Chapter 214

Lucas suggested I try to go to sleep again, but the turbulence from my nightmare lingered. I was still unsettled, and I refused to return to whatever dream I had just escaped from.

Instead, I decided to distract myself by staring out the small window, allowing the scenery around me to take my mind off of things.

The plane had lowered in the sky, and now instead of clouds, I was able to see a breathtaking scene. There was a large expanse of water surrounded by lush greenery and majestic mountains covered in thick, dense forests.

Some parts of it reminded me of the place Lucas and I called home, but I knew we were much farther away than that.

The sight left me in awe and strangely comforted me, allowing me to relax.

However, every so often, my thoughts would remind me that our arrival was near and that the peace wouldn't last.

"We'll be landing soon," Kendrick said across from Lucas and I. There was a coffee mug in his hand that had probably gone cold by now. "Once we land, I've been instructed that a royal escort will take us to the portal that leads to the Ethereal Palace."

"Where is the portal?" Lucas questioned.

"I've been told the location is unknown," Kendrick spoke. "I'm assuming it's somewhere in the forest. A place that would be hard for others to find. It's also most likely locked by certain spells to ward off strangers."

My ears perked up at this information.

"How do they keep people from finding the portal?" I asked. "What if someone was invited to the palace, but they had ill intentions and only wanted to discover where to enter the Ethereal Palace?"

"Our memories of the portal will most likely be erased once we arrive at the palace." Kendrick's gaze met mine, his tone measured. "No one is allowed to know where the portal is... except for a select few, trusted individuals."

The implications of such magical safeguards intrigued me, leaving me with more questions than answers.

"So, they're going to wipe our memories?" Lucas questioned, his brow furrowed in disbelief. "And we're just supposed to let them?"

Kendrick nodded, unfazed by the skepticism. "It's a standard procedure to protect the secrecy of the portal. You won't even realize it's happening. The memories related to the portal will be selectively removed, leaving the rest of your experiences intact."

Lucas exchanged a glance with me, and I could sense his unease. The concept of having one's memories altered so easily seemed concerning.

"There is no other option," Kendrick said firmly. "We must respect the Alpha King at all costs. If this is what he asks, we oblige."

As the realization sank in, a subtle tension filled the air within the jet's cabin.

This journey seemed to have an additional layer of complexity now.

Soon, the wheels of the jet touched down with a gentle thud. I watched out the window as our speed slowly decreased. Trees passed by in a blur until suddenly, everything was still.

"We're here," Lucas said, unfastening his seatbelt.

I followed his lead, nervously glancing across the aisle to Kendrick, who was already watching me.

"As we exit the jet, I want all eyes on Shana. That means, focus your protection on her first." Kendrick's instructions were clear and unexpected.

He was ensuring that I would get out of this jet safely. It was an almost comforting gesture from someone who had often shown the opposite.

I glanced at Lucas, and his subtle nod confirmed that even he agreed with his father on the matter. It made me wonder if the two of them had exchanged some words in the short amount of time that I had slept.

I fully expected Kendrick to give his son some kind of laydown or plan during our time at the palace.

What would they do when I was preoccupied? The uncertainty tugged at the edges of my anticipation, casting a shadow over my thoughts.

I was instructed to step off the jet first, and as I did I was flanked by security guards.

"Is this really necessary?" I asked Kendrick over my shoulder, slightly feeling overwhelmed by their presence. However, a small part of me was reassured that I was being guarded in case anything were to happen.

"It's necessary, and I won't be arguing with you on the matter." Kendrick stood back, keeping his head held high.

The guards directed me out of the jet and I took the steps down one by one.

Kendrick's voice cut through the air, directing the security detail to keep a vigilant eye on me above all else.

I felt an odd sense of protection, an acknowledgment that, for this moment, their duty was solely focused on safeguarding me.

Kendrick's kindness also confused me, but I didn't want to question it. I was going to embrace it for as long as it lasted.

At the bottom of the stairs, there was a man dressed in fine clothing. It was unlike anything I had seen before; velvet tunic, medallions, and tall black boots. Behind him was, assumably, the chauffeur; wearing a sleek tuxedo with white gloves.

I immediately knew they must be from the Ethereal Palace.

The man dressed in finer clothes stood beside a waiting black limousine, his expression completely blank as he took me in.

Nervously, I approached the two of them with the guards around me.

"Hello," the man in velvet greeted me in a thick accent. "My name is Liam. I am the king's aide.You must be..."

"I'm Shana," I said in a confident voice, pulling my shoulders back slightly. "It's nice to meet you."

Liam looked me up and down slowly, and I could see the wheels in his head turning. I knew I was probably not what he expected when he thought of what the White Wolf would look like.

I found it a little odd that the king would only send his aide. Where were the guards or knights? Besides the chauffeur, Liam was here alone.

"Pleasure to meet you. We have been awaiting your arrival." Liam looked behind me, probably noticing Kendrick and Lucas. "Which one of you did I briefly speak to about travel arrangements?"

"That was me," Kendrick said stepping forward.

Liam nodded and gestured to the limousine beside him. "We will need to travel to the portal. It is a short ride."

"Very well," Kendrick continued, looking at me. "After you, Shana."

The chauffeur dressed impeccably in black, his white-gloved hands held the door open for me in a professional manner.

"Good evening, Miss Shana," he greeted me with a nod and a courteous smile, his demeanor exuding formality. He too had a thick accent just like Liam.

I acknowledged him with a polite smile in return.

Before I could enter the limousine, the security detail stopped me to tell me that he would inspect the inside, ensuring the safety of the space.

I was slightly taken aback but allowed him to look. Once he determined that it was safe, I was allowed to step into the limo.

The door closed behind me with a soft thud.

The journey to the palace had officially begun.