Coding Decoding | on going

n i n e

The aftermath of the ball hung like a dense fog over Isla’s thoughts, each moment replaying in her mind like a haunting melody. She sat on the edge of her bed, the moonlight spilling through the window and casting silvery patterns across the floorboards, but the beauty of it all felt distant. Instead, her mind was consumed by the memory of Lukas—his intense gaze, the way he leaned in just a bit too close. What have I gotten myself into?

Isla rubbed her temples, trying to stave off the whirlwind of emotions. Don’t get distracted. Focus on the plan. The thought of her interactions with Lukas was unsettling. It was not merely a conversation; it felt like a spark igniting something deep within her, something she had long kept buried.

Just then, a gentle knock on her door broke the stillness. It was Alvero, stepping into her room with a look that mixed concern and determination. The soft light from the hallway illuminated his features, casting shadows that danced across his face.

“Isla, we need to talk,” he said, closing the door behind him with a quiet click that echoed in the stillness.

“What about?” she asked, crossing her arms defensively, trying to hide the nervous flutter in her stomach.

“About last night. About Lukas,” he replied, his voice low and urgent. He leaned against the door, his brow furrowed. “You seemed… close.”

“It was a conversation, Alvero,” she shot back, her tone dismissive as she stood to pace the room. The walls felt like they were closing in on her, amplifying her unease. “You’re reading too much into it.”

“Am I?” Alvero stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. “Because it looked like you were enjoying his attention, and that worries me.”

“Why?” she asked, her voice rising slightly. “Because he’s not from our world? Because he’s a royal?”

“No, it’s not that,” he replied, a note of frustration creeping into his tone. “It’s because I don’t trust him. He’s charming, but charm can hide a lot. You know that.”

“Like Samantha?” Isla retorted, her frustration bubbling over. “I thought you wanted me to make connections, to blend in.”

“I do, but not with someone who could be a threat,” he said, urgency lacing his words. “What if he finds out what we’re planning?”

“He won’t,” she insisted, though uncertainty clawed at her. “I can handle myself.”

“But at what cost?” Alvero’s voice rose, a hint of desperation creeping in. “We’re in too deep already. We can’t afford to make mistakes.”

Isla paused, taking a deep breath to steady herself. He’s right, she thought, but the memory of Lukas’s gaze lingered in her mind, igniting a mix of confusion and intrigue. “I’m not interested in him, Alvero. It was just… a distraction.”

“Just be careful,” he warned, his eyes searching hers. “We can’t lose focus. Not now.”

With a reluctant nod, she tried to reassure him, but in the pit of her stomach, doubt festered. She watched as he left, the door clicking softly behind him, and felt the tension in the room amplify. She returned to her pacing, lost in thought, the shadows from the moonlight dancing across the walls as if mirroring her internal turmoil.

Moments later, a slip of paper slid under her door, breaking the silence. Isla paused, her heart racing as she bent to pick it up.

Meet me at the courtyard tonight, Spy.
—L

Lukas. The name sent a thrill through her, a mix of excitement and dread. She weighed her options, torn between her curiosity about him and the very real danger of their situation. What did he want to discuss?

As night draped the academy in darkness, Isla prepared herself, the tension in her muscles palpable as she slipped out of her room. The hallways were cloaked in shadows, the flickering candles casting long, wavering silhouettes that seemed to pulse with her racing heart. She moved quietly, the cold floor sending shivers up her spine, and the air around her felt electric, charged with anticipation.

When she reached the courtyard, the moon hung low, casting a serene glow on the cobblestone paths. The stone walls surrounding the courtyard loomed like ancient guardians, and the scent of damp earth mingled with blooming night jasmine, creating a heady mix that enveloped her senses.

And there he was—Lukas—leaning casually against the stone wall, a silhouette against the silver light. He seemed to absorb the night, his presence commanding yet relaxed. As she approached, he straightened, his expression shifting from casual to focused, his gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that sent her heart racing.

“Thanks for coming,” he said, his voice a low murmur that wrapped around her like a blanket.

“I didn’t have much choice, did I?” she replied, her voice steadier than she felt. Each step toward him felt like walking through molasses, time stretching as their eyes held the weight of unspoken words.

There was a pause, thick with tension, as they stood mere feet apart, the cool night air heavy with possibilities. “You were incredible at the ball,” he said, taking a small step closer. “I didn’t expect to find someone like you there.”

“Someone like me?” she echoed, feigning nonchalance while her heart raced at the compliment. She could feel his presence wrapping around her like a warm cocoon, but she fought to remain aloof.

“Yeah, someone who doesn’t just play the game but actually seems to understand it,” he replied, a hint of challenge in his tone. “I want to know more about you.”

Isla crossed her arms, a defensive gesture that did little to shield her from the warmth radiating off him. “And why would I share anything with you?”

“Because I think we’re in a similar position,” he said, his gaze unwavering. “You’re here, but you don’t belong to this place, not really.”

The way he looked at her made her feel exposed, like he could see the thoughts spiraling in her mind. What does he want? But there was something in his voice that resonated, a subtle acknowledgment of their shared struggle.

Before she could respond, the distant echo of footsteps shattered the moment. Panic shot through her as she glanced toward the sound. Alvero. She turned back to Lukas, the urgency of the moment breaking the tension between them.

“Meet me again,” he urged, his voice dropping to a whisper. “We have a lot to discuss, and it’s important.”

Isla hesitated, the weight of the choice heavy on her shoulders. She could feel the heat of his gaze, the magnetic pull between them undeniable. “I—”

The footsteps grew louder, and she stepped back into the shadows, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and anticipation. As she slipped away, she caught one last glimpse of Lukas, his expression a mix of confusion and determination, and it left her breathless.

The night air felt charged as she retreated, the thrill of their meeting lingering in her mind. The game was just beginning, she realized, and as she left the courtyard, she felt the promise of secrets waiting to unfold.