Deadly Secret

Tea

Esther held a warm cup of tea in her hands, basking in the aroma of cinnamon and cloves. The thin porcelain was slightly chipped and worn. She sipped steadily, allowing the hot liquid to calm her nerves.

"How are you feeling?" Beren leaned forward, savoring his own cup of tea.

"Nervous,"

He nodded, "Honestly, I'm a bit nervous myself. Thanks for meeting me here,"

"No problem," she said warmly.

A light mist still waltzed through the air, but rays of sunshine gradually sliced through the fog. They stood in silence for a bit, finishing the last of their beverages.

"So," Beren cleared his throat.

"So?"

"As much as your heart is set on finding Keefe..."

Esther winced, "Yes?"

"I think there's an easier way of solving your problems," he swallowed, "We need to experiment,"

She froze, and her eyes flickered to meet his stare.

"I know you're probably hesitant, but... what if Keefe can't solve your problem?" he said, "Your best chance is getting to know your powers and undoing this yourself,"

"I can't," she whispered, "I don't think you understand,"

"I understand better than you might think," Beren smiled bitterly, "But that's a conversation for another time,"

He set his delicate porcelain cup on top of a rotting log, "Here's what I'm thinking—"

"I already have a plan," Esther interrupted, "I need you to create a diversion while I sneak back into the cafeteria,"

"Why?"

"I left Luna in there,"

Beren chuckled, and his peacock blue eyes glittered with amusement.

"What is it?"

"You're an awful liar, Esther," his grin faded, "What are you really up to?"

"I agreed to meet someone there,"

"Ruy," he whispered.

"How did you know?"

Beren shook his head. A flash of regret contorted his features, "I really do like you, Esther. I hope you understand,"

In the corner of her eye, a blurry fist swung forward. Excruciating pain spiked before her skull. Beren's deadly, beautiful smile was the last thing she saw before the black crept in.