Chapter 263

After school the next day, Lucas and I headed to Grandma Jo's house and settled in to wait for Liam's arrival.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehension gnawing at me, knowing that today marked my second training session with Prince Alexander

The unsettling memory of the mysterious man in the lab coat lingered in the back of my mind, casting a shadow over my excitement.

Lucas and I sat in the living room, trying to keep the atmosphere light despite the tension humming between us. Grandma Jo bustled around the kitchen, humming a tune as she prepared dinner, seemingly oblivious to the weight of the situation.

As the minutes ticked by, the anticipation grew heavier, and I found myself fidgeting with the hem of my shirt, my nerves getting the better of me.

Finally, a sound came from the backyard, and Lucas and I both rushed outside

Liam stood beside the portal he had created, waiting patiently for me. His expression was unreadable as he glanced up at our approach.

"Hello, Shana," Liam greeted me with a nod before turning his attention to Lucas. "Lucas."

"Hey Liam," Lucas replied curtly, his tone firm.

"Liam, we need to talk," I said, stepping forward to address him directly. "I don't feel comfortable going to training alone anymore."

Liam's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, I want Lucas to come with me," I stated firmly, meeting Liam's gaze head-on.

Liam's expression darkened, his frustration evident. "Shana, you know that's not possible. I've been tasked with bringing you to the palace for your training, and I can't deviate from my orders."

"But what if I refuse to go unless Lucas can come with me?" I countered, refusing to back down.

Liam sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Shana, you don't understand. My orders are to bring you to the palace no matter what. I can't make exceptions.

"Then I won't go," I declared, crossing my arms defiantly.

Lucas stood beside me, his jaw set in determination. "She means it, Liam. We're not budging on this. It's either the both of us goes, or neither of us."

Liam's expression softened slightly, a hint of sympathy in his eyes. "I understand your concerns, but I can't risk disobeying the King's orders. I'm sorry, Shana."

Feeling defeated, I let out a frustrated sigh, knowing that Liam wouldn't budge on this issue. Reluctantly, I nodded in resignation. "Fine. Let's go.

"Wait!" Liam said, stopping the two of us in our tracks. Liam looked frustrated as he ran a hand through his hair. "Okay, fine. I'll let the King make the decision. I can't show up today without you, Shana."

Hope sparked within me at Liam's words, but I remained cautiously optimistic. "You mean it?"

Liam nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, but I can't promise anything. The King's word is final."

Lucas's eyes widened in surprise, his gaze flickering between Liam and me. "Thank you, Liam. We appreciate it."

Without further ado, we continued toward the portal, our steps quickening with a newfound sense of hope. As we approached the shimmering gateway, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation coursing through me.

Stepping into the portal, we were enveloped in a whirlwind of light and energy, the sensation both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.

When we emerged on the other side, we found ourselves in the training room of the Ethereal Palace, its opulent surroundings a stark contrast to the mundane world we had just left behind.

Lucas had taken the portal travel harder than me, and his face was white as a sheet.

"Lucas?" I questioned, running toward him. "Are you okay?

He nodded, some of the color returning to his face. "I'm fine..."

"Well, well, well. What do we have hear?"

Prince Alexander's voice sounded as it echoed around the room. He was waiting for us, his expression unreadable as he greeted us. "Shana and Lover Boy... To what do I owe the pleasure of your company today?"

I glanced at Liam, who nodded in encouragement. Summoning all of my courage, I spoke up. "Alex, Lucas would like to accompany me for today's training session. Actually, he'd like to come to all of my trainings from here on out."

The Prince's brow furrowed in confusion, his gaze shifting between us. Although he was trying to act serious, I could tell that he was also holding back a smile. "Is that so? And why is that, may I ask?"

Lucas stepped forward, his voice steady. "I want to ensure Shana's safety, Your Highness. With all due respect, I believe it would be beneficial for both of us to train together."

"Ensure Shana's safety, hmm." The Prince hummed, tapping his index finger against his chin, fighting a smile. "Protect her from what danger, exactly? Surely not from me?"

My jaw dropped open at Alex's insinuation. Did he think Lucas wanted to join me for training because he was jealous of me spending time with the Prince?

That couldn't be further from the truth, but maybe it would be better for everyone if Alex thought that Lucas was only here to make sure he didn't make any moves on me.

Lucas's plea for joining the training session was met with an incredulous stare from Prince Alexander. "Lucas, my dear friend, are you suggesting I'm not capable of keeping our dear Shana safe?"

Lucas's eyes widened, clearly taken aback by the Prince's response. "Oh, no, Your Highness! I wouldn't dare suggest such a thing. It's just... well, you know how clumsy Shana can be."

"Hey!" I interjected, shooting Lucas a mock glare. "I'm standing right here, you know."

Prince Alexander's lips twitched with suppressed amusement.

"It's always good to have an extra pair of eyes watching out," Lucas continued. "Especially in a place as... dynamic as the palace."

The Prince's lips quirked into a half-smile, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Dynamic, indeed. Very well, Lucas. If you wish to accompany Shana, I see no reason to object."

I breathed a silent sigh of relief, grateful that the Prince had agreed without further protest. Maybe he had sensed my unease and decided to humor us, or perhaps he truly understood Lucas's intentions. Either way, I was grateful for his cooperation.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Lucas said, his voice sincere as he nodded respectfully.

"Call me Alex," The Prince ordered. "Now let's get started. Liam, I know how much you'd enjoy watching me get all hot and sweaty, but you're free to leave."

Liam scoffed, shooting me a glance that read "good luck," then left the room.

"I expect you to keep up, Lucas," Prince Alexander said over his shoulder. "Training with the White Wolf is no easy feat."

"I've trained with her before," Lucas replied confidently, his stance unwavering. "I'm not worried about my capabilities."

"Very well." With a nod of approval from the Prince, we began our training session. As we practiced various combat techniques under his watchful eye, I couldn't help but notice the door to the training room open.

The same strange man in the lab coat entered, lurking in the shadows once again.

His gaze was indeed strange, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for something. I couldn't shake the feeling that he was watching us, his presence unnerving.

"What's wrong?" Lucas whispered, noticing the tension in my posture as I glanced over at the man.

"Look," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "He's here."