Crossing the Border (Rania) novel Chapter 264

**He Asked Me to Leave My Dreams, So I Decided to Make Him One of Them by Mira Lorian**
**Chapter 264**

Rania jolted awake, her heart racing, as a loud rumble of thunder echoed through the room. The sound was so intense that it felt as if the very walls were shaking. She quickly sat up, her senses on high alert, scanning the dimly lit space around her. The realization hit her like a cold wave: she was all alone. The spot beside her was empty and icy, a clear sign that Maximus had yet to return from wherever he had been.

As she peered out the window, a frown creased her forehead. The storm raged outside, lightning flashing ominously across the sky. A shiver ran down her spine at the thought of being trapped on that ship during such a tempest. The memory of the vessel lurching violently with the waves flooded her mind, and she couldn’t help but feel a wave of relief wash over her. They were no longer confined to that wretched place, where the storm would have turned their world into a nightmare.

With a determined huff, Rania swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up, grabbing her jacket from the chair. The time on the clock indicated that it was still early evening, and she felt a restless energy bubbling within her. Stepping out of her room, she was greeted by Lucian, who stood vigil at her door, his posture alert and ready.

“Where are you off to, my queen?” Lucian inquired, his brow furrowing slightly as he noticed her donning the jacket. “Do you require something?”

“I just need to stretch my legs,” Rania replied, her voice laced with a hint of impatience. “I feel stifled being cooped up in here for so long. I want to walk around a bit.” Days spent confined to the ship, with only the endless expanse of water and the four walls of her room for company, had left her craving fresh air and a change of scenery.

“You mustn’t wander aimlessly, my queen,” Lucian cautioned, his tone firm yet protective. “It’s not safe for you out there.”

“But we have our warrior here, and you’re with me too! What could possibly happen? I promise I won’t venture into any dangerous areas; I’ll stick to the pack house.” Rania attempted to soothe Lucian’s concerns, her resolve strengthening with each word.

“Very well,” Lucian conceded, albeit reluctantly. He fell into step two paces behind her as she made her way through the pack house, his watchful eyes scanning their surroundings.

As they walked, Rania noticed the pack members of Greenstone going about their tasks. Yet, an air of discomfort hung over them, evident in their furtive glances and hesitant movements. A pang of guilt struck Rania; she wished they could feel at ease around her.

“Lucian,” she called, prompting him to step closer.

“Yes, my queen, what do you require?” he asked, bending slightly to accommodate their height difference, a gesture that never failed to amuse her.

“Could you please ask one of them to join me? I’d like some company while I explore the pack house.” Rania’s cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke. The house was vast, and she didn’t want to risk losing her way. More importantly, she yearned to connect with the people who made up this pack. Maximus’s words about their past had left her skeptical, and she needed to see for herself if the tales held any truth.

“Would you like to converse with one of them? If you’re set on walking, I can summon a warrior who knows this place well to guide you,” Lucian suggested, trying to offer a practical solution.

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