Chapter 226

Alex's words sent a shiver down my spine. The weight of the responsibility he placed on me felt immense. Suddenly, everything felt like too much.

Opening a magical book with a spell on it wasn't something I had ever imagined doing, let alone being the key to unlocking its secrets.

"I don't even know where to begin," I admitted, feeling a mix of apprehension and curiosity.

Alex reached out, placing a hand on my shoulder. "I think I know how you can open it."

"Really?" I questioned, feeling a flutter in the center of my stomach. "What?"

"Wait here," Alex said, walking to his office desk. He pulled out a drawer and took out a shiny, silver object. Upon further inspection, I noticed that he was holding a small knife with intricate carvings on it.

"A knife?" I asked, starting to grow a bit nervous. How was that supposed to help?

"In order to open the book, we'll need your blood," Alex explained, rushing toward me with the blade.

I jumped back in fear. "You're not cutting me open!"

"I'm sorry, Shana. But I need to know what's inside that book."

In my nightmare, Alex leaped forward, stabbing my palm.

I shot up in bed, covered in sweat with a panting chest.

It was just a dream. A nightmare.

I had to calm my breathing by repeating this over and over again.

The vividness of the dream clung to my thoughts, and I couldn't shake the unsettling feeling it left behind.

As I took deep breaths, the room's familiar features gradually replaced the haunting images of the nightmare.

I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, my hands trembling slightly.

The weight of the upcoming day and the mysterious book hung in the air, leaving me with a lingering sense of unease.

As I gathered my composure, I couldn't help but wonder if the dream held a deeper meaning, a warning perhaps, about the complexities and dangers that awaited me in the Ethereal Palace.

This was the second nightmare I had had in the past week, and I didn't think it was a coincidence.

Looking around my room, everything still felt foreign to me. The events of the previous night lingered in my mind.

Prince Alexander, or rather Alex, had shown me a side of the palace that most would never see. A secret room with secrets hidden within.

He trusted me, his actions showed as much.

But as I gazed at the unfamiliar surroundings, I couldn't shake the uncertainty about his true intentions. How did I know that I could trust him?

I wished that I could speak to Lucas and voice all my concerns. He was often my voice of reason, and I needed a second opinion.

What would Lucas think of the secret room with the locked book? Was it worth trying to open?

I sighed, plopping back down onto my large bed.

The day ahead held a mix of nervousness and anticipation.

I knew I would have to spend time alone with the Alpha King. He mentioned wanting to meet two hours after dawn with Alex. Looking out the window now, I saw that the time was steadily approaching.

The prospect left me feeling vulnerable.

The friendly demeanor Alex displayed last night made me question whether I could truly trust him. I felt as though I had a good judge of character on these things, but with Alex, I couldn't tell.

Although, I'm not sure why he would have any reason to lie to me. A small part of me though that he was just looking for a friend. He seemed... lonely.

A knock echoed through the room, and before I could respond, Miriam, my maid, entered the room promptly.

"Oh, Miss Shana, you're awake!" she said in a surprised tone.

I sat up from my bed, raising my brow.

"I'll draw you a warm bath and bring you fresh towels and clothes to wear for the day." Miriam wasted no time in walking to the bathroom en suite connected to my bedroom.

I followed after her quickly. "Oh, that's okay. I appreciate your kindness, but I brought my clothes for the trip."

Miriam, with an air of authority, dismissed my protest. "Your clothes are no good. What I have for you is much more appropriate for the White Wolf."

I hesitated, startled by the name she gave me.

White Wolf.

"No offense, Miriam, but I'm not sure if the clothes you'll have for me are appropriate either."

She gave me a blank look. "The clothes aren't mine. They're from the prince."

Of course, they were.

Not wanting to argue with Miriam anymore, I complied. She left the bathroom after filling the tub and I stepped into the warm water to clean myself.

When I emerged with a towel wrapped around me, I found a navy silk gown laid out on the bed. This must've been the 'clothing' that Miriam was referring to.

It was elegant, and flowing, and looked more suitable for an evening party than a casual daytime outing. Nonetheless, I put it on, my fingers grazing the smooth fabric.

I had to admit that Prince Alexander had good taste when it came to fashion. I just couldn't wrap my head around why he was giving me such nice gowns.

Miriam re-entered the room after a few minutes, her presence startling me.

"That's lovely, Miss Shana," she said, referring to my navy gown. "It looks excellent on you."

"Thank you," I said, looking down to avoid eye contact.

As nice as the dress was, I didn't feel like myself.

Miriam ordered me to take a seat at the vanity, and she began to help me with my hair and makeup. Slowly, she began to transform me into someone almost unrecognizable.

"All finished," Miriam said, handing me a mirror so that I could look at myself.

As I looked at my reflection, the doubts resurfaced. The Shana I saw in the mirror seemed a world away from the girl who had grown up as a wolfless freak.

"Wow, Miriam. Thank you. I look... unlike myself."

"Is that a compliment?" she questioned, and I turned so I could face her head-on.

I nodded. "Yes, I look like the White Wolf. Who I'm supposed to be."

Miriam bit her lip out of shyness and made direct eye contact with me. "You know they've been talking about you."

I stilled, raising a curious brow. "Talking about me? Who?" I asked a touch of concern in my voice.

Miriam hesitated, then admitted, "Many are curious about the White Wolf. Rumors spread quickly within these walls, especially when it concerns someone as mysterious as you."

The realization that I had become the subject of palace gossip unsettled me. I could only wonder about the tales being woven behind closed doors.

"I've already said too much," Miriam whispered under her breath, turning away from me before I could get a better answer.

However, I wasn't able to let the conversation go as easily as Miriam was. What had people in the palace walls been saying about me? And who specifically was talking?

I hadn't met many people here... were there people talking behind the scenes?

"We should go soon," Miriam said standing by the doorway. "It is almost exactly two hours past dawn."