"I didn't want to tell you this to worry you," Lucas began, his voice laced with concern. "But there's more to the story."James leaned forward, his curiosity intensifying as he absorbed the new information. "Tell us, Lucas. What happened to the boy when he turned into a... monster? And what does that even mean? What kind of monster are we talking about here?"Lucas sighed, grappling with how to articulate the bizarre tale. "I'm not too sure, guys. But from the way Professor Black was explaining it, it sounded as if the boy transformed into something otherworldly—something completely beyond our comprehension."James sought further details, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration. "How long ago did this happen?"Lucas scratched his head, struggling to recall the specifics of the story. "I'm not sure. I didn't have much time to speak with Professor Black. He gave me the basics details, and then I had to rush to make it to hockey practice."With a hint of trepidation, I ventured, "The wol
My conversation with Lucas and James stayed on my mind for the rest of the week.I couldn't get any of it out of my head, and I felt bad for acting strange around Lucas when he tried to hold my hand or keep me close to him.A part of me just felt like he wasn't telling me the whole story with what the Professor had revealed to him. The timing around everything didn't seem right.It had all happened so fast, and I could only ask myself why that was.The one question that kept making its way into my mind was: Did Lucas only confess his feelings to me because he realized that my being wolfless meant that it would shorten our time together?The thought made me tear up as I waited to watch the Dragons at hockey practice. Most of the boys were in the locker room, getting ready as I sat on the bleachers."Shana, hey!" I heard a voice call me.I turned to see James approaching. I tried to blink away my sadness and gave him a tight, bright smile."Hey!"But James could see right through my fak
Agonizing screams tore through the air, coming from deep within my chest.I had never experienced pain like this before.The pain was relentless, sharp, and unforgiving, a sensation that felt like I was being torn apart from the inside.With every move I made, it felt like I was being tortured.I struggled to make sense of the sensations that took over me. I had no idea what was happening.Amid the chaos and confusion, I could hear Lucas's voice reach my ears, but the words made no sense. It was a bundle of incoherent meanings, almost as if I had gone deaf.As I felt this sudden shift within me, my perception of reality underwent a profound, severe transformation. My ears rang with a piercing high-pitched tone, drowning out all other sounds. I squinted my eyes, trying to steal myself from the agony.When that didn't help, I opened my eyes in a panic. My vision shifted dramatically, transforming the world around me into a surreal strange world of vivid colors and intoxicating scents. E
After Grandma Jo gave me a clean pair of clothes, I went inside to put them on.My body still trembled with the aftermath of the unexpected shift as I made my way into the living room.Grandma Jo and Lucas sat on the couch, their heads huddled together. Their voices lowered to hushed whispers when they saw me finally approaching.The sight of them sharing such a serious conversation about me sent a shiver down my spine. I didn't know what they were both thinking and quite frankly, I was still terrified by what had just occurred.I couldn't help but ask aloud, my voice carrying a mix of curiosity and concern, "What's wrong?"Grandma Jo exchanged a meaningful glance with Lucas before she began to speak. Her eyes, usually warm and comforting, now held a hint of apprehension."Shana, have you ever heard of the legend of the white wolf?"The legend of the white wolf?I furrowed my brow, racking my brain for any recollection of the tales I might have heard in my childhood.And then it hit m
Grandma Jo excused herself to go to bed, claiming that she felt like she needed to lie down. I wanted to share those same feelings with her. I desperately needed to lie down and close my eyes to take a break from reality. But I was afraid I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing what I did now. Also, Lucas had asked to speak with me in his bedroom privately. I supposed that whatever he wanted to say, Grandma Jo didn't need to hear. I settled down on Lucas's soft bed as he closed the door behind him. His eyes bore into mine, a mixture of awe, confusion, and disbelief. It was as if he still couldn't fully fathom the reality of what had just transpired in the past hour. To be honest, I couldn't blame him— I felt like a stranger in my own skin. Outwardly, I was trying to appear as if everything was fine and normal. But on the inside, it felt as if something foreign had fundamentally altered the very essence of my biology. I didn't even feel like myself anymore. Lucas kept st
Lucas POVShana encouraged me to text Professor Black as soon as possible. I knew it was midnight, and Shana had just shifted, but I texted him anyway.Immediately after I had sent the message to him, I anxiously awaited his response. Fortunately, he didn't make us wait long.I was surprised he was up at this hour, but he wrote back saying that he would clear his schedule, recognizing the urgency in my words. He invited Shana and me to his office tomorrow morning on the community campus.I told Shana to try to get a good night's sleep because we had a big day ahead of us tomorrow."Honestly, I don't know if I'll be able to sleep tonight," Shana confessed, keeping herself planted on my bed."You say that now, but I don't think you realize how exhausted you truly are." I studied her. "Do you feel sore?"She nodded. "All over.""Once you lay your head down on your pillow, sleep will take over. You need to rest."She groaned and sighed at the same time, rising from my bed. "I guess you're
