Chapter 271

As graduation day approached, excitement buzzed through the air like electricity, filling every corner of our lives with anticipation and nervous energy.

I hadn't been training at the palace for a few days now, and strangely, a small part of me was missing it.

Mostly, I think I just missed Alex and his humor.

We had become friends over these past few months, and he's taught me so much about myself and my strength. Not having him around or seeing him on a daily basis made me feel off.

But school has done a good job of keeping me distracted. These were moments I should've been soaking in and celebrating, and I wasn't taking any of it for granted.

Lucas and I had been busy preparing for the big day, from choosing our outfits for the graduation dance to making sure we had everything we needed for the ceremony.

Shadow High held a graduation party every year for it's graduating class, and this year it was finally our turn. It was one last way for us to be together before going off into the world as young adults.

I was a bit overwhelmed trying to prepare for everything that Lucas started to take notice. He recommended that the two of us hang out with James and Victoria to help take our minds off the stress and enjoy each other's company before the big day.

"Hey, Shana," Lucas said, catching my attention as we were sorting through our graduation attire. "I was thinking, maybe we should hang out with James and Victoria later. You know, just to unwind a bit before everything gets too crazy."

I paused, considering his suggestion. "That sounds like a great idea, Lucas. I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately, and spending time with friends could really help."

Lucas smiled, relief evident in his expression. "I'm glad you agree. I'll text them and see if they're free this afternoon."

As we waited for their response, we continued to prepare for the upcoming festivities, selecting our outfits with care and making sure we had everything we needed for the graduation ceremony and dance.

When James and Victoria confirmed that they were available to hang out, we made plans to meet up at a nearby café. As we settled into a cozy corner booth, the atmosphere relaxed, and conversation flowed easily.

"So, have you guys picked out your outfits for the dance yet?" Victoria asked, sipping on her coffee.

"Yeah, we have," Lucas replied, a hint of excitement in his voice. "I even convinced Shana to try on a few dresses, and let me tell you, she looks stunning in all of them."

I felt my cheeks flush at his compliment, grateful for the dim lighting that concealed my blush. "Lucas is just being nice. I'm sure any dress would look great on me."

James chuckled, leaning back in his seat. "Did you try any dresses on, bro?"

"Did you?" Lucas asked back, earning a laugh from everyone.

James laughed, shaking his head. "Nah, man. I leave the dress shopping to the experts."

Lucas grinned. "Smart move."

"I'm excited for the dance," Victoria chimed in, her eyes lighting up. "It's going to be so much fun."

"You're coming to the dance?" I asked Victoria, knowing that she didn't go to the same school as James, Lucas, and me.

She nodded. "Yeah, believe it or not James asked me to be his date."

Lucas and I both said "aw" as James rolled his eyes.

"It's not as romantic as it sounds," James clarified, his cheeks tinted with a faint blush. "We just figured it'd be more fun to go together, you know?"

Victoria nudged him playfully with her elbow. "Speak for yourself. I think it's pretty romantic."

"How did he ask you?" I questioned.

He surprised me with a bouquet of flowers and a handwritten note asking me to be his date to the dance. It was so unexpected and thoughtful."

James smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck. "I wanted to make it special for her."

"It was special." Victoria leaned over to give him a kiss on the cheek, making his face turn ten shades darker.

"Thanks, V," James said, flashing her a grin. "You always know how to make me look good."

Lucas chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, I guess someone's gotta do it."

"So, how are things with your parents, Victoria?" I asked, noticing the subtle tension in her demeanor. "Sorry, I don't mean to bring the mood down."

Victoria sighed, her gaze dropping to her hands in her lap. "Not great, to be honest. They still haven't forgiven me for moving out with James."

James wrapped an arm around Victoria's shoulders, offering her a reassuring squeeze. "My parents have been supportive, but I know it's been tough for V. She's been working so hard to make ends meet on her own."

"It's not easy," Victoria admitted, her voice tinged with sadness. "But I don't regret my choice. I just wish my parents could see things from my perspective."

"They'll come around eventually," James assured her, planting a kiss on her forehead.

I exchanged a sympathetic glance with Lucas, feeling a pang of sadness for our friends. "I'm sorry, Victoria. That sounds really tough."

"If anyone knows what you might be going through with your parents, it's me," Lucas said. "Our parents are used to getting their way, and they don't know how to react when we go against their wishes."

I nodded. "I think they'll eventually realize that James is good for you. They just have to sit with the idea for a while."

Victoria smiled gratefully, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thanks, guys. It means a lot to know you have my back."

Lucas cleared his throat, shifting the conversation slightly. "Anyway, enough about drama. Let's focus on celebrating our graduation tomorrow night. We've all worked hard to get here, and we deserve to enjoy ourselves."

I nodded in agreement, eager to change the subject to something lighter. But even as we laughed and joked together, a part of me couldn't shake the guilt that gnawed at my conscience.

Victoria and James had both been vulnerable in showing parts of their personal lives. Meanwhile, I was sitting on a secret part of my own life that I couldn't even talk about with my closest friends.

I wanted to share the details of my life at the palace with my friends, to confide in them about the training and the challenges I faced as the White Wolf...

But Lucas's warning still echoed in my mind, a constant reminder of the dangers that possibly lurked in the shadows.

As much as it pained me to keep secrets from my friends, I knew that Lucas was right. It wasn't safe to divulge too much, not when my enemies could be watching from the shadows, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.

It also wasn't safe to share too much when I didn't know what the consequences of my actions could be.

So, I plastered a smile on my face and pushed aside my worries, determined to make the most of our time together before our lives changed forever.