Chereads / The weavers tapestry / Chapter 7 - Chapter seven: secret and lies

Chapter 7 - Chapter seven: secret and lies

Aria groggily opened her eyes, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She yawned, stretching her arms above her head. It was just another ordinary morning at the academy... or so she thought.

As she swung her legs over the side of the bed, the sound of the bell echoed through the halls, signaling a special announcement. Aria's heart began to race. What could it be?

She quickly got dressed and rushed to meet her friends in the common room. Lila was already there, her eyes fixed on the clock.

"What's going on?" Aria asked, her curiosity piqued.

"I don't know, but it must be big," Lila replied, her brow furrowed with concern.

Just then, Eryn and Mira burst in, looking equally worried.

"Let's head to the hall maybe when we get there we know what the announcement is about " Aria said, they join the throngs of students streaming in from all directions. The hall was abuzz with excitement and curiosity. What could the special announcement be about?

As they took their seats, the Dean of Students stepped up to the microphone, a mysterious smile on her face

She clearedher throat, a hint of smile still hanging on her face. "Students, I am pleased to announce that this year's Mystic Ball will be held on the night of the full moon!"

The hall erupted in cheers and applause as Aria and her friends exchanged excited glances. The Mystic Ball was the most anticipated event of the year, a night of magic, music, and mystery

"But that's not all," the Dean continued, her eyes twinkling. "This year, we have a special surprise. The Council of Mages has chosen our academy to host the prestigious Mystic Tournament, a competition of magic and wit that will bring together the best young wizards from all over the world!"

The hall went wild, students cheering and whistling. Aria and her friends grinned at each other, already planning their strategy for the tournament.

"And, as a special treat, the Council has announced that the winner of the tournament will receive a rare and precious prize: the Mystic Book of Shadows, a ancient tome of forbidden knowledge and powerful spells!"

The room fell silent, students' eyes wide with awe and desire. Aria felt a shiver run down her spine. The Mystic Book of Shadows was legendary, a book of dark magic that could grant immense power... or unleash untold danger.if we could get the book.....lost in her thoughts,The Dean's voice brought her back to reality. "So, students, get ready for a night of magic, mystery, and adventure! The Mystic Ball and Tournament are just around the corner.

The Dean's words hung in the air, excitement and anticipation building among the students. Aria and her friends couldn't wait to start preparing for the Mystic Ball and Tournament.

"Remember, students," the Dean added, "the ball will be held a day before the tournament, as a celebration and a chance to showcase your magical prowess. So, make sure to bring your best attire and your most dazzling spells!"

Aria's mind raced with ideas for her ball gown and the magic she would perform. 

he glanced at her friends, who were all grinning from ear to ear.

"We have to make this a night to remember!" Eryn exclaimed.

"Definitely!" Mira agreed. "We'll need to practice our spells and make sure our dresses are enchanting!"

Lila nodded, her eyes sparkling. "And we can't forget to have fun! It's going to be a magical night!"

As the assembly dismissed, Aria and her friends hurried out of the hall, already making plans for the Mystic Ball and Tournament.

As everyone is busy preparing for the mystic ball Aria's mind was else thinking about the book they saw on the library and how to get her hands on it. Lost in her thoughts a mysterious grin appeared on her face. I think this mystic ball might be our chance she muttered.

"Hey guys, I've been thinking... the ball is on the day of the full moon, just five days from now," Aria said, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"What about it?" Mira asked, busy adjusting her gown.

"Well, I was thinking... the library is usually empty at night, right?" Aria said, her voice low and conspiratorial.

Lila looked up from her dance practice. "Where are you going with this, Aria?"

Aria's eyes sparkled. "I think I know the perfect time to sneak into the library... during the ball!"

Mira's eyes widened. "You mean, while everyone is distracted by the music and dancing?"

Aria nodded. "Exactly! It's the perfect opportunity to snoop around without anyone noticing."

Eryn, who had been quietly observing the conversation, spoke up. "I don't know, Aria. That sounds risky. What if we get caught?"

Aria waved her hand dismissively. "We'll be fine. We'll just need to be quick and quiet. And think of what we might discover!"

The group fell silent, considering Aria's plan. Finally, Lila spoke up. "Okay, I'm in. When do we do it?"

