The Betrayal by Heather Ogden (EXCERPT)

Hello, readers! Today we have a scene-setting excerpt for you from Heather Ogden’s debut Young Adult dystopian novel, The Betrayal.

This first book of the The Lies We Fear series centers on Angelette Arabella, the seventeen year-old daughter of the most powerful man in Libertis, a megalopolis large enough to be considered a nation.

From the publisher: “Angelette Arabella has spent her life in the shadow of the man the nation calls a hero—her father, Valerius, the revered leader of Libertis. To the world, he’s a savior. To her, he’s simply “Dad.” But when a staged kidnapping spirals into something far more dangerous, Angelette is forced to face the truth: her life, her family, and the world she’s always known are carefully crafted illusions. And the man who built them is hiding more than secrets—he’s hiding control.

“As betrayal bleeds from every corner of her life—her brothers vanished, her mother silenced, and her only friend not who she seems—Angelette must decide: remain the obedient daughter, or become the threat her father fears most.

“Because the truth isn’t just dangerous in Libertis, it’s treason.”

Read on for a peek into the book, and into the true heart of Valerius!

~~~~~~~

This excerpt is from Heather Ogden’s debut novel, The Betrayal. Reprinted with permission from Morgan James Publishing.

The office feels isolated and melancholy, its windows overlooking the vast city of Libertis from a height known only to a few. Valerius Arabella sits at his desk, the ruler of a sprawling metropolis one might call a country. His sleek, black hair and cold red eyes make him stand out in a crowd—a trait expected of a political leader. While reviewing documents on budget approvals, a timid knock interrupts him.

“Who is it?” Valerius asks, undisturbed by the intrusion.

“I came to report in Porter’s stead,” says a trembling voice from beyond the door.

“I see. Come in, then.” The individual enters and bows. “You may rise. What do you have to report?”

“Ah, yes. Well . . . we’ve had some trouble regarding your wife, Mrs. Scarlett.”

Valerius looks up from his work, his gaze sharpening on the individual. “What do you mean, trouble?” His eyes seem to glow faintly, their red hue more intense than usual.

“I, um . . . well . . . the Secret Service is struggling to keep her contained. Porter requested assistance with her, which is why he couldn’t deliver his report personally.”

“I don’t believe that I asked why Porter wasn’t here. I asked about the troubles my men are having. So, I will ask a final time: What do you mean, trouble?”

The individual takes a breath before speaking. “Well, my lord . . . She is putting up a fight. We are unsure but have reason to suspect she might be using . . . magic.”

“Magic?!” Valerius slams his fist on the table. A shattering noise rings throughout the office as a picture frame falls to the floor. “How did she get magic?”

“We are still confirming whether or not she is using it. However, the fact that she has avoided us successfully suggests that possibility.”

“I see . . .” Valerius takes a deep breath before leaning back in his chair. “So, how long will it take to restrain her?”

“As we speak, Porter and his troops have her cornered. It’ll be just a matter of time before she is caught.”

Valerius glances over and notices the fallen picture. He bends down to pick up the photo, analyzing every inch of it. In the photograph stands a happy family of five. Standing tall in a polished suit, Valerius Arabella has his left arm around his wife, Scarlett Arabella. Her bright blonde hair flows neatly down one shoulder while her green eyes shine brightly. She is wearing a blue Sunday dress that falls to her ankles. In front of them stand their three children. Iven and Ives, the twins, stand before their mother, with her hand on Iven’s shoulder. Iven has slicked-back blond hair with dark green eyes, while Ives has messy blond hair with more vibrant green eyes. Both of them are in black suits and ties, dressed to impress. Finally, with Valerius’s hand on her right shoulder is Angelette Arabella, the youngest. Her black hair and red eyes stand out in the family, looking eerily like her father’s. Her dress, made by one of the best seamstresses in the country, falls just below her knees.

As Valerius runs his thumb over the picture, he feels a shift in the glass. When he lifts his thumb, he sees the shattered glass of the frame. The cracks originate over Scarlett before moving between her, Ives, and Iven, and Valerius with Angelette. After examining the photo, Valerius places it back on the desk.

“Once my wife is caught, please be sure to send her to the re-education facility. Make sure she’s sent to the one under the barn.”

“Yes, my lord.” The servant briefly looks at the frame before directing his gaze toward Valerius. “Is there anything else you need?”

“No.” As the servant turns to leave, reaching for the door, Valerius speaks up. “Ah, actually. How are my kids? Are they doing well?”

“My lord?”

“My kids. I want an update on my children.”

“I . . . uh. Well, that wasn’t included in the report . . .”

Valerius sighs before standing up. He looks out the window over the vast landscape of his modern city.

“If you are going to give reports to me, you must understand where my children are and what they are doing. After all, one of them will take my place, and they must be prepared. Do you understand?”

“Yes, my lord. Would you like me to grab the report about your children?”

“I expect everyone to get it right the second time. Guards!”

Two guards enter the room, guns displayed prominently on their waists, looking as if they have never been used. They approach, wands ready in their hands.

“Take this individual to a re-education facility so he can learn his place.”

“Yes, my lord!” the guards say in unison, dragging the servant away.

Valerius looks down at his watch.

“Would you look at the time? Angelette will be getting out of school soon. I should head over and pick her up,” Valerius says, picking up his bag and walking out the door.

~~~~~~~

From The Betrayal by Heather Ogden. Copyright © 2025 by the author and reprinted by permission.

The Betrayal by Heather Ogden was published today October 7 2025 by Morgan James YA Fiction and is available from all good booksellers, including