Chapter 26: Sinister Twists

Sam.

By: Asa Montreaux

As the weeks rolled on at The Andrews School, the excitement of the dance-off faded, replaced by the looming stress of exams. The air was thick with anxiety as students prepared for their tests, a combination of practical magical assessments and traditional academic evaluations. Hugh found himself buried in textbooks, surrounded by spell components and notes, trying to balance his studies while keeping a close eye on Talia and Leo.

In the common room, the atmosphere was a mix of diligent study and hushed gossip. Hugh, Eliza, Mish, Sam, and Fiona gathered at their usual table, their books spread out before them, but their minds were focused on the unfolding drama rather than the pages in front of them.

“I heard Talia and Leo are planning something big for the exams,” Sam said, his voice low as he leaned in closer. “They were seen talking to some older students. I don’t like this.”

Hugh glanced around the room, his brow furrowing in concern. “We need to find out what they’re up to. If they’re planning to use forbidden magic again, it could backfire during the exams. It’s dangerous, not just for them, but for everyone.”

Fiona nodded, biting her lip. “We should confront them again. They need to understand the risks, but maybe we could try to convince them before it escalates.”

Eliza sighed, looking at the stack of books in front of her. “We’re not the only ones stressed. Everyone’s on edge with the exams coming up. Maybe they’re just trying to cope in their own way.”

Mish leaned back, her eyes thoughtful. “But their way could endanger us all. We can’t let that happen. If we can catch them before anything goes wrong, it might still be possible to talk some sense into them.”

As they strategized, the tension in the room heightened. Other students were cramming for their exams, while hushed conversations about Talia and Leo flickered through the air. The school felt like a ticking clock, every second echoing the impending chaos.

After hours of studying, the group decided to take a break. They moved outside to the courtyard, seeking fresh air and a moment of respite from the pressure. The crisp autumn air filled their lungs, invigorating them as they watched the leaves dance in the gentle breeze.

“Maybe we could do a different kind of study session together, you know, to keep our minds off things,” Eliza suggested, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. “We could add some friendly competition. After all, who doesn’t love a little magic duel to lighten the mood?”

Hugh chuckled, the tension easing for a moment. “As long as you don’t set me on fire again, I’m in.”

Fiona laughed, shaking her head. “That was one time! And it was an accident!”

Just as the mood began to lift, they noticed Talia and Leo across the courtyard, their hushed voices carrying through the chill. Talia was animated, gesturing wildly, while Leo appeared more serious, scanning the surroundings as if looking for someone.

“Looks like they’re up to something again,” Mish whispered, her tone shifting back to concern.

Hugh’s resolve strengthened. “Let’s split up and keep an eye on them. We need to know what they’re planning.”

They divided into pairs, with Hugh and Eliza taking one path while Sam and Mish paired up, leaving Fiona to keep watch from a distance. As they followed Talia and Leo, Hugh felt his heart race, a mix of excitement and apprehension swirling within him.

The pair of Hugh and Eliza moved through the school grounds, eventually making their way to an abandoned classroom that had been sealed off for years. Hugh glanced at Eliza, who nodded, urging him to continue.

As they approached the door, they could hear muffled voices from within. Talia’s laughter rang out, a sound that set Hugh’s nerves on edge. He gestured for Eliza to stay back, moving closer to the door, straining to hear.

“—it’ll work perfectly for the exams. No one will see it coming, and we can finally prove we’re the best!” Talia exclaimed.

Leo’s voice cut in, a mix of excitement and concern. “But if we’re caught, we’ll be expelled. We can’t take that risk. We need to be careful!”

Hugh exchanged a glance with Eliza. “They’re definitely planning something dangerous,” he whispered. “We have to get back to the others and come up with a plan to stop them.”

Just as they turned to leave, the door creaked open, revealing Talia standing there, her expression a mix of surprise and annoyance. “What are you two doing here?” she snapped, crossing her arms.

Caught off guard, Hugh stammered, “We were just, um, checking the classrooms. You know, for extra study space?”

Talia raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying the excuse. “Right. Sure. You think you can eavesdrop and just walk away? You’re not as sneaky as you think, Hugh.”

Eliza stepped forward, determination in her eyes. “We’re not here to cause trouble, Talia. We’re just worried about what you’re planning. You can’t use forbidden magic during exams. It’s dangerous!”

Talia’s expression hardened. “What do you care? You’re not part of this. Just stick to your little group and let us handle our own business.”

Leo stepped in, his voice a low growl. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. We’re not afraid of the rules. You’re just scared you’ll lose in the exams competition.”

“Maybe we’re scared of losing more than just a competition,” Hugh shot back, feeling his anger flare. “This is about everyone’s safety. You need to realize that.”

Before Talia could respond, Eliza added, “We’re offering to help you. You don’t have to go down this path alone. Just think about it!”

With that, Hugh took Eliza’s hand, and they turned to leave. The tension hung thick in the air, but as they walked away, Hugh could sense a glimmer of doubt in Talia’s demeanor.

As they reunited with Sam and Mish, who were anxiously waiting by the trees, the group shared their findings. “They’re planning something, and it’s bigger than we thought,” Hugh explained, his voice steady. “But I think we might have got through to Talia. She seemed unsure.”

“We need to be vigilant,” Sam added. “If they’re going through with it, we can’t let them face the consequences alone. We need to find a way to stop them without escalating the situation.”

Mish nodded in agreement, her eyes full of determination. “Let’s keep our eyes open. We’ll find a way to protect everyone, even if it means confronting Talia and Leo again.”

With a shared sense of purpose, the friends returned to their studies, but the weight of the unfolding drama hung heavily in the air. The exams were just around the corner, but the true test lay ahead, and it wasn’t just about magic—it was about the choices they would make in the face of danger. 

As Hugh lay in bed that night, he knew one thing for certain: More drama was ensuing, and it was sinister in nature.