The Disaster at Hexside

Chapter 17 - Lili

Avery and Thyme turn around and start flying away. After a few more minutes, I spot my house and Harmony and I start our descent. As we touchdown at the front door, it swings open to reveal Brayden, and he looks mad.
'Where have you been Lili? You went to go looking for Tristan 30 minutes ago!' He almost shouts. I immediately shrink back, and Brayden sighs.
'Just get inside, dinner is already on the table. Hello Harmony.' He says, his tone getting softer at the end. Harmony is looking at me. She doesn't know what to do. I just sigh and lead the way inside. After we suffer through a silent dinner, Harmony and I head up to my room and pretend to fall asleep. Once we know that Brayden is asleep, we creep over to Tristan's room. I know that he will be awake, since he never listens to Brayden's rules, one of which is lights out by 9, and it's 10 at the moment. We get to Tristan's room and we do the same routine that we did last time. I count down from three on my fingers, then we barge quietly into Tristan's Room, tackling him to his bed. I cover his mouth with one of my hands. He starts attempting to say something, but it comes out muffled. We wait until he calms down.
'Ok, I'm going to take my hand off your mouth and you're not going to shout or scream or make any sort of loud noise, ok? Or I'll have Harmony make you jump out the window.' I threaten in a low tone. Tristan nods quickly. I slowly remove my hand, getting ready to put it back on, should he attempt to talk. Thankfully, he doesn't.
'Why are you attacking the students?' I ask angrily. He stays silent for a second or two, and I feel as though he's trying to come up with a believable lie. He sighs, so I think he gave up.
'I'm trying to get rid of the competition for the Emperor's Coven.' He says, half quietly. Harmony and I look at each other.
'Who's making you do this?' Harmony asks. Tristan smirks.
'You really think I'd tell you?' He chuckles. I look at Harmony and she raises her violin and bow to her shoulder. Tristan looks at her, panicked.
'Ok, ok. I won't tell you who she actually is, or she'll kill me, so I'll just say that you definitely know her.' He says cryptically. 'I know you'll figure it out, so she won't be able to get mad at me for telling you.' Harmony and I look at each other again.
'Thanks for your time brother two, but one final question: Why are you doing this?' I ask. Tristan smirks again.
'Not many people make it to the Emperor's Coven. I believe I'm one of those people, and so does my accomplice. We know we should get in, not these other witches with no talent. No offense.' He adds. I'm about to reply ' none taken' when I realize that it was offensive. Harmony and I are about to leave, when Tristan says something.
'Oh, and another thing. She wants to attack you, Lili. I told her I wont, but that means she's going to, so I'd watch your back.' He says. I raise my eyebrow.
'Is that a threat?' I ask.
'Consider it a waning.' He says, smiling. 'Also, don't tell Brayden.' He whispers. 'He's got enough on his plate already.' I mock salute him, then quietly chuckle.
'No problem Brother Two.' I say. Harmony and I sneak back to my room before Brayden notices us. We get into bed and sleep is about to take me when I realize something.
'Harmony... Harmony!' I whisper. I keep whisper-yelling her name until she rolls over and faces me.
'What is it Lili?' She asks groggily. I smile in the dark.
'I know who Tristan is working with.' I say.