Dark Allure

Plans and Concerns

"Okay, so for the party, we need to make sure we have everything covered," Ava said, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Decorations, food, music—"

The library of St. Agatha's Academy was a haven of quiet contemplation, the soft rustle of pages turning and occasional whispers creating an atmosphere of scholarly tranquility. I sat at a sturdy oak table, flanked by Ava and Christian, the weight of anticipation heavy in the air as they discussed plans for my upcoming birthday party.

"And drinks," I interjected, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "Whiskey, Vodka, Beer..."

Ava and Christian exchanged a glance, a flicker of concern passing between them before Ava cleared her throat, her tone gentle but firm. "Rose, you know we can't have alcohol on school grounds," she said, her brow furrowing with worry.

I shrugged nonchalantly as I waved off Ava's concern. "Oh, come on, Ava," I said, my voice tinged with impatience. "It's just one night. What harm could it do?"

Christian leaned in closer, his voice low with caution. "Rose, you know the rules," he said, his tone serious. "We could get into serious trouble if we're caught with alcohol on campus."

Times like these I hated him again.

 Sighing, my shoulders slumped with resignation as I realized the gravity of the situation. Neither of those two wanted any alcohol near them. They hated it. I don't think Christian even drank alcohol. What a buzzkill.

"Fine," I muttered, disappointed. "No alcohol."

Ava and Christian exchanged a relieved glance, their expressions softening with gratitude as they reached across the table to squeeze my hand. "Thank you, Rose," Ava said, her voice warm with affection. "We just want you to have a fun and safe birthday."

I nodded, my heart heavy with the weight of my disappointment as I forced a smile. "I know," I said, my voice tinged with regret. I was probably going to sneak in alcohol.

"We'll still make it special," Christian said, his voice gentle but firm. "We'll have music, and dancing, and plenty of delicious food. And most importantly."

As they continued to plan and scheme late into the night, I felt a sense of dread settle over me. Shadows. Black thick clouds whispering secrets into my ear again, i hissed in pain as a headache suddenly formed.

"Rose?" Ava stopped speaking. "Are you okay?"

"Just thinking about training tonight again," I said slowly.

Both she and Christian looked at me with concern and I waved her off. Nodding, I took a sip of my water, trying to ignore the darkness that surrounded me. For a moment, I thought about asking them if they were hearing the weird whispering but decided against it.

They were talking happily again so I assume that they didn't. Maybe I was turning crazy.

I wouldn't be surprised.

Suddenly, my phone trilled softly, a break in the tranquil atmosphere, as I slipped out into the corridor to answer.

"Alex?" I greeted, anticipation lacing my voice.

"Rose," Alex's voice crackled with excitement. "I've made a breakthrough."

My pulse quickened, the weight of anticipation settling over me like a cloak. Could this be it? The key to unraveling the mysteries of my past?

"Tell me," I urged.

"I've found your brother," Alex's words were charged with a sense of triumph.

My heart skipped a beat, disbelief warring with hope. Thoughts clouded my mind. Who was he? Did he know of me? Did he even want me as a sister?

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes as I slid my back against the wall. "Who is he?" I whispered.

"Christian Black." He said confidently. "I also have his home address." I could feel his smirk.

But my world stopped.

Christian? As in Ava's Christian? The Christian that was less than twenty feet from me?

I looked through the window at Ava and Christian leaned close to each other as they conversed. I studied his dark brown hair and his green eyes. I haven't noticed them before. Now they were crystal clear to me and so was my past.

"Rose, you there?" I snapped back to reality as Alex's voice.

"Uh...yes." I rubbed my forehead. "Sorry. What were you saying?"

"Right. His address. I think we should go visit him, see if he knows about you. Maybe he was searching for you too."

Pacing, I felt myself getting dizzy. "I think you have the wrong person," I whispered. "Maybe you had a mix-up between the two boys."

He paused. "Why are you whispering?" 

Somehow, nothing made sense to me. There was no way that Christian, Ava's Christian, could be my brother. We would have looked more similar and we would have known. They say you can feel when family is near, right?

"Because, Alex, Christian Black is sitting right next to my best friend."

He took a sharp intake of breath. "Tonight, midnight. Bring a sample of his hair."