Chapter 274

We tried our best to keep our backs turned from the reporters as we continued talking, trying to ignore the flashing cameras.

"You guys won't believe it," Victoria said, her eyes shining with excitement. "I received my parents' forgiveness right before the ceremony."

"What? Really?" I asked, my eyes shifting to James who looked equally as excited.

"Yeah, after we all had that conversation I decided to go speak to my parents. We argued for a long time and my parent's were being super stubborn about the whole thing. When I reminded them that I would basically be dead if it weren't for James, they started to listen."

That's amazing, Victoria!" I exclaimed, genuinely happy for her. "I'm so glad to hear that your parents finally came around."

James gave Victoria a proud smile, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "See, I told you they'd come around eventually. They just needed some time to see things from our perspective."

Victoria smiled, leaning into James's embrace. "Thank you, both of you. I couldn't have gotten through this without your support."

"Of course, we're always going to be there for you two. We knew you two would eventually fall in love." I nudged James with my elbow, giving him the eyes.

"What are you talking about?" James scoffed. "It wasn't that obvious."

"Yes, it was." Lucas and I said in unison.

Victoria laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Okay, okay, maybe you guys were right."

"Honestly, I didn't think Victoria would ever like me back," James admitted sheepishly.

"But look at us now," Victoria said, intertwining her fingers with James's. "Together against all odds."

As we continued to reminisce and share in Victoria and James's joy, the atmosphere in the gymnasium shifted dramatically. The music came to an abrupt halt, and all eyes turned toward the stage as the dean stepped forward with a microphone in hand.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed graduates, and honored guests," he began, his voice carrying over the hushed silence. "It is my pleasure to announce the destinations of our outstanding graduates this year."

Shadow High had a tradition of announcing where certain students were going after graduation. It was a way for them to recognize student's achievements.

I was quiet as I listened to the dean congratulate certain students, wishing them well in all their future endeavors.

During this time, the reporters appeared to eagerly be awaiting something... but I couldn't figure out what it was.

"Lucas Busch," the dean started, "Has done so much for Shadow High this year, securing the Championship for the Dragons. He will be joining Hawking University to continue playing hockey and further his career."

The crowd began to cheer and the reporters attention turned toward us. They began snapping photos, almost blinding me from the lights.

"Shit," Lucas cursed under his breath.

I glanced over at Lucas, his expression a mixture of surprise and annoyance. The sudden onslaught of attention from the reporters was overwhelming, and I could see the tension radiating off him.

Lucas managed a weak smile, his eyes darting around the room as the reporters closed in, their questions firing off like rapid-fire bullets.

"Mr. Busch, can you comment on your plans for college?"

"Lucas, how does it feel to be leaving Shadow High as a champion?"

"Lucas, are you excited to continue playing hockey at the university level?"

"How will you juggle your father's business and hockey?"

"Are you leaving your father's business?"

The barrage of questions seemed endless, and I could tell that Lucas was growing increasingly uncomfortable with the spotlight shining so brightly on him.

"Enough!" The dean said into the microphone, stopping the reporters. "I said you could all be here only if you didn't disturb the students. Stay back and stop with the questions."

The dean's firm command halted the reporters in their tracks, and they reluctantly backed away, their cameras still clicking away in the background. Lucas let out a sigh of relief, the tension visibly draining from his shoulders.

I couldn't help but feel a knot of nervousness forming in my stomach.

"I don't like this," I told Lucas, watching as our dean began naming more students. "Why would the dean allow reporters to be here?"

Lucas's brow furrowed in concern as he scanned the room, his eyes flickering back to me. "I don't know, but it doesn't feel right. Maybe it's something to do with the outstanding graduates?"

I nodded, my mind racing with possibilities. "Could be. But it's strange that they're suddenly so focused on us..."

The dean continued his speech and the crowd cheered for each student he mentioned.

As the dean continued his speech and the crowd cheered for each student he mentioned, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this than just celebrating our achievements. The reporters' intense focus on us only added to my growing sense of unease.

Suddenly, the dean cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention back to him. "And now, for our final outstanding graduate," he announced, his voice carrying through the gymnasium. "It is my honor to recognize the exceptional achievements of Shana."

A hush fell over the crowd as all eyes turned to me, and my heart began to race with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. What was happening? Why was I being singled out like this?

The dean continued, his voice ringing out confidently. "Shana has not only excelled academically, but she has also shown extraordinary leadership, dedication, and courage throughout her time at Shadow High. It is with great pride that I announce Shana's acceptance into the prestigious Palace Training Program."

The room erupted into a chorus of applause and cheers, but my mind was spinning. Palace Training Program? What did that mean? And why were the reporters suddenly clamoring to get closer to me?

I turned to look at Lucas who's face had turned red with anger.

Palace Training Program... No... Surely, that couldn't mean what I thought it did...

"Aside from academic excellence, one of our graduates has shown exceptional dedication and commitment to a cause greater than herself," the dean continued. "Shana, please step forward."

I froze in shock as the spotlight suddenly fell on me, illuminating me in a halo of light. Gasps rippled through the crowd as murmurs broke out, and I felt a sudden surge of panic.

"What's happening?" I whispered to Lucas, my voice trembling with uncertainty.

Lucas looked just as bewildered as I felt, his eyes wide with surprise. "I have no idea."

But before either of us could process what was happening, the dean’s voice boomed over the microphone once again.

"Shana has been selected to undergo special training at the palace," he announced, his words ringing out loud and clear.

"But why?" Someone in the crowd asked, and others voice their confusion as well.

My heart pounded in my chest, and I felt sick to my stomach. This wasn't happening to me... not like this.

"We've recently uncovered some exciting news... Straight from the Alpha King himself!" the dean cheered, earning gasps from the crowd of students. "Shana is the White Wolf the legends have spoken about."

Before I could process it all, the reporters were swarming around us, their cameras flashing and microphones thrust in our direction. I looked to Lucas, panic rising in my chest.

We were caught in the spotlight, and there was no escaping it now.