Crossed Spells

Chapter 22: The Truth (Part 1)

The morning sun filtered through the curtains of the Luminosa living room, finding Lucas Blackwood already awake, sitting on the couch that had served as his bed for the night. His mind was in turmoil, a whirlwind of contradictory thoughts and emotions that gave him no respite.

Lucas ran a hand through his tousled hair, his gaze scanning the room. The Luminosa living room was warm and welcoming, so different from the austere atmosphere that reigned in his own home. Family photos adorned the walls, testifying to a life filled with love and laughter. It was a striking contrast to the Blackwood house, where the only images were stern portraits of long-gone ancestors.

A feeling of guilt crept into him as he thought back to the events of the past few days. The argument with his father, his impulsive flight, and the warm welcome from Elena and Aria. He was grateful to them, of course, but this gratitude was tinged with growing anxiety about his imminent return home.

"I have to leave today," he murmured to himself, the words leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. He knew he couldn't put off the inevitable any longer, despite the comfort and security he felt here. Reality was waiting, implacable and unavoidable.

Lucas took his phone out of his pocket, checking once again if he had received a response from his father. Nothing. The screen remained desperately empty, without any notification. The day before, following Elena's advice, he had sent a message to Damien to inform him that he was spending the night at the Luminosas'. The radio silence that followed weighed heavily on Lucas, fueling his apprehension about the confrontation that inevitably awaited him.

What was his father thinking right now? Was he furious? Worried? Or worse yet, indifferent? Lucas knew Damien Blackwood well enough to know that this silence boded nothing good. His father wasn't the type to let such a transgression pass without consequences.

A sound of light footsteps caught his attention. Aria appeared in the doorway, her blonde hair tousled by sleep, but her eyes perfectly alert. She paused for a moment, observing him with a mixture of affection and concern that made Lucas's heart beat a little faster.

"Sleep well?" she asked softly, approaching to sit next to him.

Lucas felt a wave of warmth wash over him at her proximity. It was always like this with Aria, as if her mere presence illuminated the world around her. He sketched a small smile, trying to appear more relaxed than he really was. "As well as possible, given the circumstances," he replied.

He hesitated for a moment, not wanting to spoil this peaceful moment, but knowing he had to broach the subject. "I think I should go home today," he finally said, the words seeming to weigh a ton. "My father... he still hasn't responded to my message."

Lucas saw a shadow of disappointment pass over Aria's face, quickly replaced by understanding. She nodded, placing a comforting hand on his arm. This simple contact sent tingles along his skin, as if his powers were reacting to her presence.

"I understand," she said softly. "Do you want me to come with you?"

Lucas's heart swelled with gratitude at this offer. Part of him desperately wanted to accept, to have Aria by his side to face his father's anger. But he also knew that it would probably make things worse. "I don't think that's a good idea," he replied reluctantly. "My father is already angry enough as it is. Seeing you would only add fuel to the fire."

Aria nodded, understanding visible in her eyes. It was one of the things Lucas loved most about her - her ability to understand without him needing to explain in detail. As if she could read him as easily as he read her.

Before they could continue their conversation, Elena entered the living room, bringing with her the comforting smell of freshly brewed coffee. "Good morning, kids," she said, her gaze lingering on their worried faces. "Is everything alright?"