Tracy's fingers hovered over the drawing of the Hydra, her heart quickening as she traced the serpentine forms of the creatures. They were the same—impossibly vivid, terrifyingly familiar—figures that had haunted her dreams, lurking in the shadowed recesses of her mind. Her breath caught, a cold chill crawling down her spine. The words "dangerous" and "indestructible" leapt off the page, emphasizing the dread that coiled in her gut.
"Why this picture?" Shadely's voice sliced through the tension, a mix of curiosity and something else—something harder to place. His eyes locked onto her, his brow furrowed in confusion.
Tracy swallowed, eyes darting to the drawing once more, then to the words she knew so well. "Because I saw them in my nightmare," she said, her voice trembling slightly, betraying the weight of her words. "I think we have a big problem ahead."
Shadely leaned in, studying the Hydra, his expression hardening as the magnitude of her words settled over him. "What else did you see?" he asked, his voice low, almost hesitant.
She paused, the temptation to confide in him almost too great, but something held her back. The pieces of the puzzle—fragments of her dreams—felt too scattered, too unclear to share all at once. "I... I've been having these dreams," she started, her voice barely above a whisper, "but there's more. Things... things I don't understand yet." She couldn't bring herself to mention the "chosen one" or the "key," those strange symbols of power that still gnawed at her thoughts. She wasn't ready for them to become part of her reality, not yet.
Shadely's eyes widened as she spoke, a disbelief that was almost palpable spreading across his features. "Oh my f****** god," he muttered under his breath, taking a step back. The words seemed to hang in the air, charged with a mix of awe and terror. "What are you?"
Tracy felt a sudden lurch in her chest, the question landing like a punch. She hadn't expected that. "I don't even know what I am," she admitted, her voice small, as she met his gaze. "Or what my abilities are. I don't know anything."
Shadely's expression softened, but there was still a faint edge of concern in his eyes. He ran a hand through his hair, frustration coloring his tone. "Okay, I guess since you don't know anything about your abilities or what we're up against... we might as well wait till we find out," he said, his words spilling out with a forced calmness.
With a shared, silent agreement, they returned the books to their rightful place, the library's stillness pressing in around them. As they walked out into the corridor, Tracy's thoughts spiraled, her mind a swirling mass of questions and uncertainties. She wasn't paying attention to her steps when suddenly, her foot caught on the edge of the tile, sending her stumbling.
In an instant, Shadely's hand shot out, his fingers grasping her shoulder with a firm, steadying grip. His other hand seized her wrist, pulling her back to solid ground just in time. The brief, almost electrifying contact lingered, sending a strange heat through her skin.
But something else happened. Shadely's face went pale, his eyes distant. His gaze locked somewhere beyond her, unfocused, and Tracy saw the subtle change in him. He was frozen in that strange, breathless space of vision and reality. His mouth parted, as though trying to speak, but no words came.
"Alicia," a voice echoed in his mind, cold and sharp. "We've got to do this, for me. You know you owe me."
Shadely blinked, his vision hazy, the shapes of the scene before him bleeding together. He couldn't see their faces, only hear the voices—distorted, fragmented. "Okay, Kendell," a woman's voice replied, firm but reluctant. "But this will be the last time I do you a favor."
He caught a glimpse of a figure, the woman—Alicia—holding a baby in her arms. His breath hitched, his grip tightening on Tracy's hand as the vision continued to play out in fragments.
"Cludantur hinc canales potentiarum tuarum," Alicia chanted in a language Shadely didn't understand, her eyes closed in concentration. "It is done."
The words reverberated in his mind, the scene flashing before him in blinding clarity. Alicia dropped the baby, the world around them beginning to blur as the vision shattered and faded, leaving nothing but a hollow silence.
"Shadely... Shadely!" Tracy's voice cut through the fog, desperate, frantic. She shook him, trying to bring him back.
"Uh... uh..." Shadely gasped, his breath ragged as he snapped out of the vision. His eyes were wide with confusion and a lingering sense of fear. He stared at Tracy, his gaze unfocused, as if seeing her for the first time. "I think... I think I just got a vision..." he murmured, his voice barely a whisper.
Tracy's brow furrowed in concern, her heart pounding in her chest. "What happened? What did you see?"
Shadely took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts as he met her eyes. His expression was a mixture of disbelief and something darker, something he didn't quite understand. "It was you," he said slowly, each word feeling like a revelation. "When you were still a baby... and I think I saw Alicia." His face grew serious, his jaw tightening. "And Carl."
Tracy's mind reeled. "Carl... my dad? And Alicia, the great witch?" she asked, her voice rising with disbelief. "But what is their connection?"
