The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 60

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Chapter 60

Sage

The ballroom empties like water draining from a cracked bowl, nobles clustering in whispered groups as they leave. Wolves who eagerly sought my healing knowledge hours ago now avoid my eyes. Even the young healers I’ve been training edge away when I move.

“Don’t,” Iris says fiercely when she sees my face. “Don’t let them make you doubt yourself.”

But how can I not? The memories I’ve always struggled to access now feel like shadows hiding monsters. Every time I touch my pendant, trying to remember anything before Blackthorn, I hit that same dark wall. 1

Alaric stands with his council, power rolling off him in waves as they demand an emergency meeting. His eyes keep finding me across the room, torn between duty and desire to stay close.

“Go,” I tell him when he approaches. “Handle what you need to handle. Besides, I have no right to be selfish with you when it’s my mess they want you to clean up.”

“Sweetling-”

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“Please.” I manage a weak smile. “I’m fine. This is more important.”

The lie tastes bitter, but he has no choice. The visiting Alphas need reassurance, need to see the Lycan King putting pack safety first.

In my room, I stare at my reflection, at the fancy ball gown that now feels like a costume. The violet eyes that match no known bloodline stare back, full of questions I can’t answer.

“It’s not true.” Iris paces like a caged animal. “We all know it’s not true.”

“Do we?” My voice cracks slightly. “I don’t remember anything before Blackthorn. What if…”

“No.” She grabs my hands. “I know you, Sage. You heal. You help. You could never-”

A knock interrupts us. The head healer stands awkwardly in my doorway.

“Some of the warriors have requested…” she trails off, uncomfortable. “That is, given recent allegations…”

“They want different healers,” I finish numbly.

“Just temporarily. Until things are clarified.”

Until they’re sure I’m not poisoning them like I supposedly poisoned my parents.

The next day passes in a blur of whispers and averted eyes. Young wolves who used to greet me eagerly now scurry away. The healing wing feels cold without the cager students who once crowded around to learn.

Alaric comes to find me later that evening, exhaustion lining his face.

“The Northern Alliance is threatening to withdraw,” he says quietly. “The other territories want investigations.

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Chapter 60

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“I’m sorry.” The words feel inadequate. “I never meant to cause such trouble.”

“Hey.” He cups my face, thumb catching tears I didn’t realize were falling. “None of this is your fault.”

“Isn’t it? If I could just remember…”

“We’ll figure this out.” His kiss tastes of desperation and promise. “Together.”

“Why?” I can’t stop myself from blurting out the question. “We haven’t known each other that long. You could just cut your losses, send me away and be done with me.”

“I made you a promise, Sage.” He growls in determination. “You’re mine to protect and I intend to keep my promise!”

But I see the strain in his eyes, smell the stress rolling off him in waves. My presence is destabilizing everything he’s built.

That night, unable to sleep, I find myself in the moonlit garden. Even here, changes cut deep – someone has locked the herb storage shed that was once my sanctuary. The message is clear: I’m no longer trusted with healing supplies.

I touch the moonflowers I planted, the only part of the garden I can still reach. They bloom defiantly under the moon’s light, reminding me of all I’ve built here. All I refuse to let them destroy.

“Can’t sleep either?”

I turn to find Queen Helena watching me from the garden path. For a moment, I expect her to warn me away from even the flowers, but she just studies me with those knowing eyes.

“The moon remembers truth,” she says cryptically. “Even when minds forget.”

Before I can ask what she means, the sound of running feet approaches. Guards burst into the garden, faces grim.

“The King requires everyone in the great hall. Immediately.”

My heart stops at his tone. “What’s happened?”

But he’s already gone, spreading the urgent summons.

Guards flank me as I make my way to the gathering, their presence unclear – are they protecting me or protecting others from me? Iris tries to walk beside me but is drawn away by urgent council business. Even Garrett, who usually offers a supportive nod, keeps his distance now.

The great hall looks nothing like it did during the ball hours ago. Crystal decorations that sparkled like stars now cast ominous shadows. The moonflowers I was so proud to see incorporated into the decorations have been stripped away, leaving bare stems that look like accusing fingers.

Victoria intercepts several visiting healers who start to approach me, steering them toward “safer” company. The message is clear – I’m untouchable now. Dangerous.

A group of warriors I’ve treated gather in a corner, speaking in hushed voices and casting wary glances my way.

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Chapter 60

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