As I stepped back into the Halloween event, a wave of familiarity washed over me. The grand hall was buzzing with energy, illuminated by flickering lights and adorned with cobwebs and jack-o'-lanterns. Laughter and music intertwined as students scattered in every direction, some already intoxicated, while others were still reveling in the festivities.
Just as I was about to move forward, I spotted Julian, and my brows knitted together. Memories of the trouble he had caused me flashed through my mind, and I felt a mix of irritation and wariness.
He locked eyes with me and sauntered closer, amusement glinting in his gaze. "I guess you're tired of running," he stated, the corners of his mouth curling into a smirk as his eyes narrowed playfully.
Frowning, I recalled our earlier encounter, the way it had turned sour. "Why did you message me from another number? I got into trouble," I mouthed, frustration lacing my words.
He seemed momentarily taken aback before shaking his head vehemently. "I didn't message you. But I do have a message for you now," he replied sharply.
My eyes narrowed. So just anyone had access to my contact now? I sensed trouble looking in the air.
"You never told Harper you wouldn't be coming because of this event. That's a pretty lousy thing to do," he pointed out, his tone more accusatory than I expected.
"If you would at least tell her simple things like this, maybe you two would get close" He said and took a sip of the alcoholic wine.
My heart sank as a wave of realization washed over me. I had indeed a job to tutor someone, and the thought had slipped my mind completely. Caught up in the excitement of my first Halloween event, I had forgotten to notify her. Although Julian was saying it in a condescending way, I knew he was right. Things could get better between Harper and I if I told her simple things like this.
"I'll go see her now; it's not too late," I insisted, already turning to leave.
Julian's voice rang out behind me, laced with caution. "Looks like you need to keep unknown numbers from messaging you," he remarked, watching me depart with a disapproving gaze. I waved his advice away, putting it on my mental back burner for later.
Making my way outside, I spotted Alex, who was joined by the rest of my friends, their faces etched with concern, anger and fatigue. The chill in the air only added to the tension.
Once their gaze fell on me. I wished that I was six feet under the ground.
Leah glared at me, her frustration palpable. "Who did you go to meet? I've been searching for you everywhere!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with irritation.
Coco corrected, "We've all been worried.
You just vanished!"
"Alex told us you went missing," Valerie added, her tone slightly gentle compared to the other two. Their concern was evident, and I felt a pang of guilt wash over me for worrying them.
"I'm so sorry! I promise I won't do this again," I replied earnestly, hoping to alleviate some of their distress.
"Pftt!" Leah scoffed, turning on her heel and heading back inside, her staff hitting the ground with a thud of frustration. Coco nodded in understanding before following Leah back into the hall. Valerie, however, grasped my arm gently.
"Please just drop us a message next time you plan to disappear like that. It's hard playing the role of your personal security," she implored, her eyes searching mine for sincerity.
"I completely understand," I assured her as she joined the others.
My gaze landed on Alex, whose expression was a mix of worry and annoyance. "I thought something terrible had happened to you," he said, inching closer. "I heard a noise and bolted out of my seat, but you were already gone when I got to the classroom."
"I'm really sorry for making you worry. I should've messaged you," I said, my mind racing back to the earlier commotion I had experienced, but I knew I couldn't share that right now.
"It's alright," Alex replied, his tone softening but still tinged with concern. "Where were you headed? You seem in a hurry."
"Yes, I have somewhere to be," I stated urgently. "I need to go quickly."
"You just went missing and now you're off again? Carol, I don't know what to say," he said, frustration creeping into his voice.
My lips twisted. "Do you really have to be there right now?" he pressed again.
I nodded firmly, feeling the weight of urgency pressing down on me. Suddenly, I noticed something whooshing through the wind, coming to a stop in front of us. Alex hopped onto his hoverboard and reached out a hand toward me. I took it, stepping onto the board behind him as we shot into the air, flying through the chilly night sky.
We glided over the opulent Golden Villa, the sight breathtaking as it shimmered below us, before hovering in front of a set of grand double doors. I stepped off the hoverboard, smoothing my gown as I made my way toward the entrance.
But before I could reach the doors, a voice from above halted me in my tracks.
"Where are we hurrying to, Mother Gothel?" Roman called down, his golden eyes piercing through the night as he swirled the wine in his glass.
Perched elegantly on the balcony, dressed in casual black pants and a loose white top that hinted at the outlines of his physique, he looked both alluring and intimidating.
"I want to see Harper," I replied, tilting my head to meet his gaze.
"Don't you think it's a little late for tutoring?" he questioned sharply, his tone as cold as the night air. The animosity lingered in his stare, a remnant of the rift I had unintentionally caused between his siblings.
"I'm sorry. I should've been here earlier to let her know," I admitted, desperation creeping into my voice, but it seemed to bounce off him as he turned his gaze.
Roman had caught sight of her bosom rising and falling in her tight fitting dress. He cursed inwardly and averted his gaze at once. He then took a large sip of his drink, wishing inwardly that the woman would just disappear from his sight.
"Tell her that you preferred to enjoy a meaningless event instead?" he retorted, his eyes narrowing. "Looks like you had quite the fun roaming the night with Mr. Storm."
Alex bowed in his direction but Roman didn't even acknowledge him as he glanced away.
"Would you just let me see her?" I finally demanded, my voice rising as I regained his attention.
Roman paused, weighing his options. "She's asleep. Go home."