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[RUBY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT]
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Ruby's dream plunged her into a world of darkness, the school compound transformed into a haunting landscape. A little girl's voice pierced the air, mocking and terrified, echoing off the walls. "Please don't hurt me! I'm innocent... hehehe." The voice was a cruel taunt, dripping with malevolence.
Ruby's own voice joined the chorus, her screams echoing through the compound as she ran for her life. Her face was shrouded in shadows, her features indistinct, but her terror was palpable. "Please stop it! I was forced to do it! Spare my life!"
The little girl's face was a haunting mask of anger and betrayal, her eyes blazing with a fierce intensity. "I pleaded with you, remember? And yet, you did it anyway. You ignored my tears you monster!." The words cut through Ruby like a knife, her heart racing with fear.
The chase continued, Ruby's face flickering in and out of the shadows, never fully clear, but unmistakably hers. The dream was a never-ending nightmare, trapping her in a cycle of fear and desperation.
And then, suddenly, Ruby [18, Stunning] sat up in bed, gasping for air, her sheets drenched in sweat. The soft glow of morning light bathed her room, a stark contrast to the darkness of her dream. Theresa watched her with concern, her voice gentle. "You're having that nightmare again, Ruby."
Ruby's voice trembled with fear. "No, Tes, it's not just a nightmare. It's about the girl... she almost killed me this time. I need to talk to Erica." Theresa nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of Ruby's distress. "That's right. Erica might have some answers."
As Ruby climbed out of bed and headed toward the bathroom, the school bell rang, echoing through the halls, summoning the students to an assembly for an important announcement. The dream may have ended, but Ruby's nightmare was far from over.
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[SCHOOL - ASSEMBLY HALL - CONTINUE]
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The school assembly area bustled with students, their early morning chatter and shuffling feet filling the air. But as the principal stepped up to the podium, his commanding presence demanded silence. The students' whispers ceased, and their curious gazes fixed on the principal, his words hanging in the air like a heavy mist.
"Good morning, students," he began, his voice firm and authoritative. "Please, settle down. We have a critical announcement regarding recent paranormal events at our school." The students' eyes widened, their faces a mix of intrigue and apprehension.
The principal's words dropped like a bombshell: "Last month, a family reported their daughter missing, claiming she was last seen with one of our own. Such stories have circulated for years, but today, we face a grim reality." The students' murmurs ceased, replaced by an unsettling stillness.
"This morning, we discovered a student deceased," the principal continued, his voice heavy with gravitas. "Her body inscribed with ancient script, the cause and meaning unknown." A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, followed by an eerie silence.
As the principal announced a curfew until the matter was resolved, Lilly stood amidst the crowd, her face a mask of calm. But her eyes betrayed her shock, a hint of fear flickering beneath her stoic exterior. The students around her exchanged worried glances, their minds racing with questions and fears.
The principal's words had cast a dark shadow over the assembly, a sense of foreboding that lingered long after the announcement ended. The students' usual chatter and laughter were replaced by hushed whispers and nervous glances, the weight of the unknown hanging heavy in the air.
****
[SCHOOL HALLWAY - CONTINUE]
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As the principal's words faded into the distance, Ruby's frantic footsteps echoed through the congested hallway. Her gaze darted wildly, searching for a beacon of hope [Erica]. The collision with William was a mere blip on her radar, apologies tumbling from her lips as she hastened away, lost in the sea of students. William's intrigued gaze followed her, his mind whispering, "Wow, she is beautiful... Should I...?" But Ruby was already gone, swept up in the tide of students flooding the hall.
The bell tolled, signaling the assembly's end, and Ruby's eyes locked onto Erica's tall stature. She hastened to her side, her expression grave, her voice laced with urgency. "Erica, we need to talk. It's urgent." Erica's solemn nod was all the assurance Ruby needed. "Let's find somewhere quiet."
As they walked away from the chaos, the camera panned up, and the morning sky unfolded like a canvas of promise. The sun's warm rays illuminated the courtyard, casting a gentle glow over the girls' determined strides. The noise of the assembly faded into the distance, replaced by the soft rustle of leaves and the weight of Ruby's unspoken words. The world seemed to slow, as if holding its breath in anticipation of the secrets about to be shared.
****
[A QUIET PLACE AROUND THE SCHOOL - MOMENTS LATER]
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Ruby navigated the quiet corner of the school grounds, her face etched with worry. "I had that dream again, Erica, and this time it was even worse than before," she said, her voice laced with desperation.
Erica tried to reassure her, "It's just a dream, Ruby. Don't let it get to you." But Ruby's trembling voice insisted there was more to it. "It's not just a dream Erica. Each night it gets worse. Last night, she almost killed me, Erica."
