Chapter 289

The atmosphere crackled with tension as Prince Alexander returned to Grandma Jo's house.

We all gathered in her living room, the tension so thick you could cut it with a butter knife.

Prince Alex strutted in, looking like he just walked out of a superhero movie, with this secret recording device strapped to his chest.

"We should play it back to make sure we've got everything we need," Professor Black said. "We need to make sure it's audible."

"I agree," Lucas nodded.

With that, Alex played back the recording.

You could hear the King's voice crystal clear, confessing to all his dirty deeds. It was like something out of a crime thriller, except it was happening right in front of us.

"Wow," I muttered under my breath. I had heard the King's confession earlier, but hearing it again, knowing it was true... shocked me yet again.

"I can't believe we actually got him," Lucas muttered, his eyes wide with disbelief. "He's admitted to everything."

"I can't believe it was so easy for him to confess to this," Prince Alex shook his head, and I couldn't imagine the turmoil that was going on inside of his head.

"He trusted you," I reasoned. "You're his son after all."

"But I'm not... evil like this. And I didn't think he was either." Alex bit his bottom lip.

"Yeah, it's messed up," Lucas agreed, running a hand through his hair. "But at least now we have the proof we need to take him down."

I glanced at Professor Black, who had been relatively quiet throughout the exchange.

"What do you think, Professor?" I asked, eager to hear his perspective.

He sighed, his expression grave. "I think this evidence will serve us good. It will be hard for the King to disprove, and it will help those that are currently trapped in the King's dungeons."

I nodded, feeling the weight of his words settle upon my shoulders. This wasn't going to be easy, but we had come too far to turn back now.

"I'm sorry it had to come to this," I said to Alex, feeling the pain coming from him.

He gave me a tight smile. "Thanks, Shana. As hard as it is to believe, I know that I have to do the right thing."

"You're better than he is." I gave his arm a squeeze. "We'll figure it out together. We've got each other's backs, right?"

"Right," Lucas affirmed, a fire burning in his eyes. "We're here for you, Your Higness. No matter what happens, we'll stand behind you."

Prince Alex's smile widened at our words of support, though I could still see the turmoil swirling behind his eyes.

"Thank you, guys," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Knowing that I have you by my side gives me the strength to see this through."

Prince Alex nodded then, his jaw clenched with determination. "Now we gotta make sure the whole kingdom knows what a scumbag my old man really is."

We brainstormed ideas like we were planning a heist or something.

"What would be the best and fastest way to get it out there?" Lucas asked.

"Well, we also want people to find it quickly..." I added.

"The fastest way for people to find anything is the internet, right?" Alex suggested. "There has to be a platform that we can use to get the evidence out there."

Lucas nodded eagerly. "Yeah, you're right. The internet's the way to go. But how do we ensure it gets enough traction?"

Professor Black interjected, his eyes gleaming with insight. "We could utilize Shadow High's network. It's extensive, and news spreads like wildfire among students."

"That's brilliant!" I exclaimed, feeling a surge of excitement coursing through me. "We could post the video on the school's group chats. That way, it'll spread like wildfire."

Prince Alex's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Exactly! With the combined reach of Shadow High's students, the video will go viral in no time."

With our plan set, we wasted no time in putting it into action. Professor Black uploaded the video online, while Lucas created a new group chat, connecting every student at Shadow High with a link to the incriminating evidence.

Knowing how brutal they had been in the past by spreading information, I knew that the group chats would serve us well.

"It's sent," Lucas said with finality as he put his phone down and looked at us around the room.

We sat in silence for a moment.

"How do you feel?" I asked Alex who was being awfully quiet.

Prince Alex took a deep breath, his expression a mix of determination and apprehension.

"Honestly, I'm nervous," he admitted, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "This is bigger than anything I've ever done before."

"You've done the right thing, Alex," I assured him. "We all have. And now, we just have to trust that the truth will prevail."

He nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Thanks, Shana. I don't know how I'm going to go back there and see him after this."

"You should just stay here for now," Lucas offered which surprised me. He had a love-hate relationship with Alex. I didn't expect him to show him any kindness like this. "You'll be safe here."

Prince Alex's eyes widened in surprise at Lucas's unexpected offer of hospitality.

"Really? You'd let me stay here?" he asked, a hint of disbelief coloring his tone.

Lucas shrugged nonchalantly, though I could detect a glimmer of sincerity in his eyes. "Yeah, why not? Grandma Jo won't mind, and it's better than going back to that mess right now."

I nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "Lucas is right, Alex. You'll be safe here, and we can figure out our next move together."

"Wow," Alex said as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't know what to say."

"Just say yes." I laughed. "It'll be better for you here, at least until we figure out how all of this will play out."

Prince Alex chuckled nervously, a hint of gratitude shining in his eyes. "Well, in that case, how can I refuse?" he replied, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it."

Lucas grinned, a rare display of warmth crossing his features. "Don't mention it."

As we settled in for the night, anticipation crackled in the air like electricity.

We knew that by morning, the truth would be out there for the world to see.

The next morning, we awoke to a world transformed.

The video had spread like wildfire, dominating the headlines and igniting a firestorm of controversy.

With bated breath, we gathered around the television, the room buzzing with anticipation as the news reports played on repeat, showcasing the damning evidence we had uncovered.

"Turn it up!" Lucas shouted eagerly, his eyes glued to the screen as reporters dissected the contents of the video.

Unsurprisingly, the video had struck a chord with the people, creating a firestorm of controversy that threatened to consume the very foundation of the King's rule.

Prince Alex stood beside me, his expression a mix of disbelief and determination. "It's actually happening..."

I squeezed his hand reassuringly.

"We did this together, Alex," I reminded him, my voice tinged with pride. "And now, we'll see it through to the end."