Chapter 295

As I stepped into the grand halls of the palace, I couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation swirling within me.

King Alexander had called me here, promising a surprise, and I couldn't help but wonder what it could be.

It wasn't unusual for him to call me to the palace, but what he had said over the phone had me nervous.

"Liam's going to come pick you up to take you to the palace. I have a huge surprise for you," he had said.

"I hate surprises," I replied, already starting to chew on my bottom lip.

"Too bad," Alex said and I could practically see the smile that was on his lips. "See you soon!"

As I awaited Liam's arrival, my mind raced with nervousness.

Surprises were not my forte, especially when they involved King Alexander.

He was a wild card and always seemed to be up to no good.

Yet, despite my apprehension and hesitation, there was a flicker of excitement building within me.

What could Alex have planned for me that needed to be such a secret?

When Liam finally arrived, I couldn't help but notice the slight smirk playing on his lips, indicating that he was in on whatever surprise awaited me.

"Tell me what it is." I blinked at Liam, hoping that my feminine charms could somehow win him over.

Liam shook his head at me. "No can do. Besides, that's not going to work on me, dear. Save it for Lucas."

I huffed in frustration as I moved through the portal.

I really thought that would work.

As we made our way to the palace, my nerves only intensified, the uncertainty of the situation gnawing at me.

Just down the front hall, I was greeted by King Alexander himself, his green eyes alight with excitement.

Despite my reluctance, I couldn't deny the warmth that spread through me at the sight of him. It was a comforting and happy feeling.

Even though he was a handful at times, I still appreciated the friendship we had.

"I hate surprises," I blurted out, unable to contain my nerves as we exchanged greetings.

Alex chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Are you just going to repeat yourself today?"

"I hate surprises."

His smile only widened. "I promise you, Shana, this surprise is worth it," he assured me, his voice filled with confidence.

Taking a deep breath, I followed him into the library, my heart pounding with each step that we took.

Whatever awaited me, I knew that Alex had my best interests at heart, and I was eager to discover what lay in store.

As I entered the room, my eyes quickly fell to the person who was seated on the sofa. Professor Black stood from the couch, a knowing glint in his eyes as he adjusted his glasses on his nose.

"Professor Black?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity as I approached them. "What are you doing here?"

"I've come here to discuss something with you," he replied casually.

"What's going on?" I questioned, unable to even think of what this could possibly mean.

Alexander's smile widened as he gestured for me to join them. "You should see the look on your face, Shana. You look terrified."

"I am a bit terrified," I admitted.

For the first time since I've known him, Professor Black let out a little bark of laughter. "There's nothing to be terrified of, I promise you."

"I think you guys forget how much trauma I've been through," I said, referring to all the times in the past where I've trusted people only to be met with problems.

Alexander's expression softened with understanding, and he reached out to place a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"We haven't forgotten, Shana," he reassured me. "But I promise you, this is different. It's something that could change everything for you."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves as I regarded them both warily. "Okay... Spill. What's the big surprise?"

Professor Black exchanged a knowing glance with King Alexander before turning back to me, his expression serious.

"We've been working together on something important, Shana," he began, his tone grave yet tinged with excitement. "Ever since Alex became the Alpha King."

My curiosity piqued, I leaned in closer, eager to hear more.

"What is it?" I pressed, my pulse quickening with anticipation.

"We've been trying to find a way for you to unlock the White Wolf book," Alex revealed, his eyes alight with determination.

I blinked in surprise, my mind trying to process what he was saying.

"Wait, you've been trying to unlock the book? But how?" I asked.

Professor Black nodded, stepping forward to explain. "It's not an easy task, but we believe we may have found a solution," he explained. "You see, unlocking the book would've required the help of the reigning Alpha King. And now that Alexander is the King, it makes things much easier."

A rush of emotions flooded through me at the realization of what this could mean.

After weeks of not being unable to access the knowledge within the White Wolf book, the possibility of finally unlocking its secrets filled me with hope. This could change everything for me.

I felt a surge of excitement coursing through me at the revelation. "So, you mean to say that you can help me unlock the book?"

Alex nodded, a confident smile on his face. "That's right, Shana. With my position as the king, we have a better chance than ever before."

"Why didn't you tell me you were planning this?" I asked.

"We wanted it to be a surprise," Alex replied, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "We've been working on this behind the scenes for a while now, trying to find a way to make it happen."

I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions—gratitude, excitement, and a twinge of disbelief. "I can't believe you guys did this," I said, my voice filled with awe.

"It was the least we could do," Professor Black chimed in. "You've done so much for us, Shana. It's about time we returned the favor."

I couldn't contain the smile that spread across my face.

"Thank you, both of you," I said sincerely, feeling a swell of warmth in my chest. "This means more to me than you can imagine."

"I've been dying to get that book open myself ever since I found it," Alex said, "and Professor Black has been a huge help by researching the best methods to unlock it."

"I never admitted it, but ever since I learned about the book I was also curious to open it," Professor Black added, excitement in his eyes. "Now that we have the authority of the King, we finally stand a good shot at making it happen."

"This is the best surprise I've ever had," I said, meaning every word.

"I know, I'm pretty great, aren't I?" Alex teased.

I chuckled, shaking my head at Alex's playful remark.

"You're not bad, for a king," I teased back, unable to suppress my grin. "But seriously, I'm grateful for all your efforts," I said, feeling a surge of determination coursing through me. "Let's make this happen."