Chapter 285

As I began to recount the events, my clarity seemed to come back to me. Their expressions shifted from concern to alarm. Lucas's grip on my hand tightened, his jaw clenched with worry.

"Dr. Mills gave you an injection?" he repeated, his voice low and incredulous.

I nodded, recalling the sterile gleam of the syringe and the icy sting of the liquid as it coursed through my veins. "Yes, the King said it was just routine tests, but..."

"Tests? What kind of tests?" Prince Alex interjected, his brows furrowed in confusion.

"I don't know," I admitted, a chill creeping down my spine. "There weren't any tests. He just... injected me with something."

Lucas's expression darkened, his gaze intense. "We need to find out what he gave you."

"I can't believe my father did that," Prince Alex rubbed his jaw in thought. "That explains why it took you so long to get to training that day."

"He told me you were busy for the day and that you wouldn't be able to train with me," I recalled.

Lucas exchanged a glance with Prince Alex, a silent exchange passing between them before Lucas cleared his throat, his expression grave.

"I'm sorry, Shana," Lucas said, his voice filled with regret. "I should have known something was wrong. I should have been there for you."

"It's not your fault, Lucas," I reassured him, reaching out to grasp his hand. "None of us knew what the King and Dr. Mills were planning."

"We'll figure this out," Prince Alex declared, his voice firm with resolve. "But first, we need to know exactly what Dr. Mills injected you with."

Professor Black stepped forward, his usually composed demeanor now tinged with urgency. "Describe the injection to me, Shana. Every detail you can remember."

Closing my eyes, I tried to recall the moment Dr. Mills injected me with the mysterious substance. "It was a clear liquid, and it felt cold when it entered my bloodstream. There was a sharp sting, and then... everything started to blur."

Professor Black nodded, his expression thoughtful. "It sounds like a potent serum, one designed to enhance physical abilities."

"Like a potion?" Prince Alex asked, his brow furrowed in concern.

"Exactly," Professor Black confirmed. "But not one meant for the good of its recipient. This serum is meant to manipulate and control. That injection... it's no ordinary serum," he muttered, his voice laced with concern.

"What do you mean?" I asked, my heart hammering in my chest.

"In the wrong hands can have catastrophic consequences."

Prince Alex's eyes widened in realization. "So Dr. Mills isn't a real doctor?"

Professor Black shook his head grimly. "Not in the way you might think. He's a practitioner of dark arts, specializing in alchemy and forbidden potions. This injection... it's dangerous, Shana. Very dangerous."

I felt a wave of fear wash over me as the gravity of the situation sank in.

Whatever Dr. Mills had injected me with, it wasn't intended for my well-being. It was a weapon, a tool of manipulation meant to alter and shape my abilities.

"How do you know this?" Prince Alex asked Professor Black.

"I've studied wolfless cases for most of my life. I've had a few wolfless come to me for help as well, to offer insight or research. In fact, Lucas came to me when Shana was having difficulties."

Lucas nodded, confirming Professor Black's words. "That's right. When Shana was feeling off before, I sought Professor Black's expertise. He helped us understand what was happening and find a solution."

"So, these other wolfless... did they have similar experiences?" Alex questioned.

Professor Black's expression appeared grave. "I've seen this multiple times. The wolfless will turn into something unlike themselves. Many of them have reported being injected with some sort of... potion. It's possible that what Shana was injected with was the same substance."

I recalled the horror stories that Professor Black had shared with Lucas and I a few months ago. Particularly, the wolfless boy who had been forced to endure a life behind bars.

I didn't want that to be my reality. I didn't want to suffer the same fate.

Lucas's gaze softened as he squeezed my hand reassuringly. "We won't let that happen, Shana. We'll find a way to reverse the effects of that serum."

I nodded, trying to muster the courage to face the daunting challenge ahead. "But how? We don't even know what we're up against."

"We start by finding out everything we can about Dr. Mills and his potions," Prince Alex suggested, his expression determined. "And then we confront the King. He has a lot to answer for."

Professor Black nodded in agreement. "I'll start digging through my archives, see if I can find any information on similar cases. Meanwhile, Lucas and Prince Alex, you can gather whatever intel you can on Dr. Mills."

"And what about me?" I asked, feeling a surge of determination course through me. "I want to help. I won't sit back and let this happen."

Lucas smiled, his eyes reflecting pride. "You already are helping, Shana. Your strength and resilience are invaluable to us."

"But why would the King want to inject me with something like this?" I asked, my mind racing with questions.

"Perhaps he sees you as a threat," Prince Alex suggested. "Or maybe he's trying to manipulate you for his own purposes."

"It's possible," Professor Black agreed, his expression grave. "But we need to act quickly. The longer that serum remains in your system, the more dangerous it becomes."

I shuddered, the weight of their words pressing down on me like a leaden blanket. The thought of being under the King's control filled me with a sense of dread, but I knew I couldn't afford to succumb to fear.

"We need to find a way to neutralize the effects of that serum," Lucas declared, his voice firm with determination. "And then we confront the King."

"But Professor, you said its possible others have been injected with this?" I asked, my voice tight with concern.

Professor Black nodded solemnly. "Yes, in my previous cases involving the wolfless, I've encountered similar injections. They're meant to transform ordinary individuals into beings that are much stronger and powerful. It's very dangerous."

"What effects does the shot have?" Lucas asked.

Professor Black's expression darkened as he began to explain. "The effects can vary. I'm not sure if the effects will be positive or negative... it depends on the person. However, I know that it can heighten aggression and cause unpredictable behavior."

My stomach churned at the thought of being subjected to such side effects. The idea of losing control of myself, of becoming someone I didn't recognize, was terrifying.

"Is there a way to reverse the effects?" Prince Alex interjected, his voice laced with urgency.

"It's possible," Professor Black replied, his tone measured. "But it won't be easy. We'll need to analyze the serum and understand its composition. It'll require time, resources, and expertise."

I swallowed hard, the weight of his words settling heavily upon me. "What... what do we do now?"

"We need to find out everything we can about Dr. Mills and his connection to the King," Lucas declared, his jaw set with determination.

"And we need to find an antidote," Prince Alex added, his expression resolute. "Don't worry. I won't let my father get away with this."