Erica's expression turned concerned, and she took a moment before responding. "Gather the others and meet me at the Coventry for analysis at three. We need to figure out what's wrong." Ruby's determination was palpable as she nodded and headed toward the hallway.
As she turned a corner, she collided with someone, oops, it is the same guy...William , sending his books flying. "Who the hell are you? Are you blind or something?" he exclaimed, anger flashing across his face. But as he realized it was Ruby, his expression softened, and he looked embarrassed. "Oh, um... hi."
Ruby bent down to help with the books, her retort sharp. "I'm not blind. You walked into me. Watch where you're going next time." William also bent down, trying to lighten the mood. "I totally agree my fault. Sorry about that. I'm William, by the way. What's your name?"
But Ruby handed him the books without making eye contact, dismissing the introduction. "That's not necessary." She walked away, leaving William staring after her with a smile, intrigued by the mysterious girl.
****
[SCHOOL LIBRARY - CONTINUE]
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The school library was a hub of quiet activity, students poring over books and whispering to each other. The morning's announcement hung in the air like a cloud, casting a shadow over the room. Lilly sat in a secluded corner, her face a mask of concentration as she flipped through an ancient tome. Her phone buzzes [brr brr], breaking the silence, and she checked it with a look of determination.
Gathering her things, she exited the library, tucking the tome into a hidden spot among the shelves. The courtyard bustled with students, but Lilly's focus was on her comrades, gathered in a huddle. William was noticeably absent, but the others spoke in hushed tones, their conversation laced with urgency.
"We need to move quickly," Lilly whispered, her eyes scanning the group. "Something terrible has happened - a girl died, and I think I know what happened to her." Elian's anxious voice cut in, "I'm more worried about the artifact. I don't think it's safe anymore."
Lilly's expression turned resolute. "The artifact? What happened to it? Why do you think it's not safe anymore?" Elian's words were laced with fear. "This morning, when I touched it, I felt no connection. It was as if something else had taken over."
The group exchanged worried glances. Lilly's voice was grave. "This doesn't sound good. We need to conduct our research tonight." Jasper's curiosity got the better of him. "Who do you think killed her, Lilly?"
Lilly's eyes narrowed. "I can't be sure yet, but if I had to guess, I'd say the Whispering Circle. If not them, then it's something related to the artifact." Lucas's frustration boiled over. "What do you mean, Lilly? We know we're not on good terms with the Circles, but come on, you have to stop accusing them every time something goes wrong."
Lilly's defiance sparked. "Then tell me, who else do you think did it? We're the only two groups with access to magical powers, and we know what we do with ours. And after all they're the only groups involved in performing dark blood sacrifice." Ethan's teasing voice cut in, "Unless you're the boogeyman, Lucas." Jasper chuckled, "Hahaha, got him!" but Lucas's anger was palpable.
Lilly's voice was firm. "I know I know, you may be right that's why we have to do our research tonight after William's..." She raised two fingers on each hand, air quoting, "'initiation.'" The group nodded in agreement, dispersing into the crowd as the bell rang, signaling the end of the period.
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[SCHOOL LOCKER BAY - CONTINUE]
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The school locker bay bustled with students, but William's attention was elsewhere. Lost in thought, he rummaged through his locker, books in hand, his mind preoccupied with the enigmatic girl. Suddenly, a cold hand clamped down on his shoulder, yanking him back. Two muscular guys [Rufford and Job] the notorious bully loomed over him, their smirks taunting.
"Can I help you with something?" William asked, his voice cautious.
Rufford guffawed. "Hahaha, are you for real?" William's expression remained unchanging, his silence a challenge.
Job sneered. "What could you possibly help us with?" The Rufford continued laughing, his amusement mocking. "Hahaha!"
William's defiance sparked. "You tell me."
Rufford's tone turned serious. "Listen, William. There's nothing you can help with. Just stay away from Ruby, got it? She's not into you. Stop stalking her."
William feigned surprise. "Oh wow, Ruby? That's her name? Thats such a pretty name you know...Thanks for the info anyways, here's a tip for you." He offered a ten-dollar bill, but Rufford refused to take it.
Job's face twisted in anger. "What the hell is this? We're not joking. Take the warning and walk away."
William smiled, his eyes glinting. "I appreciate the advice. And the name. You guys are quite the detectives."
As he attempted to leave, Rufford grabbed his shirt and swung a punch. William dodged with agility, and Rufford's fist slammed into the locker, leaving him howling in pain. The hallway erupted in whispers and the flash of camera phones.
William taunted, "Come on, man. I shouldn't have done that if I were you, see...you have to go to the infirmary now...(sigh)...awkward line."
