TRICKED

PROLOUGE - 1

LYRA

8 years old

With my heart beating fast like a drum, I sneaked down the stairs, biting my little lips. My eyes darted around, checking for any boogie men hiding in the shadows. I don't really know who those giant men in black suits are, but they're always scary and wander around the house.

At this hour, they stand outside, and that's my chance to escape from my room. I tiptoed in the dark, all sneaky-like, 'cause I'm a secret agent in my big house. My teddy bear, Mr. Fluffykins, was my partner in crime. We crawled through secret tunnels like super spies, lookin' for the treasure cookies hidden by the cookie monsters.

I carefully peeked into the room where Daddy's big chair was. Sometimes it got scary when he was mad, and I wished he'd be as nice as Mr. Fluffykins. Mommy, she stayed in her room a lot, and I missed her hugs and kisses. But when she did come out, it was like a sunshine party in my heart. Those times were so rare, like finding a glittery unicorn in the dark.

I played extra quiet, hoping not to wake the big scary monster or make Mommy stay in her room longer. But in my secret agent world, me and Mr. Fluffykins were always the bravest team, even if things were a bit topsy-turvy at home.

Holding Mr. Fluffykins close, I made my way to the backyard, where my secret space hid behind the bushes. Moonlight painted silver paths on the grass as I reached my hidden treasure spot. This was where I kept all my toffees and toys, away from Daddy's eyes, 'cause if he sees them, he might start being a big, scary dragon again.

Carefully, I arranged my goodies, making sure each toy and toffee had its own special place. It was my secret world, and I whispered to Mr. Fluffykins about all the adventures we'd have without the scary giants knowing. Little did they know about my magical backyard kingdom, hidden and safe from their big, dark eyes.

I had just started playing when I got Startled by a noise from the bushes, my heart raced, and I froze, staring at the grass. Imaginary monsters filled my head, ready to jump out any moment. But as the leaves rustled, it wasn't a monster that appeared.

A boy, with hair as dark as the night, stepped out. His eyes sparkled like the stars, and my breath got stuck in my throat. Not because I was scared, but because he was so beautiful. We stared at each other in the moonlight, and for a moment, the backyard felt like a magical garden where anything could happen.

He wasn't a prince, and thank goodness for that because I never really liked princes. They seemed selfish, willing to hurt the princess to save the world. I preferred the devils, the villains, because no matter what the world did to them, they were always ready to burn the world. And this boy, he gave off that vibe – devilish charm wrapped in beauty.

With dark hair, eyes as deep as the ocean, and a small face framed by big pretty eyes, he looked like a character from my secret adventure stories. The backyard suddenly felt like a fairy tale, and I wondered if this devilish boy might become the unexpected hero of my magical kingdom.

I stood up, my white tulle bouncing with the motion, and flashed a smile at the devil. His eyes narrowed, staring at me with a dead calm that sent shivers down my spine. The backyard suddenly felt like the battlefield of a magical duel, and I wondered what kind of adventure awaited in the moonlit night.

"Are you also sneaking from your house?" I asked, but he didn't react at all. Closing the distance between us, I realized how small I was compared to him. Undeterred, I smiled and repeated, "You looking for a secret spot?" The moonlit silence hung between us, as if waiting for the magic of whispered secrets to unfold.

He remained silent, so I took a chance and offered Raising my index finger, "I already have a secret place of my own. I'll share it with you on one condition."

he slightly raised a brow. With determination, I continued, "Would you be friends with me?" I extended my hand, hoping the moonlit night might become the beginning of a magical friendship.

He stared at my hand as if it were an ugly insect he didn't want to touch. The moonlight revealed the dejection in his eyes, and for a moment, it felt like my magical backyard kingdom might crumble before it even began.

Lights from the house turned on, and I glanced back, wondering if Papa had somehow woken up or if the boogie men found out I was missing from my room. Panic flashed in my eyes. "La merda" (oh shit) I hissed under my breath.

When I turned back around to alert the boy about the same, he wasn't there anymore. It was just empty space, and the backyard became a silent stage for my fears to dance in the moonlight.

***