Coding Decoding | on going

t e n

The morning after the ball dawned gray and overcast, a heavy blanket of clouds casting a muted light over the academy grounds. Isla sat in the cafeteria, surrounded by the hum of students, yet feeling impossibly isolated amidst the chatter. The clinking of silverware and the low buzz of conversation faded into a distant murmur, overshadowed by the echoes of her thoughts.

Alvero sat across from her, his brow furrowed as he scanned the room. He was animatedly discussing their latest plans, but Isla found it hard to focus on anything beyond the lingering memories of last night—the way Lukas had looked at her, the warmth of his presence that seemed to seep into her skin and linger long after their conversation ended. She stirred her tea absentmindedly, watching the liquid swirl, reflecting the chaotic storm of thoughts swirling in her mind.

“What are you thinking about?” Alvero’s voice cut through the haze, pulling her back to the present. He leaned forward, concern etched across his features. “You seem a million miles away.”

“Just… the usual,” Isla replied, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “School. Plans. Everything.” But it felt like a flimsy cover for the truth. She couldn’t shake the feeling that the world around her was shifting, teetering on the edge of chaos, and she was helplessly caught in the middle.

“Right,” he said, skepticism lacing his tone. “Your face says otherwise. You’ve got that look—the ‘I’m deep in thought and trying to hide it’ look.”

Isla rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the faint smile that tugged at her lips. “Fine, maybe I’m just contemplating the meaning of life while sipping my tea.”

“Seriously, Isla. You know I can always tell when something’s bothering you,” he pressed, his voice gentle but firm. “Is it about Lukas? I saw the way you two were together last night.”

She stiffened at the mention of Lukas, the warmth of his gaze flooding back, an unwelcome sensation amidst the anxiety swirling in her gut. “It’s complicated,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “But we don’t have to talk about it.”

“Okay, we won’t,” Alvero relented, though his expression remained concerned. Instead, he switched topics, diving into the latest gossip about the academy, but Isla found her mind drifting again. Each word he spoke felt like a distraction from the inner turmoil that threatened to spill over.

Her thoughts slipped back to Samantha, the way her smile could twist into something sinister, how her association with Herald made Isla uneasy. Was it just a coincidence that Samantha seemed to be moving closer to power? Their earlier conversation had left a bitter taste in her mouth, as if she had been dragged into a game where the rules were still being written.

And then there was Lukas—the way he had leaned in, their eyes locking in a moment that felt electric, as if the air between them had crackled with something more than just shared interests. She remembered how her heart had skipped a beat, how a part of her had wanted to step closer, to close the distance and let the tension between them ignite into something more.

But what was that something? She shivered at the thought, unsure of where these feelings were leading her. Could she afford to feel this way for someone like him? Someone tangled in the web of politics and power plays?

As the chatter of the cafeteria faded into the background, Isla was transported to a distant memory—a day in her childhood that felt like a lifetime ago. She remembered the warmth of the sun streaming through the kitchen window, the smell of pancakes wafting through the air as Jordan flipped them with an easy grace.

“Isla, come here!” he had called, his voice inviting and full of warmth. She could picture him, the way he laughed, how his presence filled the room with a sense of safety she had desperately clung to.

“Can I help?” she had asked, bouncing on her toes, her excitement palpable. He had knelt down to her level, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Of course! But only if you promise to be my official pancake flipper.”

The memory enveloped her like a soft blanket, a stark contrast to the uncertainty that clouded her present. Jordan had always made her feel like she could conquer the world, that warmth wrapping around her like a protective cocoon. But that safety felt like a distant dream now, lost amidst the shadows of the academy’s walls.

“Isla?” Alvero’s voice pulled her back to reality once more, his gaze searching hers. “You okay?”

“Yeah, just lost in thought,” she replied, the memories fading like echoes in a vast chamber. But she couldn’t shake the unease settling in her chest—this place, once a sanctuary, was becoming a maze filled with hidden dangers and unknown enemies.

Alvero’s brows knit together, an expression that was both concerned and slightly…jealous? Isla caught the flicker in his eyes, the way they darted toward the other tables, where groups of students laughed and chatted. He was protective, she knew, but there was something else there—a hint of possessiveness that made her heart flutter with confusion.

Suddenly, the cafeteria doors swung open with a loud bang, drawing the attention of every student. A figure strode in with confidence, her presence demanding attention as the room fell silent. Isla’s heart quickened as she took in the sight of the newcomer—Sofia Vergara, the princess of Chillary, radiant and imposing.

Sofia surveyed the room with a practiced indifference, but her eyes glinted with a mix of mischief and authority. “Attention, everyone!” she called, her voice smooth yet carrying an undertone of command. “I have an important announcement to make!”

Isla exchanged a glance with Alvero, a shared apprehension threading between them. What was this about? The air crackled with tension as all eyes turned to Sofia, anticipation hanging heavily over the cafeteria.

As Sofia began to speak, Isla felt a sense of foreboding creep into her thoughts. This was the beginning of something new—something that would shake the very foundations of their carefully constructed plans. She stole a glance at Alvero, noticing the way his jaw tightened, his protective instincts flaring. But beneath that, she could see the flicker of jealousy in his eyes as he regarded the stunning newcomer.

And just like that, Isla was caught in the crossfire of emotions—her heart tugging her toward Lukas, her mind warning her of the dangers that lay ahead, and the unwavering loyalty of Alvero, who had always been her rock.

This was the start of a complicated game, and she had no idea how to play.