At the restaurant last night, we overheard multiple locals mentioning a nearby trail with waterfalls and stunning views of the ocean.So today, the five of us decided to take a break from the beach and go on a hike.It was midday, the hottest time of the day, and we weren't even five minutes into the hike when James started complaining about his sore muscles."Ugh, why does this hike have to be uphill?" he whined, pouting excessively. "My thighs are killing me.""It's not even that bad," Victoria rolled her eyes at him. "This is what you get for eating all our food and not exercising after.""Are you calling me fat, Vic?" James fake gasped, clutching a hand at his chest.Although, the gasp might've been real due to the way he was currently struggling to breathe from walking so much.Thinking about Victoria's comment, I figured that there's she actually thought that James was overweight. Despite eating like an entire family of four, James was incredibly in shape. It was almost unfair h
I couldn't believe it.The mountain hike seemed like a fantastic idea at first with the promise of breathtaking ocean views, but now, as Lucas and I stared at each other with equal signs of worry, I was beginning to think that maybe we had underestimated its challenges."Lucas..." I started then glanced around at the seemingly endless trees.I couldn't hear any sounds or see any signs of which way was the right way to go.We were completely lost."It's okay, Shana." Lucas immediately denied our predicament, trying to comfort me instead. "We'll find our way, we just need to head back to the trail.""Which is... where exactly?" I swallowed hard, looking up at him. "I don't know where we are right now, Lucas."Lucas frowned, studying the surroundings. "I know, Shana. It's hard to tell... The trail was clear before, but now everything looks the same."I hoped James was happy, wherever he was. He had successfully managed to split us up, leaving Lucas and me alone. And now here we were... L
When Lucas said those eight words, my stomach twisted in knots. The last thing I wanted to do was spend the night in these unknown woods, but it appeared as if we had no choice.We couldn't find the trail, and even if we could, we had no idea where the others were. It would take us forever to find them in the darkness.Spending the night in the woods seemed to be the only option.Lucas and I tried searching for the trail for a few hours with no success. It felt as if we were walking in circles, or deeper and deeper into the woods.Slowly, the night crept over the woods, leaving Lucas and me in a state of growing unease. As the light dimmed, so did our hopes of finding our way back to safety.My stomach growled loudly, showing me just how dire this situation was.Lucas sighed, his expression full of frustration and worry. "Shana, we can't go on like this. We need to have some water, at least."I leaned against a nearby tree, rubbing my arms to ward off the chill that was slowly creepin
As the paramedics sat us in the back of their vehicle to assess our condition, I tried to get Lucas's attention."Lucas," I called softly. When his eyes met mine, I gestured toward Kendrick with wide eyes, hoping that he'd see him.Lucas's eyes followed my directions, and I knew the moment his eyes locked with Kendrick because his entire demeanor went stiff and rigid.His eyes flashed back to mine, fear and panic taking over. I couldn't even blame him.What was Kendrick doing here? And how did he know what had happened?I looked back over at him standing around the police officers he was currently talking to. He kept gesturing toward Lucas with his fingers as if he was letting them know that Lucas was his son.Surprisingly, his usually stern expression was replaced with... worry? I almost rubbed my eyes to make sure I was seeing things correctly. Maybe the lack of water and exhaustion had me hallucinating things.But no, I wasn't seeing things. Genuine concern was on Kendrick's face,
Relief washed over me at the sight of our friends, and I felt tears beginning to prick my eyes.I started to stand, but one of the paramedics next to me pulled me right back down. "You need to stay seated while we're still checking your vitals and for further signs of injuries."Lucas noticed that something was capturing my attention, so he looked toward the woods where the police were helping James, Victoria, and Emily. Victoria's parents were already running to them, and I could hear her mother's screams of terror."They're okay," Lucas said in a quiet voice as if he was reassuring himself. "They're okay."I couldn't blame his fear... When we got back down the mountain and I realized the rest of us weren't down there, I began to worry about their safety.Paramedics rushed over, signaling everyone to clear out and give them space. They all looked worn out and broken down. James's usual smile and carefree face morphed into a tough stone. Even Emily, who had been bubbly and cheerful th
Lucas POVVictoria was awake.Endless amounts of relief flooded through me, and I let myself finally release a breath I didn't even know I was holding.Victoria's awakening brought a mixture of emotions to all of us, and we couldn't stop ourselves from rushing over to where she was.Inside one of the ambulances, Victoria lay on a gurney. The blood that had dried on her face had been cleaned off, and there was an oxygen mask around her mouth.Her eyes blinked slowly as she took in her surroundings."Victoria! Oh, my baby!" Victoria's mother shouted, fighting her way into the ambulance to sit next to her daughter.Victoria took the mask off her face, and her eyes went from her mother to the rest of us.An equal share of relief passed over her features."You're all okay," she said quietly."The question is, are you okay, Vic?" James asked, shoving his hands in his pockets. "You took quite the big hit to your head."Victoria gave him a wry smile and sarcastically mumbled, "Thank you, Jame
My fists were clenched into balls as I watched Kendrick walk away from Lucas for a second time.I couldn't believe what I had just heard.Lucas had just told his father that he would rather focus on hockey than have a friendship with me as a distraction...I wanted to hit something so badly, preferably Lucas's head for being so cruel to me.How could he make that decision so easily? He hardly fought his father on it, and it only made me wonder if he truly cared for me or not.I was so confused, I didn't know what to believe anymore.Lucas spun on his heel but stopped dead in his tracks when he realized that I was standing a mere three feet away.My face probably gave everything away, and I could tell that he realized he messed up when guilt took over his features."Why, Lucas?" I demanded, my frustration evident in my voice. "Why did you say that to your father?"Lucas sighed, clearly unsure of how to navigate this conversation. "What was I supposed to say, Shana? I needed to give him
Our vacation was cut short and all of us traveled back home after the accident for the rest of our winter break.When he saw me, my father gave me a tight hug and wouldn't let me leave his sight. He insisted on making sure I was perfectly fine and even took time off work for a few days just to keep me company."Dad, I'm feeling much better already, you don't have to miss work just to watch me lay on my bed," I told him as I sat under my warm covers, and he brought my dinner to me on a plate.My leg still slightly hurt from my fall, but I was able to walk on it and apply pressure without needing anyone's help.In order to heal it, I'd been staying off my feet and icing my left ankle.It had already been a week since the accident and the winter holidays had passed by slowly.It was a new year, and the last day of the weekend, meaning that school was tomorrow.I knew that thanks to the rest I'd had in the past week, I wouldn't feel any discomfort walking from class to class tomorrow. But
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