Lucas suggested I try to go to sleep again, but the turbulence from my nightmare lingered. I was still unsettled, and I refused to return to whatever dream I had just escaped from.Instead, I decided to distract myself by staring out the small window, allowing the scenery around me to take my mind off of things.The plane had lowered in the sky, and now instead of clouds, I was able to see a breathtaking scene. There was a large expanse of water surrounded by lush greenery and majestic mountains covered in thick, dense forests.Some parts of it reminded me of the place Lucas and I called home, but I knew we were much farther away than that.The sight left me in awe and strangely comforted me, allowing me to relax.However, every so often, my thoughts would remind me that our arrival was near and that the peace wouldn't last."We'll be landing soon," Kendrick said across from Lucas and I. There was a coffee mug in his hand that had probably gone cold by now. "Once we land, I've been in
The drive through the mystical forest toward the portal to the Ethereal Palace was a short journey just as Liam had mentioned.I was distracted by the lush greenery, towering trees, and the ambient sounds of nature created an otherworldly atmosphere. It looked like any other forest, but something about it felt different. The energy felt charged with something magical.I gazed out the window, absorbing the breathtaking scenery as everyone else talked in the limousine."Does the palace get many visitors?" Kendrick asked, keen to get some insight."Oh, no frequently," Liam said. "Unless the palace is having a celebration, we don't often allow visitors. It's quite difficult to get onto palace grounds as is. The king likes to prevent such things. After his travels, he values his alone time.""Sorry," Liam interrupted his thoughts, his tone taking on a curiosity. "I'm not sure if all of us have been properly acquainted. You're Kendrick, yes? And this man beside you is your son, Lucas?""Yes
The elegance of the castle's main foyer left me utterly breathless.Towering columns adorned with intricate carvings framed the entrance, and a sparkling chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a cascade of light across the polished marble floor.The air carried a subtle scent of history and magic, a heady mix that heightened the surreal experience.Behind me, I heard the footfalls of Lucas, Kendrick, and all of Kendrick's guards. When I turned to see all of their reactions to the castle, they looked around in awe.Lucas's eyes met mine, the light from the chandelier made his eyes appear even more blue."Crazy," he mouthed to me and I didn't know what else to say, so I nodded back."Yes, it's quite impressive," Liam drawled in a proud tone. "The Etheral Palace has stood for centuries, a testament to the enduring legacy of our realm.""It's magnificent," Kendrick noted, no lie hidden behind his words."The king has tried to make this place feel otherworldly, but also warm and comfort
The dress laid out on the bed was nothing short of elegant, its fabric whispering against my fingertips.I hesitated for a moment, the weight of the Alpha King's gesture lingering in the room.If this was his choice, I couldn't disrespect him, not in his palace.However, another part of me felt uncomfortable wearing something that he had picked out specifically for me.A discreet knock echoed in the room, jolting me from my thoughts. Miriam's voice, muffled through the thick wooden door, followed the knock. "Miss Shana? Are the accommodations to your liking?"The sudden interruption made me jump, and I hastily responded, "Uh- yes! Everything is fine. Thank you, Miriam.""Excellent. I will be just outside the door if you shall need me."The silence that ensued felt almost stifling. I waited a few beats before exhaling deeply.Now that I knew Miriam was lingering just beyond the door, a sense of surveillance crept in.I felt a bit suffocated as if I couldn't freely explore my room witho
The anticipation in the room was palpable, and the mention of the King joining us for dinner soon heightened my apprehension. I fidgeted with the fabric of my dress, trying to shake off the nerves."Liam, why aren't you joining us for dinner?" Kendrick inquired as Liam lingered by the door."I have matters to attend to, sir," Liam replied with a slight bow. "The King has requested my presence. I am certain that Prince Alexander will be here shortly to accompany you."What? I wondered to myself. Prince Alexander?With that, Liam exited, leaving us in the vast dining hall.The doors were guarded by stern-faced knights, their presence a reminder that this was not an ordinary dinner engagement. We were completely out of our element.Just outside, Kendrick's security team stood ready to protect us if need be.With Liam's absence, the three of us were locked in a room full of exquisite decor that exuded an air of magnificence. I couldn't help but feel like an outsider sitting in a world of
Prince Alexander's entrance was nothing short of commanding. His gaze immediately fixated on me, prompting everyone to rise from their seats.Unsure of the proper royal protocol, I bowed my head respectfully and uttered, "Your Highness."As I lifted my eyes, a flicker of amusement danced in the Prince's gaze.He was young, around my age, and undeniably handsome. I didn't want to lie and say he was hideous because he wasn't.His features were a stark contrast to Lucas– brown curly hair, pale skin, and the most striking green eyes I had ever seen. It resembled the trees that lay in the forest surrounding the Ethereal Palace.It was easy to see why he had a reputation with women. His features held a captivating allure that would be impossible for most people to resist."You're the White Wolf?" Prince Alexander inquired, his posh accent reminiscent of Liam's. "You're not quite what I expected."I felt my palms sweat and across the table, I noticed Lucas's jaw tense at the Prince's words.
I knew that I should've felt intimidated by Prince Alexander, but something about him made me feel at ease. His casual charm and youthfulness surprised me.He was the complete opposite of what I thought the heir to the Alpha King throne would be like. His laughter and easygoing demeanor strangely reminded me of James. Sure, the two of them had many differences, but the way they carried themselves was the same.Lucas hadn't been able to stop sending daggers at Prince Alexander all throughout dinner, although, it didn't seem like the prince even noticed. He was too busy keeping all of his attention on me."So, Shana, tell me who you've brought here with you," Prince Alexander asks while only looking at me. I find it a bit rude that he won't even acknowledge the other guests."I'm Lucas, Shana's boyfriend and closest friend," Lucas cuts in, his tone sharp and cold. I almost flinch.Prince Alexander turns his head toward Lucas and gives him a lazy smile. "Is that why I can feel you burnin
As the grand doors swung open, the deep, commanding voice of the Alpha King echoed through the room. "You've all started dinner without me?"His entrance sent a shiver down my spine, and I suddenly regretted following Prince Alexander's lead. I knew that we shouldn't listen to him.The fear of disrespecting the Alpha King flooded over me, and I felt a pang of unease.Before I could stammer out an apology, the King's laughter resonated, breaking the tension. "Ah, the look on your faces! I'm only teasing. You can't take my son too seriously, you know."His warm, hearty laughter filled the room, and I couldn't find it within myself to join in. I still wasn't sure if he was joking or not."Please, don't stop on my account," the King continued, his accent shining through.The Alpha King and Prince seemed oddly similar. Their accents were strangely comforting, and their personalities were relaxed. It was hard not to feel relieved by their easygoing demeanor.He moved to his seat at the head