Chapter 288

PRINCE ALEXANDER POV

The weight of the recording device nestled against my chest felt like a tangible reminder of the difficult task that lay ahead.

I knew that Shana, Lucas, and Professor Black could hear everything, making me even more nervous.

"Alex? All good?" Shana's voice spoke into my ear thanks to the secret device I had planted in there.

It was hidden deep in my ear canal, which had hurt at first once Professor Black inserted it, but he assured me that it would help keep the device concealed.

"Yes, Shana, everything's fine," I replied quietly, my voice barely audible over the rush of blood pounding in my ears. "Just a bit nervous."

"Don't be, you've got this. Just be yourself."

"That's the hard part," I muttered under my breath. "Kind of difficult to act normal when you've got a recording device strapped to you."

Shana chuckled softly through the earpiece. "Just remember, you're doing this for a good cause. And we're all here supporting you, every step of the way. We'll be listening."

Her words offered a measure of comfort, a reminder that I wasn't alone. "Okay, I'm about to head in. I won't be talking to you guys anymore."

"Goodluck," Professor Black's voice was heard.

"Yeah, good luck, Princess. You've got this," Lucas added, almost making me smile.

Drawing strength from their supportive words, I squared my shoulders, steeling myself for the task ahead.

As I made my way to my father's office, every step seemed to echo with the gravity of the moment, each heartbeat a drumming rhythm of anticipation and fear.

Entering my father's large chamber, I found him seated behind his long mahogany desk, engrossed in the affairs of state.

However, know that I knew the information I did, I wasn't sure what my father was really working on. Has he only been so busy these past few months because he has secret plans up his sleeve?

His demeanor, though commanding as ever, betrayed no hint of the darkness that lurked beneath the surface.

He looked up at me, his brow raising.

A guard was standing near his door and shut the door as I motioned for him to give us some privacy.

"Uh, Alexander, what brings you here?" he greeted me with a warm smile, his voice a soothing melody masking the sinister undertones that lurked within.

I swallowed, trying to hide my nervousness and project the confidence I usually held.

"I wanted to speak with you, Father," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady despite the array of emotions swirling within me.

He gestured for me to take a seat opposite him, his expression one of paternal concern. "Of course, my son. What is on your mind?"

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the confrontation that lay ahead. "I wanted to ask you about Dr. Mills," I began, choosing my words carefully.

My father's brow furrowed slightly, but he maintained his composure. "Ah, Dr. Mills. A brilliant mind, that one. What about him?"

"I've just been curious about him. He's often attending my training sessions with Shana."

"Yes, he's making sure everything goes smoothly. You might be seeing more of him in the coming weeks."

"Everything's going smoothly?" I asked. "What does that mean? And why would I be seeing him more?"

The King sighed. "Well, I'm not sure if Shana's informed you or not, but she's undergone a few tests with Dr. Mills."

I felt a surge of concern ripple through me at my father's words. "Tests? What kind of tests?" I pressed.

The King hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering with a fleeting shadow of uncertainty before he composed himself once more. "Just some routine evaluations, my boy. Nothing to be concerned about," he replied, his tone carefully measured.

But I couldn't shake the nagging sense of unease that gnawed at the edges of my consciousness. "Routine evaluations?" I repeated, my voice betraying a hint of skepticism. "What exactly are these evaluations for?"

My father regarded me with a steely gaze, his expression unreadable. "Dr. Mills is simply ensuring that Shana is prepared for the challenges that lie ahead," he explained, his words tinged with a note of finality.

I frowned, the pieces of the puzzle slowly falling into place. "What challenges?"

The King hesitated for a moment, as if deliberating his next words carefully. "Let's just say that certain... developments have necessitated a reevaluation of our approach."

"Wait a minute," I interjected, a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins. "Are you saying that Shana's tests are related to... something I overheard the other day?" to what you mentioned earlier about 'other wolfless'?"

The King's expression darkened, a shadow passing over his features. "What exactly did you overhear?"

"I overheard you speaking with Dr. Mills the other day," I continued, my heart pounding with the weight of the truth I was about to uncover. "You mentioned something about 'other wolfless.' What did you mean by that?"

For a moment, a flicker of hesitation crossed my father's features, a shadow passing over him.

But then, with a sigh, he relented.

"I see you've been paying attention," he remarked dryly, his tone laced with a hint of bitterness.

I leaned forward, my heart pounding with a mixture of dread and disbelief. "Tell me the truth, Father," I implored, my voice barely above a whisper. "What exactly are you planning?"

And as the weight of his confession hung heavy in the air, I braced myself for the revelations that would follow, knowing that no matter the cost, the truth must be exposed.

"It's about a project I've been working on," he confessed, his voice tinged with a hint of remorse. "A means to... enhance the wolfless once and for all."

I leaned forward, my curiosity piqued despite the dread that gnawed at my insides. "How?" I pressed, my voice barely above a whisper.

And so, he unfolded his plan before me, each word a chilling testament to the depths of his ambition and the darkness that lurked within his soul.

He spoke of experiments and manipulation, of power sought at any cost, heedless of the lives it would destroy in its wake.

I clung to my composure, trying to appear interested as he continuing exposing his schemes.

"And you would sacrifice innocent lives for this?" I demanded, my voice trembling with a mixture of anger and disbelief.

My father met my gaze, his eyes betraying a flicker of regret amidst the steely resolve that defined him. "Sometimes, sacrifices must be made for the greater good," he replied, his voice heavy.

But his words offered little comfort, only serving to deepen the divide that now lay between us.

"I have another question..."

"What is it, son?"

"The announcement about Shana... everyone finding out that she's the White Wolf... did you do that? Are you behind all of this?" I needed to know if my father would betray Shana's safety or not. I needed to know the truth.

My father sighed. "Yes. I leaked the information. That world isn't good for Shana. She doesn't belong there, she belongs here at the palace where I can keep a close eye on her."

"But why? Don't you know how much danger you put her in?"

"Precisely. Now, she will have no other choice but to move to the Ethereal Palace."

As the truth hung heavy in the air, a bitter taste lingering upon my tongue, I couldn't help but feel a sense of profound sorrow.

For the man who sat before me was not just the king, but my father—a father whose descent into darkness had left only ruin in its wake.

The recording device felt heavy against me, and I knew that we had gathered all the information that we needed to take my father down.

I just couldn't believe it all to be true, and I felt as if I hardly knew the man before me.

A man capable of evil.