Chapter 243

As we sat together in Lucas's chamber, the weight of our conversation pressed down upon me.

I couldn't help but feel unease about the future.

The locked White Wolf book loomed large in my mind, its secrets still whispering in my mind.

"There is one more thing we haven't discussed," I told Lucas. "The book."

"The locked one Prince Alexander showed you in the secret room?" he questioned.

I nodded. "Yes. I feel like we need to get our hands on that book. What do you think about it?" I asked, my voice tentative as I broached the subject that had been weighing heavily on my mind.

Lucas's brow furrowed in thought, his gaze distant as he contemplated my question. "I think it belongs to you, Shana," he replied, his voice tinged with certainty. "You're the White Wolf, and whatever secrets that book holds, they're meant for you."

His words struck a chord within me, confirming the suspicions that had been lingering at the back of my mind. "Why do you think it's in Prince Alexander's hidden room? And why do you think he trusted me enough to reveal it to me?"

"I don't know, Shana... Maybe, it's a test to see if you'll do something with it. Or maybe, he actually trusts you and wants your help to open it."

I listened intently to Lucas's thoughts, his words weaving a tapestry of uncertainty and possibility in my mind.

The idea that Prince Alexander might be testing me, or perhaps seeking my help, both intrigued and unsettled me.

"It's hard to say," I admitted, my voice soft as I mulled over Lucas's words. "But I can't shake the feeling that there's more to that book than meets the eye. We need to find out what secrets it holds."

Lucas nodded in agreement, his expression serious as he considered our next move. "Okay then... I might have a plan then."

"A plan?" I questioned. "For what?"

"The book," Lucas clarified. "During the ball tomorrow night, I'll steal the book."

My eyes widened at Lucas's declaration, a mixture of surprise and apprehension flooding through me

"Steal the book?" I echoed, the words feeling heavy on my tongue. "But how? And what if you get caught?"

Lucas's expression softened, his gaze meeting mine.

"I've been thinking about it," he explained, his voice steady despite the gravity of our conversation. "And I think I have a way. While everyone's attention is elsewhere, I'll slip away and find the secret room."

The thought of Lucas risking himself to retrieve the book sent a shiver down my spine, but I knew that the ball offered the perfect change to take the book.

And if Lucas believed it belonged to me, then I didn't want anyone else to have it. I needed to discover more about who I was. I needed to know the truth of what I am.

"But what about me?" I asked, my voice tinged with nervousness. "What should I do?"

Lucas reached out, gently taking my hand in his as he met my gaze with unwavering resolve.

"You'll keep Prince Alexander occupied," he replied, his voice filled with assurance. "Engage him in conversation, dance with him if you have to. Just make sure he doesn't suspect anything."

"I don't know Lucas..." I bit my lip, feeling nervous. "How are you sure that you'll get by undetected?"

Lucas's eyes softened with understanding as he listened to my concerns, his expression thoughtful.

"Shana, do you know how many tours I've been on since we've been here? I practically have a map of the entire castle in my head."

Lucas's words offered a glimmer of reassurance, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of hope at his confidence. "You do?" I asked, a hint of surprise lacing my voice.

He nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Yeah," he replied, his tone tinged with determination. "I've been paying attention to the castle's layout, studying every nook and cranny. I know the best routes to take to avoid detection."

"I'll find a way," he assured me, his voice calm and determined.

I couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope at Lucas's confidence, yet the nagging sense of apprehension still lingered within me. "And what if someone sees you?" I pressed, the worry evident in my voice.

Lucas's gave me a reassuring smile.

"I'll just pretend like I'm a drunk, lost party-goer," he said. "They'll have to believe that. There's probably going to be so many people in attendance, and I know there will be alcohol involved."

"That might work," I admitted, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "With all the festivities and distractions, hopefully, no one will pay too much attention."

His smile widened at my response, a sense of determination shining in his eyes. "Exactly," he agreed, his voice filled with confidence. "And besides, I've had plenty of practice at blending in when I need to."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as I began to believe in the feasibility of our plan.

"I'll be careful," he promised, his tone firm with resolve. "I won't take any unnecessary risks."

I nodded, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. "Okay," I said, determination mingling with trepidation in my voice. "I trust you, Lucas. Just... please be careful."

Lucas reached out, gently cupping my face in his hands. "I will. Don't you worry," he vowed, his eyes filled with a fierce determination. "I promise. The one who needs to be careful is you."

"Me?" I questioned with a frown. "But why?"

"This ball is for you. In celebration of you. I can't imagine that the King would share such vital news with the entire nation, but you're still at risk."

I nodded, agreeing with Lucas's fears. I had to remain on high alert just as much as he did.

"And as for Prince Alexander..." Lucas's voice trailed off, his expression hardening with determination. "I don't trust him, Shana. Not after what he did to you."

His words stirred a familiar sense of unease within me, the memory of Prince Alexander's betrayal still haunting my thoughts. "I understand," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know if I trust him either."

Lucas reached out, gently taking my hand in his, a gesture of comfort amidst the uncertainty that surrounded us. "We'll watch each other's backs," he promised, his voice filled with conviction. "And if Prince Alexander tries anything, we'll be ready."

"I don't think the Prince will try anything..."

"Well, if anyone tries anything..." Lucas squeezed my hand. "Just be safe. We just have to get through one more day, and then we're back to normal."

The word normal sounded strange coming from Lucas's lips. Nothing about my life was normal anymore.

"I hope nobody tries anything," I replied, my voice laced with uncertainty. "Once you get the book, go hide somewhere safe."

Lucas nodded. "Don't worry about me. I'll be perfectly fine. I'll get the book and sneak out safely and undisturbed."

I squeezed his hand, solidifying my trust in him.

However, despite my best efforts, I couldn't shake the feeling that danger was lurking... just waiting to strike.