Chapter 250

Lucas and I were only able to dance to one more song before Kendrick rushed over toward us.

"It's time to leave," he said with a stern expression. "The jet is ready for us."

I exchanged a glance with Lucas, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes before he nodded in understanding. As much as I wanted to stay in Lucas's arms and live in this little bubble between the two of us, I knew I didn't belong here.

I couldn't help feeling a sense of relief wash over me. The thought of returning to the familiarity of home was comforting.

It had felt like we were gone for so much longer than we actually were.

"Alright, let's go," I said, nodding to Kendrick.

We weaved through the crowd, making our way toward the royal family who was sat at their thrones near the front of the room. We needed to say our goodbyes and let the King know we were making our exit.

As we approached the royal family, I couldn't help but feel a pang of apprehension. Despite the short duration of our stay, the palace had left a lasting impression on me that I knew I would never forget.

The King and Queen greeted us with warm smiles, their regal presence commanding attention.

"Leaving so soon?" the King inquired, his tone laced with genuine curiosity. "The ball had only just started."

"Yes, unfortunately my jet is ready for us," Kendrick replied respectfully. "Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty."

The Queen nodded graciously. "It was our pleasure to have you here. Safe travels."

"Shana," the King said, eyeing me carefully. "I will be seeing you soon. There is much to prepare for and I look forward to it."

I nodded politely, feeling a surge of anticipation at the King's words. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I'll be ready."

As we were about to turn and leave, Prince Alexander appeared beside us. "You're leaving?" he questioned.

I gave him a simple nod.

"I'll escort you out with Liam," he announced, his voice carrying authority. "Liam's had a bit too much to drink anyway. He'll get lost on the way there."

"I'll have you know I am perfectly sober!" Liam said sternly from beside the Prince. "I can find my way around this castle just fine."

Prince Alexander chuckled, giving Liam a playful nudge. "Of course you are, Liam. But I'd like to see our guests out, shall we?"

Liam rolled his eyes but acquiesced, nodding in agreement. "Very well, Your Highness. Lead the way."

With that settled, Prince Alexander turned his attention back to us, a warm smile gracing his features. "This way."

We fell into step beside him as he led the way through the labyrinthine corridors of the palace.

Soon, we were led outside to where the same chauffer was waiting for us beside his limousine.

"Another mysterious ride?" I questioned, coming up to the door of the vehicle.

"Like we've mentioned previously, portal locations must remain a secret," Liam explained, gesturing for me to enter the limo first.

With a nod of gratitude, I slid into the leather seats of the limousine.

Everyone else entered after me, and before I could strap myself into the seat with my belt, we were off.

As the limousine pulled away from the palace, I couldn't help but stare out the window as we passed. It was beautiful in the nighttime, almost as lovely as it looked during the day.

Prince Alexander sat across from me, his demeanor calm and composed.

"I hope that you enjoyed your stay," he remarked, his voice carrying a hint of genuine interest. "Even though it was cut a bit short."

"It was certainly an experience," I replied, forcing a polite smile. "Thank you for having us."

"Yes," Kendrick butt in. "Thank you, Your Highness. We had an excellent stay."

Prince Alexander ignored Kendrick as he continued to stare at me.

"Our training begins soon," Alex said, looking to Liam briefly. "Liam will likely provide you with more details about the travel arrangements, but I must warn you, it will be quite taxing."

"Taxing?" I inquired, turning to Liam for clarification on the Prince's words.

"Yes, but there's no need to concern yourself with it at the moment, Shana," Liam reassured me with a casual shrug. "We'll delve into the specifics when the time is right."

My eyes shifted toward Lucas who was listening to the conversation intently, no doubt just as curious as I was.

I could tell he was itching to ask more questions, but he remained silent.

Prince Alexander, however, seemed to sense our shared curiosity.

"It's nothing to worry about for now," he interjected, his tone reassuring. "Just be prepared for some rigorous training once we begin."

I nodded, trying to suppress the flurry of questions bubbling up inside me.

Suddenly, the limousine stopped and we were ordered to exit. We had finally arrived to where the portal was.

Upon exiting the limousine, I caught sight of a large tree that seemed somewhat familiar to me, although I couldn't explain why.

Liam walked up to the tree and began to whisper something that I couldn't quite understand. The words he spoke were barely audible, his voice blending with the rustle of leaves and the soft whisper of the wind.

Something began to appear in the middle of the tree, and I realized it was the portal.

"Ladies first," Liam said over his shoulder, making direct eye contact with me.

I hesitated as I approached him, afraid of how the portal had left me feeling last time.

Although I couldn't fully remember the pain I experienced, all I could remember was that it was painful. It left my body and brain feeling a bit sore or unlike itself... as if I was stretching through time.

"Are you ready, Shana?" Liam asked, reaching out to grab my hand.

Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and nodded, summoning all the courage I could muster. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Before I walked through the portal, I turned around to look at the Prince who I knew wouldn't be going with us.

I felt a pang of sadness at the thought of parting ways. Even though I knew I would see him soon, a part of me believed that it would miss the Prince.

"Thank you for everything," I said, sincerity lacing my words. "Well, except for the part when you tried to poison me."

Alex rolled his eyes, unable to hold in his laugh. He shook his head with a smile, "Would you stop with the whole poisoning thing?"

"Unlikely," I smiled. "It was... quite the experience."

The Prince's expression remained unreadable, his gaze steady as he met mine. "That it was, Shana. It was my pleasure having you here, and I look forward to training with you soon. Take care of yourself, okay?"

I nodded, offering him a sincere smile. "I'll try as long as you do the same."

He nodded. "I'll be just fine. You're the one I'm worried about."

"Don't worry about me," I said, mirroring his cocky expression. "I'm the White Wolf, remember?"

With that, I turned and entered through the portal, gasping as the sensation of it took my breath away.