Crossed Spells

Chapter 16: The Winter Ball (Part 1)

The sun was barely rising over Ravenswood, bathing the small town in a golden light that gently filtered through the curtains of Aria's room. The young girl was already awake, sitting on her bed with her knees pulled up to her chest. Her gaze was lost in the distance, fixed on an invisible point beyond her window. In a few days, the winter ball would take place, and this prospect filled her with a mixture of excitement and apprehension that knotted her stomach.

Glimmer was fluttering softly around her, leaving a sparkling trail in her wake. "What's bothering you, my dear?" she asked in her crystalline voice.

Aria sighed, running a hand through her tangled hair. "The ball," she replied simply. "I don't know if it's a good idea to go."

Glimmer did a pirouette in the air, projecting golden sparks. "Oh, come on! It'll be fun! You can wear a pretty dress, dance all night, maybe even kiss a handsome boy under the mistletoe..." She paused, giving a mischievous wink. "A certain handsome boy with shadow powers, perhaps?"

Aria couldn't help but blush at this suggestion. "It's not that simple, Glimmer. Lucas and I decided it was too risky. What if our powers manifest in the middle of all those people?"

The light familiar settled on Aria's shoulder, its glow gently pulsing to the rhythm of her breathing. "I understand your fears, my dear. But you can't spend your life being afraid. Sometimes, you have to take risks to live fully."

Aria pondered these words, her gaze falling on the ball gown that Ivy had convinced her to buy, hanging on her closet door. It was beautiful, a deep blue that reminded her of the night sky, dotted with tiny crystals that sparkled like stars. The idea of wearing it, of dancing with Lucas under the dimmed lights of the decorated gym, stirred a desire in her that she dared not admit.

With a resigned sigh, Aria finally got up, preparing for another day of school. She knew Ivy was going to bombard her with questions about the ball, and she was already dreading this conversation. How could she explain to her friend that she couldn't go without revealing her secret?

As expected, as soon as she crossed the doors of Ravenswood High, Ivy accosted her, her usual enthusiasm amplified by the excitement of the approaching ball.

"Aria!" Ivy exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy. "It's almost the big day! Are you ready? Your dress is perfect, right? Oh, and don't forget we planned to meet at my place to get ready together!"

Aria felt her heart tighten at her friend's excitement. She hated the idea of disappointing her, but she knew she had to be honest. "Ivy," she began softly, "I... I don't think I'm coming to the ball."

Ivy's smile instantly faded, replaced by an expression of shock and disappointment. "What? But... why? Aria, you can't miss this! It's THE event of the year!"

Aria lowered her eyes, unable to meet her friend's hurt gaze. "I know, I'm sorry. It's just that... I don't feel ready for this. All those people, all that attention... it scares me."

Ivy placed a comforting hand on Aria's shoulder. "I understand it can be intimidating, especially for you who are new here. But that's exactly why you should go! It's the perfect opportunity to integrate, make friends, live an unforgettable experience."

Aria shook her head, feeling tears welling up in her eyes. "You don't understand, Ivy. It's not just about shyness. There are... things you don't know about me, reasons why I can't afford to attract attention."

Ivy frowned, visibly confused. "Things I don't know? Aria, what are you talking about?"

Realizing she might have said too much, Aria tried to backtrack. "It's nothing important. It's just... personal stuff. Please, try to understand. I really can't go."