Welcome to My World

Chapter 60 Ellis' POV {Two Storms}

There's a another storm brewing, both literally and figuratively.

The weather is always gloomy now, and the air seems like sticking a fork in it will kill you. But something's coming. Ava and Bait can feel it, and I can feel Ava, the same way I know that Ez knows, too.

He's doing a good job of acting normal, ignoring the shadows the clouds are throwing. But he knows that whatever's coming is coming faster.

Also, I've been in English class too long.

So when the bell finally released us from our eternal imprisonment (Curse you, Mrs. Burgundy, and your metaphors and similes!), Ez and I rendezvoused at the nearest fountain. We don't even need to talk to know what the other is thinking- we've really got to pick up the pace with our plan.

Our plan is very simple. Part one, get into the Homecoming dance, snag Callum and Rayla, and drag them outside. Two, we dump the truth on them. Three, we wait for them to recover before going home. Easy.

I can't believe Ez agreed to this plan.

Ez clears his throat. "Soooooo... Ready for next week?"

"You bet I am. It's about time we get back." I reply cheerfully, then jump with surprise as Ava barks suddenly. A blinding flash of light splits open the sky, then the sky shuts itself again with a loud clap of thunder that makes the earth shake.

I yelp with alarm, and end up holding Ez's hand a little too tight. When the thunder stops, I quickly let go of his hand. I really hope that I'm not blushing, but based on the heat of my face, I am. "I'm sorry!"

"It's fine." Ez says quickly. Then I hear a voice from behind us. "Guess you're not a ceraunophile, mufufu."

We spin around to see who's eavesdropping. This person looks like a photocopy of Derek Mejik, similar but blurry. I can't tell if they're a boy or a girl. They smirk. "Aw, so scared. The storm isn't even here yet, how will you face it when it comes?"

Yes, how will you? My 'voice' asks. Too scared to face it. You'll die for sure.

"She won't be alone." Ez snaps. "I'll be with her the whole time."

The Derek-thing smiles, a creepy, melting smile that seems like his face is dripping. "We'll see, ex-Prince Ezran."

Ez's bright blue eyes grow wide, and in a flash of lightning, they're gone.

^•×•^ ^•×•^ ^•×•^ ^•×•^ ^•×•^ ^•×•^ ^•×•^

I squint, looking up at the bright lights strung around the walkways. Ivywood High went all out for the dance. Now all I need to do to launch the plan into action is to rendezvous with Ez. I slip my hand into my pocket and unfold the note.

To often stumble and fall

That tends to happen several times

But I'll give my best effort, now and always

On my mission

"Let's Do Our Best!"

I smile. It's a simple code. He means that it's safe to meet inside- by the stairs, not the punch table.

I quickly enter the building, dodging students and the hem of my skirt. I keep stepping on it. As I make my way to the back stairs, I catch a glimpse of black and white. Weird... I'm not being followed, am I?

I need to tell Ez. I race through the hallways, but stop suddenly. Behind me, footsteps echo. I am being followed.

I run down the first hall I find, taking the turns as fast as I can, when suddenly, it deadends. I spin around, and the Derek-thing lunges straight at my face before I-

^•×•^ ^•×•^ ^•×•^ ^•×•^ ^•×•^ ^•×•^ ^•×•^

I bolt upright, admittedly screaming. First from fright, then from pain. I just bashed heads with someone, and I'm wet.

My eyes meet someone else's. My roommate's. Her eyes are pale yellow, something I've never noticed before. Then again, it isn't like we spent time together. I don't even know her name.

"He's coming, isn't he?" She says. Her voice is dry, like she hasn't ever drank water, but her hair is dripping wet. "The second shadow child proves it. He's gaining power, and it's only a matter of time before he unleashes it upon Xadia."

"How?" I ask, then swallow and try again. "What do you know about Xadia?"

She smiles. "About the same as you... Ellis of Winterpeak."

I make a kinda strangled gasping noise. "You know my hometown? Who are you?!"

"In this world, they refer to me as Len." She says, her pale yellow eyes unblinking. "I once had another name, but you'll know it when the time comes."

"Why are you telling me this?" I ask.

Len stares at me for a second. "Because I want to help you and Prince Ezran. I know how your plan will fail."