Shadely shook his head, a haunted look clouding his gaze. "I don't know," he replied, his voice thick with uncertainty. "All I saw was your dad reminding her that she owed him. And then... she carried you. And she cast a spell on you."
Tracy's heart raced. "What spell?" she demanded, her curiosity consuming her. "What spell did she cast?"
Shadely hesitated, his eyes momentarily flickering with something akin to fear. "I don't know... I've never seen anything like it."
Tracy grasped his hand, the urgency in her voice now palpable. "Wait—what if you perform your psychometry on me again? What if you can see something else?"
Shadely closed his eyes, his fingers still wrapped around hers, but this time, nothing came. No flashes, no visions, just empty space.
"Nothing," he said softly, his voice laced with frustration. "I didn't see anything."
A deep silence hung between them, thick with the weight of unspoken questions. Tracy's mind raced, but Shadely's voice cut through the chaos.
"I promise you," he said, his voice steady, filled with an unshakable resolve, "we will find out how all of this is connected." He gave her a reassuring smile, one that didn't quite erase the shadows in his eyes, but still held the promise of something more. Something they both desperately needed to understand.
The cafeteria buzzed with the chatter of students, trays clattering against tables, and the hum of conversation. Tracy and Daisy slipped into a corner booth, their lunch trays sitting untouched as Tracy fidgeted, barely able to focus on her food. Her eyes flickered nervously, watching the couple across from her. Shadley slid next to Daisy with a smirk, his lips planting a soft kiss on her cheek. Daisy giggled, her smile wide and playful. "Hey boo," she murmured, her voice light as she settled in.
Tracy sat still, a quiet observer, nibbling her food absentmindedly. The energy between Shadley and Daisy was palpable, and it left her uncomfortable, unsure of how to act amidst their playful affection.
"Hey, newbie," Shadley's voice broke through the awkward silence, and Tracy glanced up to find him grinning at her. She returned a small, hesitant smile. "Hi," she muttered, feeling the tension in her chest.
Just then, Rebecca and Cliff sauntered over, their presence commanding attention. Tracy's gaze locked onto Rebecca's confident stride, her heels clicking on the floor like an announcement. She moved with the grace of someone accustomed to being watched, her long, voluminous curls bouncing with each step, the tips dyed a vibrant blue. Beside her, Jason trailed closely, his arm casually draped around her neck. Tracy's stomach twisted as she recognized him—the boy from yesterday who had dealt with the car door incident.
Rebecca's transformation since the day before was striking. Gone were the messy curls, replaced by a sleek and polished look that made her appear even more imposing. Tracy swallowed, feeling a lump form in her throat as she recalled the chaos Rebecca had been a part of.
"Looking pretty, Becca," Shadley called out, his voice teasing but not without admiration. His wink was sharp, playful.
"Quit it, Shadley," Jason snapped, his tone possessive as he pulled Rebecca closer, the subtle threat in his words clear. "She's taken."
"Okay, okay," Shadley said, raising his hands in mock surrender, his lips curling into a mischievous smile.
The tension in the air shifted, but Tracy remained silent, her gaze flickering from Rebecca to Jason and back to Shadley. Shadley, however, was quick to change the subject.
"Newbie," he called, his voice soft but pointed. Tracy looked up at him, meeting his eyes. He introduced her with a flourish. "This is Becca. Her ability's hypnotic voice." He flashed a grin before adding, "And this is Jason. His power is elemental control. Pretty lame, right?"
Jason's response was swift and startling. With a flick of his wrist, Shadley's lunch tray was sent sailing across the table and into the trash with a swift gust of wind. Shadley gaped, his face a picture of exaggerated shock. "Oh come on, dude. It was just a joke!"
Jason stuck out his tongue, a silent challenge in the gesture.
"Hey, newbie," Shadley called again, his tone laced with amusement. Tracy's eyes flicked up, meeting his. He winked. It was time to go.
She followed his gaze to the clock on the wall. It was time to head to Dianne. The thought of meeting the school's most powerful witch made her pulse quicken.
"Um," Shadley cleared his throat awkwardly, his usual confidence slipping just a little. "If you'll excuse us, newbie and I are… uh, I'd love to take… uh—" He faltered, unable to finish the sentence. Tracy felt the strain in his hesitation, his nerves palpable.
Tracy stepped in, saving him from further discomfort. "Shadley and I would like to take a look around the school," she announced, offering a warm, confident smile.
Daisy's eyes flickered with disappointment. "Really? Let me come with."
"No!" Both Tracy and Shadley responded simultaneously, their voices almost too sharp.
Daisy raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the outburst. "Okay," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of hurt. "But if you need anything, I'm here for you, okay?"
"Sure, babe," Shadley said, leaning down to plant a firm kiss on her lips.
