Spellbound [wlw]

15

A few days after Amari's encounter with the cloaked figure, she tries to put the incident behind her and focus on her studies. But she can't shake the feeling that danger still lurks in the shadows.

Ivy approached Amari as she sat alone in the library, books strewn around her. Amari seemed lost in thought, her brow furrowed.

As she pours over her books, she catches sight of Ivy approaching her. Amari tries to act as if everything is normal, but Ivy can sense the tension in her.

"Hey, Amari," Ivy greeted, but Amari just nodded in response. Ivy persisted, sliding into the seat beside her friend.

"Amari," Ivy says quietly, "What's wrong?"

Amari tensed as Ivy took a seat beside her, feeling suddenly exposed.

"Ivy, I'm fine. Really," she said, her eyes still fixed on the pages in front of her.

But Ivy was relentless. "Amari, don't give me that. I can tell something's off. You're not the type to be so evasive. Talk to me, please." Her voice was gentle but firm.

Amari paused, biting her lip as she pondered Ivy's words. Revealing the truth would have Ivy worried and she didn't want that, the last thing she wanted was for Ivy to continuously look over her shoulder everywhere she went.

Ivy, sensing Amari's hesitance to share, gave her a sympathetic smile. "I completely understand, Amari. It can be tough to be away from home. Maybe you could visit them when the holidays come around. You deserve a break."

Amari nodded, a forced smile stretching her lips. She couldn't help but think about the changes in their relationship over the past week. They'd gone from friends to ex-friends then friends again, and even the memory of escorting Ivy back to her dorm made Amari's heart flutter.

Amari considered Ivy's words carefully, weighing her options. On one hand, she longed for the comfort and support of her friend. But on the other, she didn't want to put Ivy in unnecessary danger. The truth about the cloaked figure and their scuffle was too risky. She made her decision.

"You're right, Ivy. I've just been homesick lately, that's all," she lied, her voice shaky with nerves. "I'm sure the holidays will be a good break."

Ivy's expression softened at Amari's admission. "That's totally understandable, Amari. It takes time to get used to being away from home. Why don't we do something to take your mind off things? Maybe a walk in the gardens or a parlor game in the common room?"

Amari hesitated, her mind still racing with thoughts of the cloaked figure. "I...I'm not sure that's a good idea," she stammered. "I don't want to distract you from your studies, and..." Her voice trailed off.

"And what, Amari?" Ivy prodded gently.

Amari met Ivy's gaze, a glimmer of apprehension in her eyes. "I just...I don't want to be a burden to you, Ivy."

Ivy shook her head, her expression earnest.

"Amari, you're not a burden. You've been through a lot lately, and I want to be there for you. Friends stick together, and that's what we are, right?" Ivy said, her voice earnest and sincere.

Amari hesitated for a moment before relenting with a smile.

"Right. Friends." It felt good to say it out loud, to acknowledge the bond that had grown between them in such a short time. But her smile faltered as she realized the truth of her feelings. Yes, she wanted more from Ivy, but the obstacles between them seemed insurmountable.

Her gaze fell to her hands, her fingers twisting nervously. "Ivy...I'm glad you're my friend," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. The word felt bitter coming from her mouth but she pushed it down.