ARLIE'S POV
Slowly the person stepped out of the shadows and her Identity became clear to me
"Gift? I whispered, obviously shocked. "What are you doing here, I mean how did you get here?" Of course I know how you got here I'm just really surprised to see you.
Gift's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly masked it with a bright smile. "Arlie! Oh, I've missed you so much!"
She immediately rushed towards me, opening her arms for a warm hug. I reciprocated, feeling a mix of happiness,curiosity and confusion.
"I've missed you too, Gift! I haven't seen you since we arrived at the school."
Gift pulled back,"I've been working with the younger students in the other section of the school."
I nodded still trying to process everything. "That sounds amazing!
Gift let out a big smile. "Thanks, Arlie.
we sat down on the bed and gift's gaze turned to me, I couldn't see her clearly due to the darkness in the room but It was obvious she had grown. "I've been thinking about you a lot lately. How are you handling everything? I Heard about you and Lyra ."
I sighed, "news does travel fast doesn't it, it's been difficult but I'm adjusting, Thane's been helping me a lot."
Gift's eyebrows furrowed slightly but returned back to normal almost immediately. "I'm glad he's been there for you."
As we chatted, the evening wore on, and we kept chatting and talking about everything we'd missed in eachothers lives since we arrived.
Gift focused her gaze on me "So, Arlie, tell me more about your training with Thane. What's he teaching you?"
I hesitated, sensing a subtle intensity behind Gift's question. "Just the basics, Gift. Control, focus...nothing too exciting."
Gift's gaze lingered, as if searching for more. "That's great. And what about Lyra? How's she treating you?"
My instincts flared, warning me to be careful of what I say. "Lyra's...Lyra. Still trying to get under my skin, but I'm handling it."
Gift's expression turned sympathetic. "I'm proud of you, Arlie. You're really strong."
As we talked, I began to notice tiny inconsistencies in Gift's words, her tone. She seemed...off.
"Arlie, can I ask you something?" Gift's voice was filled with curiosity, it's like she wanted to know every single detail that's happening in my life.
"Of course, What is it?"
"Do you know anything about the ancient artifacts hidden within the school? I mean you've been so close to thane surely he must've mentioned something" Gift plastered a big smile on her face as she asked.
My heart skipped a beat. What was she talking about ? "No, Gift. I don't know anything."
Gift's smile faltered for a fraction of a second before she put on her big smile back, her smile was becoming weird and creepy.
"Must be rumors, then. I've heard Gossips from the students about hidden Artifacts that enhance our powers as mutants, you know not all of us are as strong as you." Gift added still smiling
My head spinned. What was Gift after? Why the sudden interest in the artifacts? I think I really should be careful now.