"Who is it?" I asked Lucas who was staring down at his buzzing phone.His head snapped over toward me as if he had remembered that I was sitting there with him. He hid his phone from me on his lap."It's nobody."But the phone continued its persistent buzz as someone called Lucas's phone. Each vibration was a reminder of the person's growing impatience.I thought of the only person on this planet who would bother Lucas this much without a care in the world.Kendrick."Is it your dad?" I asked Lucas again carefully.When he didn't answer, I flicked my eyes over in his direction.He looked at me with a straight expression, trying to conceal his true feelings."Aren't you going to answer that?" I questioned.I couldn't help but wonder what had prompted this sudden interest. Why was Kendrick calling Lucas?"No, I'm too busy to talk to him right now," Lucas said plainly. "He can wait."I wanted to ask him more questions, but I could tell that he was growing annoyed. I didn't press him any
The professor's intense gaze remained fixed on me as if trying to fathom the depths of my experience.I wondered if he had a wolf himself. Was there any part of my history he could relate to?He leaned forward slightly, his voice soft but probing, "Shana, how do you feel after the shift?"I hesitated, unsure of how to put into words all the profound changes I had felt and endured.My gaze shifted to Lucas, seeking his encouragement. His hand immediately found mine, his fingers intertwining with mine in a comforting gesture that reminded me he didn't view me as a monster.He squeezed my hand as if urging me to speak."I... I feel different," I finally admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "It's hard to explain. There's a strength, a power that surges through me. But it's also a frightening feeling... like I've tapped into something I can't fully control."Lucas nodded in support. "When Shana shifted, I tried to help her gain some kind of control, but she wasn't able to hear my alp
TWO MONTHS LATERThe sun cast a warm glow over the royal gardens of the Ethereal Palace as Lucas and I stood across from each other, ready to exchange our vows in front of our closest friends and family.Grandma Jo, Victoria, and James stood by our sides, along with King Alex, Professor Black, and Liam. Alex actually insisted on officiating our wedding which took some convincing. Lucas wasn't too keen on the idea."Imagine being able to tell people that the Alpha King was the one who married you two," Alex had said, wiggling his eyebrows at Lucas. "Doesn't that make for a good story?"Lucas rolled his eyes playfully. "Yeah, a story we'd have to explain for the rest of our lives. No thanks."I chuckled, patting Alex on the shoulder. "I think it's a fantastic idea, Your Majesty."Alex grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I know, isn't it? I do love a good story. Perhaps I'll write a book about it."Lucas shot me a sideways glance, a playful glint in his eye. "I don't know about y
I had the brilliant idea of surprising Lucas will all the new skills I had learned.I'd been so busy study, that I was always too tired when I got home.Showing him the magic I had learned was the best way for me to show him just how much I had grown. With a quick spell and a flick of my wrist, I conjured a portal right in our living room, ready to transport myself back home.As I stepped through the portal, the familiar rush of energy enveloped me, and with a flourish, I emerged in our cozy living room."Lucas?" I called out, unable to contain my excitement.Lucas, who had been engrossed in studying for his upcoming exams, jumped in surprise at the sound of my voice. "Shana? What... How did you... What's going on?"I couldn't help but laugh at his bewildered expression. "Surprise!" I exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.His eyes widened in disbelief as he took in the sight of me standing there, a portal shimmering behind me. "Shana, that's incredible! How did you do that?""I've been
Studying the ancient text of the White Wolf book became my daily ritual.With each passing day, I delved deeper into its pages, absorbing the knowledge and wisdom it held within.When I had told Lucas that the book was finally unlocked, he was ecstatic, and recommended that Professor Black teach me more.Thanks to Lucas, Professor Black had become somewhat of a teacher, helping me decipher the intricate spells and teachings hidden within its ancient script.Even though he couldn't see the pages himself, I practiced rewriting and retracing everything for him to the best of my ability so that he could help me."Professor Black, I need your help with this passage," I'd say, flipping through the pages of the book as he leaned in to listen attentively. Together, we would dissect the ancient text, discussing its implications and applications in our world.His involvement in my studies caused him to visit the palace much more frequently.Alex quickly recognized the value of having Professor