Tracy watched the kiss, something twisting deep inside her. She wasn't sure what it was—jealousy, frustration, or something else entirely—but the emotion felt foreign, unsettling.
"Let's go," Shadley said, his voice softer as he turned toward the exit.
They stepped outside the cafeteria, the cool air brushing past them as they left the warmth of the building behind. Tracy felt the weight of the moment settle around her, the tension between her and Shadley thickening.
"So... where are we headed?" Tracy asked, her voice quiet as they walked down the corridor.
"The WICCANS," Shadley replied with a smirk, his pace quickening as he led the way.
"The what now?" Tracy asked, perplexed.
"The WICCANS," Shadley repeated, "They're an association of powerful witches from different covens. A few members go to our school."
"So why are we going there?" Tracy asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Because we need to figure out what spell Alicia cast on you," Shadley explained, his expression darkening slightly. "Stay behind me and don't get too scared."
They crossed the school grounds, the familiar landscape fading as they moved further away from the main building. The weather shifted, the air growing colder, the sky thick with clouds that seemed to mirror Tracy's unease. As they approached an old, dilapidated building, Tracy's heart skipped a beat. It looked ancient, as though it hadn't been touched in decades. The trees around it loomed like silent sentinels, their branches twisting in the wind.
The wind picked up, causing the long grass to sway ominously. Tracy hesitated, her eyes darting back to the school in the distance, but the path ahead seemed much darker.
"Totally never going to get used to this," Tracy muttered under her breath as they ascended the creaking stairs. Each step felt like it might break beneath her weight, and she instinctively inched closer to Shadley.
The door before them slowly creaked open on its own, the hinges protesting with a shrill noise that echoed through the silence.
"Sorry," Shadley chuckled at her reaction, a playful glint in his eyes. Tracy shot him a daring look, her irritation and amusement mixing in a heated glance.
They stepped inside, and the darkness of the abandoned house wrapped around them like a thick blanket. The only light came from a shattered window, its jagged edges letting in streaks of pale sunlight. The door behind them slammed shut with a resounding bang.
"Hello?" Shadley's voice broke the stillness, his call echoing down the narrow halls. They waited in tense silence before the sound of footsteps reached their ears, the creaking floorboards growing louder with every passing second.
Out of the shadows, a figure emerged—a girl with chestnut brown hair styled in intricate braids. She smiled as soon as she saw Shadley. "If it isn't Shadley," she said, her grin broad and welcoming.
Shadley grinned back, walking forward to embrace her. "Long time no see, Stacy."
"I'm still as pretty as ever," Stacy replied, her voice light with humor.
As they broke the hug, she turned to Tracy, her gaze sharp. "Who do we have here?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Tracy felt the weight of the gaze, and something in her shifted.
"This is Tracy," Shadley said, stepping aside. "Tracy, meet Stacy Leonard. Second-best witch in the WICCANS."
Tracy hesitated but then smiled. "Hi," she offered.
"Hey," Stacy replied, her smile thin but polite.
"Is she…" Tracy began, her curiosity piqued, but before she could finish, Stacy cut her off. "Yes. I'm a descendant of Leonard, which makes me related to Alicia Leonard," she said, her tone casual, but there was a flicker of something deeper in her eyes. "Not that I'm anywhere near as good as she was."
"Wow," Tracy murmured, her eyes wide in awe. "But you're still amazing."
"Thanks," Stacy said with a small, genuine smile. "But let's not keep Diane waiting."
She led them into a room, and then, with a casual touch to the wall, the floor creaked and groaned. Slowly, stairs began to emerge from the ground, forming step by step until they reached the bottom with a final echo.
"Come on," Stacy called, her voice full of playful reassurance. "Don't worry, it's totally safe." She winked. "Just kidding."
The flickering candlelight danced across the dimly lit chamber, casting elongated shadows on the walls. Tracy stood frozen at the entrance, her wide eyes scanning the room filled with the eerie glow of blue, white, and black candles. Their wax dripped languidly onto ancient wooden holders, marking time in an unsettling rhythm. A faint draft carried the scent of burning herbs and ash, mingling with the unspoken tension in the air.
"Wait... What?" Tracy's voice trembled, disbelief etched into her every syllable.
"After you," Shadley said smoothly, gesturing toward the descending staircase with a slight smirk.
Tracy turned to him, her face pale. "I'm not—"
"You're safe. I promise," Shadley interrupted, his hand settling firmly but gently on her shoulder. The warmth of his touch sent a surprising wave of calm through her. Something about his steady presence quieted the chaotic storm in her chest. With a sharp inhale, Tracy nodded and, clutching the banister, began to descend.
