The Changeling and the Crimson Lace

4

The next morning, Amra woke up with a heavy feeling in her chest. Sleep had eluded her the night before, her mind racing with thoughts of the shadowy figure and the unsettling message. She reluctantly climbed out of bed and got ready for school, her routine feeling both familiar and foreign at the same time.

As she moved through the motions of brushing her teeth and picking out clothes, she caught glimpses of herself in the mirror—dark circles under her eyes, hair slightly messy. The reflection seemed like a stranger, and she didn't recognize the girl staring back at her.

After a quick breakfast, she grabbed her backpack and headed out the door, the crisp morning air biting at her cheeks. As she walked to the bus stop, she tried to focus on the day ahead instead of the dread that clung to her like a shadow. Maybe today would be better. Maybe she would finally start to feel like she belonged.

When she arrived at school, Amra spotted Elara waiting for her by the entrance, her bright smile breaking through the fog of uncertainty that had enveloped Amra since yesterday. "Hey! You look tired. Did you not sleep well?" Elara asked, concern knitting her brows together.

"I'm okay. Just had a lot on my mind," Amra replied, forcing a smile. "You know how it is, right?"

"Totally. Let's make today a good one!" Elara said, linking her arm through Amra's as they entered the building together.

As they walked to their first class, the familiar buzz of students filled the hallways. Amra felt a sense of normalcy wash over her, if only for a moment. She exchanged brief hellos with a few classmates, trying to shake off the lingering anxiety.

The morning classes passed in a blur. Amra focused on the lessons, but her mind occasionally wandered back to the shadowy figure and the cryptic messages she had received. Why did it feel like there was something more? Something deeper at play that she couldn't grasp?

During lunch, as Amra and Elara sat at their usual table, Amra couldn't help but scan the cafeteria, searching for any sign of Callus. Her heart skipped a beat when she spotted him a few tables over, engaged in conversation with Tess and a couple of other students. He looked relaxed, laughing at something Tess said, and for a moment, the weight on Amra's chest lightened.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Elara asked, nudging her gently.

Amra shook her head, forcing herself to focus. "Nothing, really. Just... thinking about how crazy this school is."

"Tell me about it! The drama is unreal," Elara replied with a laugh. "But you'll get used to it. Just stick with me, and I'll keep you out of trouble."

Amra smiled, grateful for Elara's support. "Thanks. I just want to figure everything out."

But as she spoke, her gaze drifted back to Callus, and she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to him than met the eye. It was as if he was wrapped in a mystery, one that Amra found herself drawn to.

"Do you know him well?" Amra asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Callus? A bit. He's kind of a big deal around here. Everyone likes him, but he has this whole... enigmatic vibe, you know? He's got a lot of friends but keeps his personal life pretty private," Elara explained, lowering her voice slightly. "There are rumors, but nothing concrete. Just the usual high school gossip."

"Rumors? About what?" Amra leaned in, intrigued.

"Nothing you need to worry about," Elara replied quickly, a hint of hesitation in her tone. "But people talk about him and Tess a lot, like they're together but never actually are. It's complicated."

Amra nodded, but a part of her felt unsettled. Complicated relationships were nothing new, but the way Elara spoke suggested there was more beneath the surface. The thought of being drawn into that kind of drama made her uneasy.