Aria grinned. "During the ball, of course! 

Lila's eyes widened in surprise. "During the ball? Aria, that's bold! The library will be locked and guarded, and everyone will be dressed to the nines. How do you plan to pull this off?"

Aria's grin grew wider. "Leave that to me. I've been scoping out the library's security, and I think I've found a way in. We'll need to be quick and quiet, but I know we can do it."

Eryn's eyes sparkled with excitement. "And think about it, we'll be sneaking around the library like spies! It's the perfect adventure."

Mira nodded, her mind racing with the possibilities. "And we can use the music and laughter from the ball to cover our tracks. No one will suspect a thing."

Lila hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, I'm in. But if we get caught, I'm blaming you, Aria!"

Aria laughed, her eyes shining with mischief. "Don't worry, I've got a plan. We'll be in and out before anyone even notices we're gone. And who knows, we might just uncover a secret or two that will change everything."

Okay" but I think we are missing something here

"Hey, have you guys noticed that Jax has been missing lately?" Lila asked, looking around the group.

"True, I haven't seen him since the day we left the library," Aria replied, furrowing her brow.

"Do you have any idea where he might be?" Lila asked Aria, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"No, I've been wondering the same thing," Aria said, shaking her head. "It's like he vanished into thin air."

"That's strange," Eryn said, her voice laced with concern. "Do you think he's avoiding us on purpose?"

"I don't know, but I have a feeling something's off," Aria said, her eyes scanning the group. "Let's try to find him and see what's going on."

"Yeah, we need to make sure he's not getting into trouble or worse, betraying us," Mira added, her voice firm.

"Let's split up and search for him," Lila suggested. "We can cover more ground that way."

"Meet back here in an hour and share what we've found," Aria said, nodding in agreement.

"Got it," Mira replied, already turning to leave. 

The group split up to search for Jax, scouring the academy's corridors and common rooms. Aria checked the library, thinking he might be researching some new spell, but he wasn't there. Eryn searched the training grounds, in case he was practicing his dueling skills, but there was no sign of him. Mira checked the dormitories, thinking he might be taking a nap, but his bed was empty.

Lila, meanwhile, had a hunch that Jax might be in the one place they least expected - the Council Chambers. She snuck in, trying not to be seen by the professors or guards, and made her way to the back rooms. And there, in a hidden alcove, she found Jax, huddled over a mysterious artifact.

"Jax, what are you doing?" Lila whispered, shocked.

Jax looked up, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "I found it, Lila! The ancient scroll we've been searching for. 

"Wait, what ancient scroll are you talking about?" Lila asked, confusion etched on her face.

Jax hesitated, "Uh, I...I must have misspoken."

"We never discussed searching for an ancient scroll," Lila pointed out, her eyes narrowing.

Jax nodded, "Ehhh, I know. I must have gotten ahead of myself."

"What's going on, Jax?" Lila asked, her voice firm. "Why are you acting so strangely?"

Jax sighed, "I...I don't know what to say. I've just been feeling really overwhelmed lately."

She frowned, "Overwhelmed? What do you mean?"

Never mind. Let's just go meet the others and explain to them what you mean by finding the scroll, okay?

As they approached the meeting point, they saw the others waiting for them, looking worried and anxious.

"Where did you see him?" Aria asked Lila, her voice laced with concern.

"I saw him in the council chambers, holding an ancient scroll,"Lila replied, her eyes fixed on Jax. "He was acting strange, like he was hiding something.

Jax looked taken aback, his expression defensive. "I wasn't hiding anything, I just... I didn't want to get your hopes up until I was sure I could find it. And I didn't want to distract you from the ball preparations."

Lila raised an eyebrow. "Save it, Jax. We're your friends, not your minions. You should have told us."

Aria stepped forward, her eyes narrowed. "Yeah, Jax, what else are you hiding? Do you know something about the forbidden book that we don't?"

Jax sighed, rubbing his temples. "Okay, fine. I've been having some... visions, I guess. Dreams that feel real. And in them, I see the forbidden book, and it's calling to me. I think I'm meant to find it, to unlock its secrets."

Eryn's eyes widened. "Visions? Jax, that sounds serious. Have you told anyone else?"