The room below was otherworldly, a collection of relics that whispered of centuries-old secrets. Shelves lined with crumbling spell books loomed on one side, while a furnace crackled at the far end, its orange flames licking at the sooty brickwork. White chalk markings spiraled across the floor, their intricate designs mingling with the occasional relic: a crystal ball here, a feathered charm there. But it was the paintings on the wall that arrested Tracy's attention.
A particular portrait stopped her breath entirely. The woman in the frame bore hauntingly familiar features: the same piercing eyes, the same cascading dark hair. Alicia Leonard. She looked just as she had in Tracy's dreams.
"Shadley," Tracy called out, her voice uneven as her eyes remained glued to the painting. "When did Alicia Leonard die?"
Shadley and Stacy exchanged startled glances.
"Uh… early 1900s, I think," Stacy replied cautiously. "Why do you ask?"
Shadley's gaze sharpened, his brow furrowing as the implications began to click. If Alicia had died over a century ago, how could she have cast a spell on Tracy as a baby? The questions hung between them, unspoken but heavy.
"What killed her?" Tracy pressed, her voice now steadier but still tinged with urgency.
Stacy shifted uncomfortably. "Some say she died by her own spell. Others claim the descendants of the Angels killed her for defying their will."
Tracy turned to Shadley, meeting his intense gaze. He understood the weight of her question instantly.
"Stacy," Shadley began cautiously, "I had a vision."
"So?" Stacy prompted, crossing her arms.
"I saw Alicia casting a spell. On a baby," Shadley admitted.
"A spell?" Stacy leaned forward, her voice taut with curiosity. "What kind of spell?"
Shadley hesitated but then recited the incantation he'd seen in his vision: *"Cludantur hinc canales potentiarum tuarum."*
Stacy's eyes widened, and she immediately scribbled the phrase into her spell book. "That's... that's a channel blockage spell!"
"It's an ancient form of protection," Dianne interjected as she entered the room, her voice low but commanding. Her dark robes swished as she approached, and her long fingers traced the worn leather of a floating book.
"A channel blockage spell?" Tracy repeated, her brows knitting together in confusion.
Dianne nodded, flipping through the book with practiced precision. "It seals off a person's magic, preventing them from being detected by dark forces. But..." She paused, her fingers stopping at a warning in bold script. "Once the channel is blocked, it remains so until a cosmic anomaly occurs. If the spell isn't broken during that anomaly, the channel is sealed forever."
The words hit Tracy like a cold wave. Her father had known the danger she was in. He'd arranged for Alicia Leonard, a woman dead for decades, to cast this spell to protect her. But why were they still hunting her?
"Shadley," Dianne's voice cut through the silence, her dark eyes narrowing. "Who is the child from your vision?"
Shadley hesitated, his jaw tightening. He couldn't lie; Dianne would see through any deception. Before he could speak, Tracy stepped forward.
"It's me," she declared, her voice firm despite the tremor in her hands. "I'm the child."
Dianne and Stacy froze, disbelief etched on their faces.
"How?" Stacy finally whispered. "How could Alicia Leonard, who died in the 1900s, have cast a spell on you?"
"I don't know," Tracy admitted, her voice faltering. "But I'm sure of it. I saw it in my vision when I touched her painting."
"Then you'll have to see more," Dianne said decisively, pulling out a golden bracelet adorned with faint runes. She handed it to Shadley. "This will let you control your Retrocognition abilities. You'll be able to focus on specific events in the past."
Shadley turned the bracelet over in his hands, his skepticism clear. "And this will actually work?"
Dianne arched a brow. "If you focus, yes. But it's not a toy, Shadley. Choose your moment carefully."
Before they could delve further, the distant toll of the tower bell echoed through the chamber.
"We should get back," Shadley said, his voice tinged with reluctance.
As they walked through the school's dim hallways, Tracy glanced up at him. "Thank you, Shadley. For everything."
He gave her a crooked smile, his usual cockiness softened by sincerity. "The pleasure's mine, Newbie."
Tracy's heart skipped a beat. There was something in that smile, something she couldn't quite place but that made her stomach flip.
"Shouldn't you be in class, Mr. Wilmer?"
The stern voice broke the moment. Both Shadley and Tracy turned to find Mrs. Dorothy, the ever-watchful hallway monitor, eyeing them suspiciously.
"And you," Mrs. Dorothy said, her sharp gaze shifting to Tracy. "Skipping on your first day?"
"I—" Tracy stammered, searching for an excuse.
"She got lost," Shadley cut in smoothly, his tone as confident as ever. "I found her and was escorting her back to class."
Mrs. Dorothy's frown deepened, but after a long moment, she relented with a curt nod.
As they continued down the hall, Tracy shot Shadley a grateful look. He winked, his devilish smirk firmly back in place.
And just lik