Crossed Spells

Chapter 19: Night Investigation (Part 1)

The cafeteria of Ravenswood High buzzed with animated conversations and teenage laughter, but in an isolated corner, Lucas and Aria were speaking in low voices, their heads bent towards each other in a secret conversation. The atmosphere around them was charged with tension and anticipation.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Aria whispered, her blue eyes scrutinizing Lucas's face with concern. "If our parents find out what we're planning..."

Lucas nodded, his expression reflecting a mixture of determination and apprehension. "It's our best chance," he whispered back, casting a furtive glance around them to ensure no one was listening. "Our parents will think we're just at a teenage party. They won't suspect anything."

Aria sighed, running a hand through her blonde hair. "Okay," she finally conceded. "But we'll have to be extremely careful. At the slightest sign of danger, we stop everything and go home. Promise?"

"Promise," Lucas agreed, extending his hand across the table. Aria shook it, sealing their agreement. The moment their hands touched, they felt that familiar spark, that mixture of shadow and light that seemed to dance between them every time they made contact.

Their conversation was interrupted by the noisy arrival of Marcus and Ivy, who sat down at their table with the exuberant energy that characterized them. Lucas and Aria exchanged a quick glance, a silent agreement passing between them.

"Hey, lovebirds!" Marcus launched with a mischievous smile. "So, you've finally decided to come out of your cave for Friday's party?"

Ivy elbowed Marcus, but her own smile betrayed her curiosity. "Leave them alone, Marcus. They might have other plans."

Lucas took a deep breath, forcing a smile on his face. "Actually," he began, trying to appear as casual as possible, "we've changed our minds. We're coming to the party on Friday."

The reaction was immediate and explosive. Marcus almost jumped out of his seat, giving an enthusiastic pat on Lucas's back, while Ivy let out a cry of joy and practically threw herself at Aria to hug her.

"I knew it!" Marcus exclaimed, his face beaming. "I knew you'd end up giving in! It's going to be the party of the century!"

Ivy, still clinging to Aria, was talking at full speed. "Oh my God, this is great! We need to go shopping to find you an outfit, Aria. And then we could get ready together before the party. It's going to be so much fun!"

Lucas and Aria exchanged a look over Ivy's shoulder, a mixture of guilt and determination in their eyes. They hated lying to their friends, but they knew it was necessary. The stakes were too high.

The rest of the week passed in a whirlwind of preparations and anticipation. For Marcus, Ivy, and the rest of their classmates, it was the normal excitement that preceded a big party. For Lucas and Aria, it was a growing tension, mixed with apprehension and a strange excitement at the idea of their upcoming night investigation.

Finally, Friday night arrived. Lucas stood in front of the mirror in his room, nervously adjusting the collar of his shirt. He had opted for a casual but neat outfit: a dark blue shirt and black jeans. He wanted to look like a normal teenager going to a party, not an apprentice sorcerer about to conduct a dangerous investigation.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" The deep voice of Shade, his shadow familiar, resonated in the room. He floated near the window, his dark form gently undulating.

Lucas turned to Shade, his expression determined. "We don't have a choice," he replied. "Something serious is happening in Ravenswood. We have to find out what."

Shade undulated, his equivalent of a nod. "That's true. But be careful. Don't forget that your powers can be unpredictable at night."

"We'll be careful," Lucas promised. He took one last look at his reflection, took a deep breath, and left his room.