LUCION The Veil of Whispers

Chapter 3 FOE OR FRIEND?

''Luke, I need you to take Charlie trick-or-treating tonight," Luke's mother called from the living room. "Can't someone else do it? I'm not feeling well today!" Luke groaned, taking a couple of pills from a container in his pocket. "Today, I'm covering for Nancy's night shift. She's not in town currently. Besides, you're his big brother, Luke. It's important to him," she insisted. Reluctantly, Luke grabbed his jacket and headed out with Charlie, a tiny pirate with an oversized hat. As they strolled through the neighborhood, Luke's annoyance faded, replaced by occasional laughter as Charlie excitedly collected candies while going through jump scares in some of their neighbors' yards. But then, as Luke checked his phone for messages, he realized Charlie was no longer by his side.

Panic set in. "Charlie! Where are you?" Luke called out, frantically searching the crowded street. ''Charlie! Charlie!'' Luke called out continuously. Just as fear gripped him, Charlie appeared with a mischievous grin. "Got you, Luke!" "Charlie, don't scare me like that! Stay close, okay!" Luke scolded, relieved but irritated. As they continued, Luke's unease lingered. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Glancing across the street, he noticed a mysterious silhouette, a figure that seemed to be watching them. "Did you see that, Charlie?" Luke asked, pointing subtly. "See what?" Charlie replied innocently. Ignoring the uneasy feeling, they continued trick-or-treating. The mysterious figure reappeared as they approached another house, standing in the shadows. Luke's heart raced. "Charlie, we need to go home now."

"Why? We just started!" Charlie protested.

"No arguments. Let's go," Luke said, grabbing Charlie's hand and quickening their pace. Luke couldn't shake the feeling they were being followed as they walked away. Back home, Luke tried to process the strange events.

"Charlie, did you see anything weird tonight?" Charlie shook his head, but Luke couldn't dismiss the feeling that they weren't alone. Glancing out the window, he caught another glimpse of the mysterious figure across the street, disappearing into the darkness. "Are you still taking your medicine?" asked Charlie, concerned about Luke's behavior.

"Yeah, I'm good, don't worry!" said Luke after noticing that his actions were starting to affect Charlie incorrectly.

Luke entered the library, his eyes fixed on the mysterious book that had captured his curiosity for weeks. Mr. Nakamura, the librarian, stood behind the counter, scanning returned books. "Excuse me, Mr. Nakamura. I was wondering if I could borrow that book over there," Luke pointed to the ancient-looking leather-bound book on the restricted shelf. Mr. Nakamura peered at him over his glasses.

"I'm sorry, Luke. That book is not available for borrowing. It's part of our reference collection. Is there something else you're interested in?" "What? But you're the one who suggested it to me a few days ago!"

"What are you talking about? I haven't seen you since you borrowed those novels," replied Mr. Nakamura, and Luke couldn't understand what was happening. "Wasn't I here just a few days ago?" he questioned himself, only to see the books he returned on the shelf behind Mr. Nakamura.

Disappointment shadowed Luke's face, but determination replaced it. Later that day, he hatched a plan to retrieve the book he desperately wanted. Returning to the library after hours, Luke found the door unlocked. The dim lights cast long shadows as he stealthily approached the restricted section while the mysterious book beckoned to him. Looking around, he snatched the book and stuffed it into his bag. As he turned to leave, a creaking sound caught his attention. Mr. Nakamura emerged from the shadows. "Luke, what are you doing here? The library is closed," Mr. Nakamura said sternly.

Caught off guard, Luke stammered, "I-I forgot something. Just grabbing it." Mr. Nakamura eyed him suspiciously but allowed him to leave. As Luke walked away, guilt and excitement coursed through him. He had the mysterious book, but the consequences of his actions lingered in the air. Luke delved into the book's enigmatic pages in the wee hours of the night, but he couldn't understand anything. Everything was written in a language he had never seen before. Surprisingly, the pictures and drawings in that book looked familiar to him. Luke gave up on the book and switched to one of his novels.