Job snarled, "This isn't over. We'll get you." He helped his companion up, and they staggered away, defeated. William slung his backpack over his shoulder and exited in the opposite direction, a smirk still on his face.
****
[WITCHES TEMPLE - MOMENTS LATER]
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In the abandoned building's depths, a hall beckoned, shrouded in mystery. The gentle breeze carried whispers that grew louder, drawing us to a circle of girls clad in black robes. Ruby knelt at the center, surrounded by a ring of salt and ancient runes, her hands clasped around a silver chalice. Erica, the coven's leader, stood before a gnarled wooden altar, her silent aura commanding attention.
"Sisters of the Whispering Circle," Erica began, her voice soft yet powerful, "we gather beneath the sun's gaze to delve into the shadows haunting Ruby's slumber." Theresa stepped forward, a small cage containing a black rat in her grasp. She placed it upon the altar, her actions measured and reverent.
"With this unblemished creature's sacrifice, may the veil lift from Ruby's nightmares," Theresa whispered. Erica nodded, and Theresa retrieved a delicate, embellished knife. The rat remained tranquil as she drew the blade along its form, its lifeblood filling the chalice in Ruby's grasp.
"Release your earthly burdens, Ruby," Erica intoned. "Embrace the abyss, for it holds the answers you seek." Ruby extended the chalice, and each witch anointed their left middle finger with the blood, tasting it in unison. Ruby retracted her hand, her expression serene.
A chant rose from the coven, a haunting melody stirring the air. Ruby consumed the chalice's remnants, her form relaxing as she succumbed to the trance. Erica's voice rang out, "Spirits of the departed, heed our call. Aid a friend besieged by one of your kin."
The chant crescendoed, the atmosphere alive with energy. Ruby's lips parted, her voice now an eerie echo of the girl from her dreams. "Why summon me to this vessel? Is she now mine to claim?" the little girl's voice asked.
Erica insist to know what her mission is "what do you want from my acolyte?"
Ruby's response was a child's mocking tone, "She has taken something precious from me—a life, and I want it back, hehehe." Erica's realization dawned, "We granted you a new existence post-ritual. Why persist in this haunting?"
Ruby's voice turned petulant, "I don't need the life of a rat, I want the life of my killer, hahahaha." Erica pressed, "Can you speak why her life is what you seek?" Ruby's tone turned childlike, "Certainly. My spirit knows no peace. And I hope you know the reason why, hahaha."
Abruptly, Ruby collapsed, the trance broken. Erica stood aghast, the revelation of the restless spirit dawning upon her. Theresa's concern was palpable, "She speaks of restlessness... What does it mean, Erica?"
Erica's expression turned grave, "It only means one thing... Ruby doesn't know the name of the girl she used. To stop her from taking Ruby's life, we must find out what her real name is and return it to this altar for a cleansing sacrifice. And there is only one way to do that."
****
[PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER]
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We glided through the school hallway, coming to rest at the door marked "Principal's Office". Inside, William sat, dwarfed by a mountain of books on the desk before him. Across from him, Mr. Maxwell, the principal, sat resolute, his school badge gleaming with the inscription "MAXWELL WOODSMAN - ARU" beneath the school crest.
The interrogation began, Mr. Maxwell's voice grave. "It's been merely a week since you've returned, William, and already you're stirring up chaos, brawling in the corridors." William remained silent, his gaze fixed on the floor, his defiance palpable.
Mr. Maxwell pressed on, his tone firm. "I've been informed you assaulted Rufford and broke his wrist. Is this true, William?" William's response was defiant. "No, sir."
Mr. Maxwell sighed, his expression skeptical. "And what, pray tell, transpired between you two?" William's voice was laced with conviction. "They came at me first. I never laid a finger on him."
The weight of accusation hung heavy in the air as William fell silent once more. Before another word was spoken, Mrs. Penelope, the new history teacher, strode in, her suit sharp, her safety glasses a clear barrier to the world. Her name badge read "Mrs. Penelope" and caught the light as she balanced a stack of books in her arms.
"Excuse me, Mr. Maxwell?" she beamed. "Might I have a moment?" Mr. Maxwell's response was curt. "Of course. We're finished here." He turned to William. "You're free to go, William. Consider this a warning."
William exited, brushing past Mrs. Penelope, as Mr. Maxwell's grin matched hers. "So, Penelope, what are your thoughts on your new subject?" Her response was enthusiastic. "It's enchanting. I've never felt such a connection to history."
Their laughter mingled as we pull away, the conversation fading into the distance, leaving behind a sense of unease and the promise of secrets yet to be uncovered.