Chapter 257

Lucas glanced around the room before answering, his expression thoughtful. "It's in my bag. I didn't want to leave it unattended, especially after hearing what Professor Black had to say."

I nodded, understanding his cautious approach. "We'll have to be extra careful with it until we can return it to the palace."

Lucas reached for his bag, unzipping it carefully and retrieving the book from within. Its weight felt heavy in my hands as he passed it to me, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding as I held it.

"We should keep it somewhere safe until tomorrow," Lucas suggested, his eyes scanning the room for a suitable hiding spot.

I followed his gaze, my mind racing with possibilities. "What about the attic? It's not a place anyone would think to look."

Lucas nodded in agreement, his expression determined. "Good idea. Let's go."

Together, we made our way up the creaky stairs to the attic, the air heavy with dust and memories. We found a secluded corner and carefully placed the book out of sight, hidden among old trunks and forgotten treasures.

"There," Lucas said, stepping back to survey our handiwork. "That should keep it safe until tomorrow."

I let out a sigh of relief, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders now that the book was out of sight and out of mind. "Thank you, Lucas. God, Professor Black had me worried for a second."

"I know," Lucas agreed with a shake of his head. "I would've never thought that the book could potentially be harmful to us. It is technically yours, after all."

"Yeah," I replied, rubbing my temples as I tried to process everything. "It's just... unsettling to think about what might be lurking within those pages."

Lucas nodded in agreement, his expression mirroring my unease. "Well, at least we know what we need to do now. And hey, tomorrow's a new day. You'll start your training, and we'll get that book back where it belongs."

I managed a weak smile, grateful for Lucas's unwavering support. "Yeah, you're right. Tomorrow, we'll get it back to the palace and we won't have to worry about it anymore."

The last bell of the school day rang the next day, signaling the end of classes.

My heart raced as I gathered my books, knowing that today was the day Liam would arrive to take me for training.

I tried to push aside my nerves as I made my way to the school gates, where Liam had promised to meet me.

Sure enough, as I stepped outside, I spotted Liam waiting patiently by the entrance, his expression unreadable.

He seemed to be wearing some kind of disguise as he waited for me, perhaps trying to camouflage himself amongst the other students.

However, his plan to disguise himself didn't seem to work out too well. His presence still commanded the attention of everyone around him, yet he remained focused solely on me as I approached him.

"That's an interesting... outfit," I said when I approached him, noting his dark wash jeans and fitted graphic tee shirt.

It was strange seeing Liam in clothes like this when I had only seen him dressed in fine clothes at the palace.

Liam glanced down at his attire, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "I thought I'd try blending in a bit more, but I suppose my efforts were in vain."

I couldn't help but chuckle at his attempt to appear inconspicuous. "Nice try, but I don't think anyone's buying it."

He shrugged a glint of amusement in his eyes. "It doesn't matter. We'll be leaving now. Are you ready?"

I hesitated for a moment, glancing back at the school building, feeling a pang of uncertainty. "I... I guess so."

Liam's gaze softened, sensing my hesitation. "I know this is all new to you, but trust me, it's for the best. We need to prepare you for what's to come."

I nodded, swallowing back my doubts. "Okay..."

Without another word, Liam gestured for me to follow him. I had been so distracted by his attire that I hadn't noticed the limousine behind him. No wonder everyone at the school was curious as to who he was.

"Liam," I scolded once I got inside the vehicle. "Why would you arrive in a limo?! Everyone will know something is up!"

"You're right." Liam's accent was thick. "I suppose subtlety isn't exactly my strong suit."

He settled into the seat across from me, his demeanor shifting to a more serious tone. "But in all seriousness, Shana, our priority is your safety. We can't afford to take any risks, especially with what's at stake."

I sighed, understanding his reasoning even if I still found it a bit excessive. "I get it, Liam. I just wish things could be a little less... conspicuous. Next time, we can meet at Grandma Jo's house where fewer people will see."

"I understand," Liam replied, his tone sympathetic. "But sometimes, in our world, discretion is a luxury we can't always afford."

As the limousine started moving, I couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension that gnawed at the edges of my mind. The thought of stepping into a portal and leaving everything I knew behind filled me with a sense of uncertainty.

But as I glanced at Liam, his expression steady and unwavering, I found a flicker of reassurance.

We made our way through the bustling streets of the town, the anticipation building.

My mind raced with questions, doubts, and fears, but I pushed them aside, focusing on the task at hand.

My phone vibrated in my lap and I went to see what the notification was.

Lucas had texted me: Pictures of you being picked up by Liam are already flooding the school group chats. Don't worry. I'll take them down. Be safe, and I'll see you later.

Great, I thought, not surprised the school had seen me leave with Liam.

I sent Lucas a reply: Thank you. I'll try... I'm a bit nervous.

Liam: Don't be nervous. You'll be excellent.

Liam: Do you... have the book?

At the mention of the locked book, I glanced up at Liam nervously.

However, he wasn't paying me any attention. Instead, he was talking to the driver... probably making sure that he was taking us to the right location.

Shana: Yes, the book is in my backpack.

Liam: Good. Be safe when you're returning it. Text me if you can.

I sent him a quick text goodbye, anxiety spiking my thoughts about the book.

Eventually, we arrived at a secluded spot on the outskirts of town. There was a forest of trees around us and I wondered why Liam had picked this spot.

I exited the car and Liam rushed me into the woods.

He began to speak strange words into the quiet and a shimmering portal appeared before my eyes.

The air crackled with magic, sending shivers down my spine as I gazed into its depths.

"Through here," Liam said, his voice tinged with urgency. "It might be a bit painful, but trust me, you'll get used to it."

I took a deep breath, bracing myself for what was to come, and stepped through the portal.