Crossed Spells

Chapter 8: The Library Incident (Part 1)

Dawn was barely breaking over Ravenswood when Lucas Blackwood opened his eyes, pulled from his restless sleep by the anticipation of the day ahead. The long-awaited Friday had finally arrived, and with it, the promise of an evening alone with Aria at the library. His heart leaped at the thought, a mixture of excitement and apprehension spreading through his chest.

All night, his mind had been devising plans, imagining scenarios to lead Aria to reveal her powers. He knew it was risky, that his father would totally disapprove, but he couldn't bear the uncertainty any longer. He had to know.

Slowly getting up, Lucas glanced at his reflection in the mirror. Dark circles underlined his eyes, witnesses to his restless night. "You can do this," he whispered to his reflection. "Today, you'll finally get answers."

He went downstairs, his mind elsewhere, and found his father, Damien, already sitting at the kitchen table, a cup of coffee in hand and the newspaper spread out in front of him.

"Good morning, son," said Damien, looking up from his reading. "Ready for the game?"

Lucas nodded distractedly, pouring himself a bowl of cereal. "Yeah, it should be fine."

Damien observed him for a moment, eyebrows furrowed. "Is everything alright, Lucas? You look... preoccupied."

Lucas froze for a moment, wondering if his father could read his thoughts. "No, everything's fine," he replied quickly. "Just a bit nervous about the game, that's all."

Damien didn't seem convinced but didn't push further. "Don't forget what I told you," he said simply. "Stay vigilant."

Lucas nodded, feeling the familiar weight of these words on his shoulders. If only his father knew what he was planning to do tonight...

On the other side of town, Aria Luminosa was also emerging from a difficult night. Her dreams had been filled with dancing shadows and mysterious lights, with Lucas's face appearing and disappearing in the mist of her subconscious. She got up, legs shaking, a growing feeling of unease in her chest.

As she prepared for school, her mother's words echoed in her mind: "Be careful, Aria. Don't trust anyone." But thinking of Lucas, she couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and fear. There was something about him, a familiarity she couldn't explain.

"It's just a study session," she told herself as she tied her hair. "Nothing more." But deep down, she knew that tonight could change everything.

In the kitchen, Elena, her mother, was preparing breakfast. She turned to Aria with a smile, but her eyes betrayed a constant worry.

"Sleep well, sweetheart?" Elena asked, placing a plate of toast in front of her daughter.

Aria forced a smile. "Yes, I'm fine," she lied. She hated hiding things from her mother, but how could she explain these strange dreams, these sensations she didn't understand herself?

Elena observed her for a moment, as if trying to read her. "You remember what I told you, don't you? About..."

"Yes, Mom," Aria gently interrupted. "I'll be careful. I always am."

Elena nodded, seeming a bit reassured. "I know you are. It's just that... things can be complicated here in Ravenswood."

Aria couldn't help but wonder, not for the first time, what exactly her mother knew about this town and its secrets.

At Ravenswood High, the atmosphere was electric. The hallways were buzzing with excitement for the afternoon's football game. Lucas, in his team uniform, navigated between congratulations and encouragement from his classmates, his mind elsewhere. Every time he caught Aria's gaze in the hallways, he felt his heart race, a mixture of guilt and anticipation overwhelming him.