Coding Decoding | on going

f i v e

The air was thick with tension as Isla and Alvero navigated the shadowy corridors of the CPA. Each step echoed in the silence, their hearts pounding in sync with the rush of adrenaline. The plan was simple, yet the reality felt far more daunting.

“Are you sure this will work?” Isla whispered, glancing over her shoulder, half-expecting a guard to leap out from the shadows.

Alvero grinned, his dark eyes glinting with mischief. “Trust me, Isla. I’ve watched the guards for weeks. They’re predictable. All we need is a little distraction.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pouch filled with Willxheries, their calming scent barely noticeable against the musty air of the building.

“Do you really think the flowers will keep them asleep long enough?” Isla asked, biting her lip.

“They’re not just for sleep; they’ll make them dream.” He looked into her eyes, a warmth radiating from him that made her feel safe. “Just a whiff, and they’ll be lost in their dreams for hours. We’ll be long gone by then.”

Isla nodded, feeling a flicker of hope amidst her uncertainty. They had planned every detail, but now that the moment was here, doubt crept in. “What if Herald catches us? He’s been keeping a closer watch lately.”

“Let him try,” Alvero replied with a smirk. “I have a plan for him too.” He paused, scanning the corridor for any sign of movement. “Just stay close. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

The bond between Alvero and her was more than just friendship; it was as if he had inherited a sliver of his father’s warmth, a flicker of acceptance that Isla had yearned for all her life. There was something about Alvero—his unwavering loyalty, the way he could make her laugh even in the darkest moments—that made her feel as if she belonged somewhere, if only for a fleeting moment.

“Ready?” he whispered, and she felt the pull of his energy. She nodded, feeling the excitement swell in her chest as they stepped into the dimly lit corridor leading to the exit.

Alvero pulled a small vial from his pocket, the liquid inside shimmering in the pale light. “Here goes nothing,” he said, holding the Willxheries out to her.

Isla took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent that reminded her of summer evenings—soft, soothing, and slightly intoxicating. “Let’s do this,” she replied, steeling herself as they moved toward the guards stationed at the door.

As they approached, Alvero feigned a stumble, causing a loud clang as he dropped a metal rod he’d grabbed earlier. “Oops!” he called out, his voice echoing in the silence.

The guards turned, their expressions a mix of annoyance and curiosity. “What was that?” one of them barked, moving closer.

In that moment, Alvero hurled the contents of the vial at their feet, the powdery substance swirling up into the air like a shimmering cloud.

“Go! Now!” he urged, grabbing her wrist and pulling her forward.

They darted past the guards, whose eyes widened in surprise as the scent enveloped them. “What—what is this?” one of them stammered, staggering backward, the effects of the drug already taking hold.

“Just a little something to help you sleep,” Alvero called back, a triumphant smile plastered across his face.

Isla felt the thrill of their escape surge within her as they slipped out the door and into the cool night air. The stars sparkled above them, a million tiny beacons of hope.

The distraction worked; Herald’s attention shifted. “Get back to your posts!” he snapped at the nearby guards, moving toward them, still unaware of their identities. “I’ll check it out.”

“Now’s our chance,” Alvero urged, and they slipped past him, hearts racing as they dashed into the office. The smell of rich tea and something floral enveloped them, a scent Isla recognized all too well.

Alvero darted toward a nearby window, peering out into the darkness. “Isla, we need to split up,” he whispered urgently. “If he comes back, it’ll be over.”

“No! What if he catches you?” Isla’s voice was laced with panic, but Alvero’s eyes were fierce with determination.

“I’ll be fine. Just trust me. Find a place to hide.”

Before she could protest, Alvero slipped away, the shadows swallowing him whole. Isla held her breath, her heart pounding as she pressed herself against the wall, just outside the office door.

Moments later, she heard the hurried footsteps of Herald returning, a low murmur of annoyance in his voice. “Just a couple of kids messing around,” he muttered to himself. “They’ll regret this.”

As he moved past her, Isla held her breath, her pulse racing. She felt the urge to follow him, but something held her back. Instead, she caught a glimpse of Alvero just around the corner, and her heart dropped as she saw Herald turning to pursue him.

“Alvero!” she whispered, but the urgency in her voice fell on deaf ears.

Suddenly, she heard the distinct sound of a teacup clinking against a saucer and the familiar voice of Samantha drifted through the door. “Did you hear that?” she asked, her tone smooth yet edged with a sharpness that sent chills down Isla’s spine.

“Of course not, dear. You always worry too much,” another voice replied, laced with a hint of mockery. “You should be more concerned about the students outside. They have no idea what they’re meddling in.”

Isla’s breath hitched as she recognized the voice, rich and melodic, yet underlined with an insidious cunning that always made her skin crawl. Samantha. It was the same voice that had soothed her during dark nights, yet now it resonated with a coldness that made Isla’s gut twist.

“Once they’re out of the way, we can proceed with the plan,” Samantha continued, her tone shifting to one of cold calculation. “Islared is the key. We’ll use her. It’s the perfect leverage against them.”

Leverage? The word felt like ice in Isla’s veins. She couldn’t shake the feeling of betrayal that coiled around her heart. Samantha didn’t care about her; she was merely a pawn in a larger game, a tool for Samantha’s ambitions.

As she listened, she could almost visualize Samantha, her delicate fingers wrapped around a steaming cup of tea, the rich scent mixing with that of the Willxheries. The contrast made Isla’s stomach churn; this was the woman who had welcomed her with open arms yet harbored such jealousy and ulterior motives.

“Just make sure that the boy doesn’t get in the way,” Samantha said, her voice suddenly sharper. “I won’t let anyone jeopardize my plans.”

Panic surged through Isla, forcing her to press further into the shadows. She couldn’t allow Samantha to have any control over her life. Not now, not ever.

Just then, she heard a commotion outside, followed by the unmistakable sound of Alvero’s voice, raised in defiance. “You won’t catch me that easily!”

Isla’s heart raced. She had to help him, but she also knew that revealing herself now could lead to disaster. She waited, breath held, straining to hear anything more, her mind racing with thoughts of escape and defiance.

As the sounds of the struggle faded, she made a choice.