I stood before the locked White Wolf book, a sense of determination washed over me.This was the moment I had been waiting for—a chance to unlock the secrets hidden within its pages and delve into the mysteries of my life.This book had the ability to tell me more about who I was and what I was meant to do.Suddenly, all the trials and tribulations that I had been through in the past year felt worth it for this moment. I deserved this. I deserved to know who I was.With Alex by my side, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. This was no ordinary book—it held the key to unlocking my true potential as the chosen White Wolf."Are you ready?" Alex asked, his voice filled with anticipation.I nodded, my heart pounding with excitement."You've got this, Shana," he said, his voice filled with confidence. "You were born for this moment.""Let's do this."With a steady hand, Alex pricked his finger, drawing a small drop of blood. I did the same, allowing a single tear to f
As I stepped into the grand halls of the palace, I couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation swirling within me.King Alexander had called me here, promising a surprise, and I couldn't help but wonder what it could be.It wasn't unusual for him to call me to the palace, but what he had said over the phone had me nervous."Liam's going to come pick you up to take you to the palace. I have a huge surprise for you," he had said."I hate surprises," I replied, already starting to chew on my bottom lip."Too bad," Alex said and I could practically see the smile that was on his lips. "See you soon!"As I awaited Liam's arrival, my mind raced with nervousness.Surprises were not my forte, especially when they involved King Alexander.He was a wild card and always seemed to be up to no good.Yet, despite my apprehension and hesitation, there was a flicker of excitement building within me.What could Alex have planned for me that needed to be such a secret?When Liam finally arrived, I couldn
A FEW MONTHS LATERThe warm breeze brushed against my skin as I made my way through the palace gardens, the vibrant colors of the flowers blooming all around me.Even though Alex had called the royal gardens overrated, it was my favorite place here.I always found myself walking through the rows and bushes of flowers.It had been a few months since the tumultuous events that had changed the course of our lives, and yet, the memories still felt fresh in my mind.Despite not moving into the palace, I found myself spending more and more time there, drawn by the sense of duty and responsibility that now rested on my shoulders.As King Alexander's right hand, along with Liam, I had taken on a new role within the kingdom, providing support and guidance to the young monarch as he navigated the challenges of ruling a kingdom.The transition hadn't been easy, but together, we had managed to weather the storm, leaning on each other for support as we forged ahead.As White Wolf, I commanded a le
I rushed through the hospital corridors, my heart pounding in my chest as I navigated my way to the room where Lucas and Kendrick were.The sound of my footsteps echoed off the sterile walls, each step bringing me closer to the moment I had been anxiously awaiting.Finally, I reached the door and pushed it open, stepping inside to find Lucas sitting beside his father's bed.Relief flooded through me as I saw Kendrick. His eyes were closed, but I could tell that he was just asleep and not completely unconscious as the machines beeped steadily."Lucas, I'm here," I said softly, crossing the room to stand beside him. "I got your text. How's he doing?"Lucas looked up at me, a grateful smile spreading across his face as he stood up. "Shana? What are you doing here?""What do you mean?" I asked with a frown. "I had to come as soon as I could once I found out he was awake. Are you okay?""I'm so glad you're here," he replied, his voice filled with emotion. He pulled me into a hug and I sque
LUCAS POV "Graduation is almost here and I want to go to Hawking University to play hockey. It's what I've always wanted," I continued, hoping my father could finally understand things from my point of view.But my father's expression darkened, a shadow of disappointment crossing his features as he shook his head slowly."Lucas, I've spent my life building this company," he said, his voice tinged with frustration. "I thought I could count on you to carry on the legacy."I couldn't help feeling a surge of guilt wash over me as I struggled to find the right words to express my feelings."I appreciate your confidence in me, father," I replied, my voice trembling slightly. "It's been difficult navigating everything since you've been gone, but I feel as though I was able to handle it because of everything you've taught me. But having this experience, I'm not sure if I'm fully ready to commit to such a big responsibility."My father listened as I poured out my heart, his expression unreada
LUCAS POV My phone rang with an unfamiliar number, and my heart skipped a beat as I answered it, the anticipation clawing at the edges of my mind.I had gotten used to answering unknown callers over the past few weeks ever since I took over the business for my father. He got far more calls than I imagined, and many of them were scammers trying to steal information from him.I was already exhausted, ready to go home for the day. I didn't want to deal with any more problems today, and that included talking to a stranger on the phone that just wanted to play games with me."Hello?" I said, my voice tight with apprehension."L-Lucas?" came the hesitant voice on the other end of the line. The voice cleared. "Hello, is this Lucas Busch?""This is he," I replied, ready to give this person a piece of my mind. "Is there something I can help you with?""Yes, I'm your father's doctor and I have some news to share with you."I stilled, hearing the words, hoping that it wasn't a prank.My father