Jax shook his head. "No, just you guys. I didn't want to freak anyone out. But I think this scroll might hold the key to understanding what's going on."

Mira's voice was soft. "Jax, we're your friends. We'll support you, no matter what. But you have to promise to be honest with us from now on."

Jax nodded, his expression sheepish. "I promise. No more secrets."

So, can you bring the scroll let's take a look and see what it contain .

jax carefully unrolled the scroll, revealing ancient text and symbols that shimmered in the dim light. The group leaned in, their eyes scanning the scroll with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

As they began to decipher the text, they realized that the scroll was a map - a map that seemed to point to the location of the forbidden book.

"Guys, look at this!" Eryn exclaimed, her finger tracing a path on the scroll. "It's a riddle, and it leads to a hidden chamber deep within the academy's library!"

Jax eyes sparkled with excitement. "That must be where the forbidden book is hidden!"

Mira's voice was cautious. "But what if it's a trap? What if the Council is waiting for us?

Jax's jaw was set. "We have to take the risk. We have to know what secrets the book holds."

Lila nodded, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Let's do it. We're in this together, always."

Aria asked, "Wait, if this map shows the location of a forbidden book, does that mean there's another one? What about the one we saw in the libary

Jax's eyes widened in surprise. "Ah, good point, Aria! I forgot about that one. Yes, there is another forbidden book, and we saw it in the library. But I think this map is pointing to a different one, a more powerful and dangerous one."

Eryn's curiosity was piqued. "What's so special about this other forbidden book?"

Jax leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. "Legend has it that this book contains dark magic, spells that can control the very fabric of reality. It's said to be hidden away for good reason, as it's too dangerous for anyone to possess."

Mira's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "And we're going to find it?"

Jax nodded, a determined look on his face. "We have to. We need to know what secrets it holds, and we need to make sure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands."

Lila's voice was laced with caution. "But what if we're not ready for this? What if we're not powerful enough to handle it?"

Aria's eyes flashed with determination. "We'll face that when we get there. We can't let fear hold us back. We have to push forward, together."

The group nodded in agreement, their hearts pounding with excitement and a hint of fear. They knew they were about to embark on a dangerous journey, but they were ready to face whatever lay ahead, as long as they had each other.

"Alright, everyone!" Mira announced, her voice loud and clear. "Five days from now, we gather here again. But for now, let's focus on making preparations for the ball!"

Aria nodded, her eyes shining with excitement. "I can't wait to start planning my outfit!"

Eryn grinned. "And I'll start practicing my dancing skills. I don't want to trip over my own feet in front of the whole kingdom!"

Lila chuckled. "I'll make sure to bring my best etiquette game. No embarrassing moments for me!"

Jax smiled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "And I'll...well, I'll make sure to bring my A-game. Whatever that means."

Mira laughed. "I'm sure you'll figure it out, Jax. Now, let's all disperse and start making our preparations. We'll meet back here in five days, ready to take on the ball!"

The group nodded and began to disperse, each member excitedly chattering about their plans for the upcoming ball.

Here is the dialogue in a normal write-up form:

As Aria and Mira were heading back to their room,

"I don't trust Jax," Aria said, her voice low. "I feel like he's lying to us about that map and another forbidden book."

Mira nodded in agreement, "I know what you mean, Aria. I've been getting a weird vibe from Jax too. He's been acting really secretive and evasive."

Aria frowned, "And what's with that map? It just appeared out of nowhere? I don't buy it."

Mira stopped in front of their room, "You think he's hiding something from us?"

Aria hesitated, "I don't know...but I think we need to keep an eye on him. Something doesn't feel right."

Mira nodded, "Agreed. Let's keep investigating on our own, and see if we can uncover what's really going on."

As they entered their room, Aria whispered, "And let's keep this between us for now. I don't want to accuse Jax without solid proof."

Mira nodded in agreement, "Secrets and lies...this is getting interesting."

As the night of the ball approached, the others were busy preparing for the grand event. Eryn was in her element, trying on different gowns and accessories, determined to make a stunning entrance. Lila was practicing her dance moves, her feet moving gracefully across the floor as she twirled and leaped to the music in her mind. Jax, meanwhile, was nowhere to be found, fueling Aria's suspicions that he was indeed hiding something.