense as though wrestling with an invisible decision.

"I... I think only you should return to Dimitri’s pack," he finally said, his voice low but firm. "Anaya and I... we will find another pack to take us in. For now, at least."

His words hit Sorayah like a thunderclap, sending waves of shock rippling down her spine. Even Anaya, who had been quiet until now, snapped her head toward Rhys with wide, disbelieving eyes.

"What do you mean by that?" Anaya demanded, her brows furrowing in confusion.

Rhys exhaled shakily, looking between the two women. "You said Dimitri will let you repay your kindness toward us," he said carefully, "but I believe... I believe he will kill us instead."

He paused, gathering his thoughts, before continuing with grim certainty.

"He might have lied to us when he claimed those soldiers weren’t his," Rhys said, his voice laced with bitter seriousness. "He said they were only dressed as his men, that they’re spies. But that’s a lie. The Beta Lord isn’t foolish enough to allow real spies to linger near him, risking his plans. He would have slaughtered them without hesitation."

Rhys’s voice grew heavier with each word. His eyes darkened with a growing certainty that made Sorayah’s stomach turn.

"Those soldiers who were massacred back there... they were his," Rhys finished quietly. "He killed his own men without a second thought."

"What?!" Anaya gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief. Her heart pounded wildly against her chest, and her trembling hands clutched the hilt of her sword.

"The Beta Lord is someone who would kill his own soldiers if it serves a greater purpose," Rhys said grimly, a sardonic smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "He would kill his loved ones if it brought him any advantage. In our case, mine and Anaya’s...he would definitely kill us without hesitation. Maybe he’ll keep you alive a little longer, your highness, because you claimed to be the Crown Prince’s personal maid. Once he’s done using you, he won’t think twice about getting rid of you either."

Sorayah’s mind spun. She took a step forward, confusion etched deep in her features. "What are you talking about, Rhys? We already planned for all of us to return to Dimitri’s pack together. Why are you suddenly saying this? Why will Dimitri kill his own soldiers? And why will he kill you?"

She turned towards Anaya, searching her face. "And you, your family...aren’t they in that pack? Otherwise, you would have been heartbroken seeing it destroyed. Yet...you seem so calm." Her voice softened. "Either your family was never in the city to begin with...or they managed to escape before the war broke out."

Anaya hesitated before offering a small, wry smile. "You’re right... What should I call you? Your Highness?" she asked, raising an eyebrow with a faint smirk.

"Just call me Sorayah," she replied firmly, her gaze steady. She then looked at Rhys. "And you too. Call me by my name...less trouble that way."

"Alright, Sorayah," Anaya agreed, nodding. "The truth is... my parents aren’t in this pack. It was just a lie...a desperate told in front of that werewolf doctor."

Sorayah sighed, feeling a weight lift off her chest now that the truth was out. She turned back to Rhys, her expression hardening. "Then what are you saying exactly, Rhys? I know I’m just a pawn in Dimitri’s twisted game, but just like he’s using me, I plan to use him too."

Rhys shook his head, a grim chuckle escaping his lips. "You’re wrong, Sorayah. You may have value to him for now but Anaya and I...we don’t. We’re disposable. Dimitri isn’t stupid. He knows no personal servant would risk her life for strangers. He’ll see through our lies eventually. He’ll realize your goal is vengeance...for your prince and he’ll act accordingly. Beside I doubt that he’s going to spare those humans he saved at the slave trade centre."

"What?! He gave me his words! Sorayah yelled, her face etched with terror.

"Well maybe he wouldn’t. Who knows?" Rhys replied as fe swallowed hard.

A heavy silence fell between them. Sorayah swallowed hard, anger and helplessness burning within her.

"You’re right," she finally muttered, her voice low and bitter. "That bastard. He’s capable of doing anything but then I don’t believe he’ll kill the humans."

Anaya clutched her sword tighter, her brows furrowed in frustration. "Then where do we go?" she asked, her voice rising in panic. "Finding a pack that accepts refugees won’t be easy. It’ll be far from here...and we’ll have to cross deserts. Without food or water, we’ll collapse long before we get there."

"We’ll survive," Rhys said firmly, clenching his fists. "Although Dimitri may have razed the city to the ground, we can go back after he leaves. Even if the city is in ruins, not everything will be lost."

Sorayah and Anaya stared at him, hope flickering in their eyes.

"The Moonlight River runs through the palace grounds," Rhys continued. "No harm ever comes to it not even during wars. It’s said to be protected by ancient magic. I believe it’s still intact. We can gather enough water there to last us for days. We’ll scavenge for food, too and maybe find some golden coins hidden within the palace ruins."

He turned towards Sorayah, his eyes gleaming with determination. "I’ll come to Dimitri’s pack soon. But not as a powerless refugee. I’ll come stronger, strong enough that I won’t have to fear for my identity anymore. I promise you. And when that day comes, I’ll find young master Caleb too. If we find him...we’ll come together."

Sorayah’s throat tightened. She opened her mouth to speak but found herself speechless. She didn’t want Rhys to go. Not now. Not when she had just found someone familiar amidst all the chaos. Yet, deep down, she knew he was right. She had that terrible nightmare which she always have whenever someone close to her is about to die. She didn’t want that nightmare to come true.

"I understand, Rhys," she whispered hoarsely, forcing a smile onto her lips. "And I promise to stay safe. You and Anaya must stay safe too."

"We will, Sorayah," Rhys assured her. " Anaya’s parents are Alpha and Luna of their pack. Once we reach them, I’m sure we can convince them to help us. Let us stay."

"You’re finally coming to my pack?!" Anaya squealed in excitement, her voice filled with unfiltered joy.

"Not for marriage!" Rhys barked immediately, rolling his eyes at her antics. "Just for shelter and a plan. You said your parents always agree to your wishes, so you’ll need to convince them to let me stay. That’s the only place we can go for now."

"Sure!" Anaya beamed, grabbing Rhys’s hand enthusiastically. Although he tried to brush her off, she held on stubbornly.

"You’re going to be my husband one day anyway. I just know it!" Anaya chirped boldly.

Sorayah chuckled softly, unable to help the small giggle that escaped her. The sight of the two bickering so naturally, even in such a bleak moment, was a balm to her weary heart.

"Alright," Sorayah said, her smile fading into something bittersweet. She took a deep breath. "I’ll get going now. Dimitri will be returning soon, and I don’t want him finding us here. Let’s meet again. Until then, stay strong and stay safe."