Chapter 261

As I pondered the reasoning for the energy in Grandma Jo's backyard, Lucas dashed out of the house, his face lit up with excitement. "Shana, you're back!"

I smiled at him, feeling a surge of relief at seeing him. "Hey, Lucas. Yeah, just got back from training."

He threw his arms around me, crushing me into him. I was a bit surprised by his actions. I had only been gone for a few hours.

As Lucas released me from his enthusiastic embrace, I noticed a glint of worry in his eyes, hidden behind his usual happy demeanor.

"I missed you," he said softly, his voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. He said it quietly so Liam wouldn't hear.

"I missed you too," I replied, touched by his sincerity.

Despite the short time apart, it was comforting to know that my absence had been felt.

Turning his attention to Liam, Lucas's expression shifted to one of curiosity. "So, how did it go?"

Liam, ever the stoic figure, nodded in approval. "Shana's making great progress. And she handled the portal travel like a natural."

"That's good news," Lucas exclaimed, his grin widening. "I knew you could do it, Shana."

"Thanks, Lucas," I said, grateful for his unwavering support. His confidence in me was like a beacon of light in the midst of uncertainty.

Lucas seemed puzzled then, his eyes flickering to the portal and back to Liam. "Am I going to remember this?"

"The portal?" Liam questioned then nodded his head. "Yes. The King has granted access for Shana and you to know of the portal's existence. He feels it will make things easier for the both of you to adjust. It also leaves less explaining for me."

Lucas's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wow, that's... unexpected."

"I know it's a lot to take in," Liam acknowledged, his tone understanding. "But the King believes it's important for both of you to be aware of these things, especially considering Shana's training."

Lucas nodded slowly, processing the information. "Yeah, I can see that."

"Anyway, I must be off," Liam said, his gaze shifting to the portal. "I hate to cut this reunion short, but I must return to the palace. I'll be back tomorrow to continue Shana's training."

I nodded understandingly. "Of course. I'll see you then, Liam."

With a final nod, Liam turned and approached the spot where the portal had previously materialized. With a few whispered chants, the portal reappeared, shimmering with otherworldly light.

"Take care, Shana," Liam said before stepping through the portal, leaving Grandma Jo's backyard.

I turned to Lucas, a mixture of excitement and apprehension swirling in my chest. "Well, that was unexpected."

"Yeah," Lucas agreed, rubbing the back of his neck. "But at least now we know a bit more about what's going on."

"True," I replied, feeling a sense of relief knowing that Lucas was now privy to some of the secrets surrounding my training. "I have so much to tell you."

"Let's head inside," Lucas suggested, taking my hand and leading us into Grandma Jo's house.

He took my upstairs to my bedroom and shut the door behind us.

"Did you return the book safely?" he asked first in a low voice.

I nodded, my gaze meeting his. "Yes, I managed to return it without anyone noticing. Professor Black was right, though. It felt... powerful."

Lucas's brow furrowed with concern. "Powerful? In what way?"

"It's hard to explain," I admitted, sinking onto the edge of my bed. "But just holding it, I could sense something ancient and potent within its pages. It was like it had a life of its own."

"That sounds... unsettling," Lucas commented, joining me on the bed. "Do you think it's safe now that it's back in the palace?"

"I hope so," I replied, my mind still filled with questions about the mysterious book. "But we did what Professor Black advised, so hopefully, it'll be fine."

We fell into a thoughtful silence, the weight of the day's events settling upon us.

After a moment, Lucas broke the quiet, his expression thoughtful. "So, tell me about your training. What was it like?"

I smiled, grateful for his interest. "It was intense, to say the least. Prince Alexander and I did a lot of physical exercises, and he even taught me some basic combat techniques."

"Do you have any bruises?"

I chuckled, rolling my eyes playfully. "Maybe a few, but nothing too serious. I'm tougher than I look, you know."

Lucas grinned. "I never doubted it for a second. You've always had that 'don't mess with me' vibe."

"Is that so?" I raised an eyebrow teasingly. "Well, it must be rubbing off from spending too much time with you."

Lucas laughed. "Ha ha, very funny. I just want to make sure Prince Alexander isn't pushing you too far."

I could still sense a bit of resentment or jealous from Lucas when it came to the Prince, and I wasn't sure how to navigate the conversation without upsetting him.

"The Prince isn't so bad..." I trailed off, looking at him hopefully.

Lucas's expression softened, and he nodded. "I know, I know. I just worry about you, that's all."

"I appreciate that," I said, squeezing his hand gently. "But you don't need to worry. I can handle myself, and I have you looking out for me too."

"But I can't look out for you when you're miles away in a palace that can only be accessed through a portal," Lucas reasoned.

"True." I nodded. "But the Prince... as weird as it is to say this... he's my friend. We can trust him."

Lucas sighed, his gaze softening as he considered my words. "I suppose you're right. It's just hard for me to wrap my head around all of this sometimes. It feels like we're living in a completely different world."

"I know," I agreed. "Now imagine how I feel."

Lucas blew out a breathe and gave me an apologetic stare. "You're right, Shana. God, what you're going through is far greater than my fears about this.

"It's okay, Lucas," I reassured him, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "We all have our struggles, and I'm just grateful to have you by my side through all of this."

"Thanks, Shana. I'm lucky to have you too." He offered me a small smile, his eyes reflecting a mixture of understanding and gratitude. "So... there was nothing out of the ordinary that happened?"

"What do you mean?" I asked, tilting my head in thought.

"Was it like our training at all?" Lucas asked. "Or was it better?"

I laughed, seeing where he was going with this. "Ohhh, so you want to know if the Prince was a better trainer?"

Lucas replied with a grin. "I mean, it's not a competition or anything, but I'm just curious if he's as good as he seems to think he is."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Well, let's just say Prince Alexander has a unique way of motivating me. He's tough, but fair."

"I can see that," Lucas conceded with a smirk. "But if this Prince starts giving you any trouble, just let me know. I'll challenge him to a push-up contest. Winner gets to train the White Wolf."