Arcane Bonds

Chapter 12: The Known and The Unknown

Kenzo arrives home, his mind burdened with the images of Lexis's suffering. Stepping off his trusty magic broomstick, he leans it against the closet, its enchanted bristles shimmering faintly. Weary, he carefully places his wand back into the drawer, his fingers trembling with a mix of anxiety and determination.

Thirst grips Kenzo, urging him to seek solace in a simple glass of water. He descends the stairs, his thoughts still consumed by the echoes of Lexis's pain. With a mere thought, the kitchen lights flicker to life, illuminating the space. Kenzo retrieves a glass and opens the fridge, retrieving the pitcher of water. The cool liquid cascades into the glass, offering a fleeting respite from the weight of his emotions.

Taking a seat at the table, Kenzo struggles to shake off the lingering memory of Lexis's a***e. Anguish dances in his eyes, and his clenched fists betray the anger that simmers beneath the surface. Just then, his grandmother's presence fills the room, drawing his attention. "Kenzo," her voice reaches him with a sense of urgency.

"Grandma," Kenzo replies, his gaze locking onto hers. There's a knowing in their connection, an unspoken understanding that something significant is about to be shared. His grandmother takes a seat beside him, her touch gentle as she grasps his left hand, her eyes filled with concern.

"Do you have something to say?" Kenzo asks, his voice tinged with a mixture of hope and apprehension. He values his grandmother's wisdom above all else and seeks guidance in her words. He sets the glass of water aside, focusing entirely on her.

"Yes, it's crucial," his grandmother begins, her gaze unwavering. Kenzo's attention sharpens, eager to hear her perspective. "You know you shouldn't have done it," she continues, her voice laced with a gentle reprimand. She understands Kenzo's motivations but recognizes the risks he undertakes.

Kenzo nods, acknowledging the truth in her words. "I know," he admits, his voice tinged with remorse. "I am sorry, Grandma. Truly sorry."

His grandmother's grip on his hand tightens, a silent reminder of the importance of their conversation. "Don't do it again," she urges him, her voice firm yet filled with love. "You are risking your life, Kenzo."

A flicker of determination flares in Kenzo's eyes. "I know he's worth saving," he responds, his voice unwavering. Kenzo's love for Lexis burns brightly within him, an unwavering flame of devotion and compassion.

"Yes, he is," his grandmother affirms, her voice filled with understanding. "He is worth saving."

Kenzo yearns to express his growing affection for Lexis, to share the depth of his feelings, but he understands his grandmother's intuition. She knows him well, aware of his affinity for witch girls. He realizes that some truths are meant to be kept hidden, even from those closest to him.

"There's something within me that tells me you are not ready to reveal everything just yet," his grandmother remarks, her smile warm and knowing. She rises from her chair, her presence comforting and reassuring. Before she departs, she imparts her final words of wisdom. "Rest, Kenzo. We must rise at 3 AM for the ritual."

"I will," Kenzo assures her, mustering a faint smile. He hasn't confided in anyone about the depth of his feelings for Lexis, how he sees him not only as someone to protect but also as someone to love. With a heavy heart, Kenzo ascends the stairs, lying on his bed and gazing at the ceiling.

As he settles into the embrace of slumber, he whispers a heartfelt plea to the vast expanse of the universe. "Guide me," he implores, surrendering himself to the powerful forces that govern his existence. And with that, Kenzo drifts into a realm of dreams, where his love for Lexis lingers, awaiting its rightful time to unfold.

The wall clock, a silent witness to the dark secrets that dwell within the Jones's sinful house, strikes eleven with a solemn chime. In Ruby's room, darkness envelops the space, broken only by the pale glow emanating from her laptop screen. With an eerie stillness in her evil eyes, she sits at the table, plotting her next move.

Her fingers dance across the keyboard, sending a message to her friend Michael on Messenger. "Thanks for the screenshots of your conversation," she types, a wicked smile curling upon her lips. Ruby relishes in the power she holds, the knowledge of Lexis's secrets in her possession. Memories of the moment when she exposed Lexis's sexuality at Jacob's party flood her mind, fueling her sinister satisfaction. "How was it?" Michael's message appears on the screen, filled with curiosity about the aftermath.

Ruby's smirk widens as she replies, her words dripping with malice. "It was absolutely fun," she types, savoring the taste of revenge. "If you could just see his face, you would laugh," she adds, relishing in the cruel delight of her actions. A new message from Michael appears, inquiring about her relationship with Jacob. "Not doing well," Ruby types, her bitterness seeping through her words. The image of Jacob's attention focused solely on Lexis haunts her thoughts. "That Lexis is a thorn," she fires back, her resentment bubbling to the surface.

"Hahaha, you're slow, friend," Michael's response appears, laced with a mocking tone. Irritation flickers in Ruby's eyes as she slams her laptop shut, abruptly cutting off the conversation. She departs from her room, descending the stairs with a heaviness in her step, unaware that her path is about to intersect with something far more unsettling.

As Ruby reaches the lower landing, she inadvertently catches a glimpse of her mother, Kristine, holding a wand and manipulating the very fabric of reality. Her heart skips a beat, and a gasp catches in her throat as she witnesses the impossible. A mixture of shock and fear courses through her veins, causing her hand to instinctively cover her mouth, stifling the scream that threatens to escape.

Seated on the stairs, Ruby watches in disbelief as her mother steps into the ethereal glow of an opened portal. The portal's luminescence fades, closing off access to whatever lies beyond. Ruby remains frozen, her body trembling with a mixture of fear and confusion. "Am I hallucinating?" she whispers to herself, her voice barely audible. Her hand presses against her chest, feeling the erratic rhythm of her own heart, grounding her in the reality of the moment.

Summoning what little strength she has left, Ruby rises from the stair and summons the courage to investigate. She makes her way to her mother's room, her steps faltering with each passing moment. Swinging the door open, she is met with an empty room devoid of any trace of her mother's presence. The emptiness confirms the truth of what she witnessed—a truth that sends a shiver down her spine.

"What kind of person is Mom?" Ruby whispers, her voice trembling with fear. Her mind races with questions, her thoughts plagued by uncertainty. "If she is like that," she continues to ponder, "what kind of person am I?" The weight of her own manipulative nature bears down upon her, crushing her spirit. Unable to bear the weight of her newfound knowledge, Ruby collapses onto the floor, her world transformed by the sinister and unexplainable forces that now control her reality. The events of that night have forever tainted her perception of the world, casting a shadow of creeping unease over her once confident and manipulative demeanor.

Deep in his slumber, Lexis finds solace from the physical pain inflicted upon him by his abusive father. Overwhelmed with a mix of emotions, Lexis's mother, Alexis, stands at his bedside, watching over him with tear-filled eyes. Her heart aches with the weight of her broken dreams and the internal turmoil she battles. Gazing out the window, she notices that the clouds that once obscured the sky have dissipated, revealing a sense of renewed hope.

In her mind, Alexis drifts back to a time when her marriage was young and full of promise. It was August of 2002, they were still living in their small, yet hopeful, flat in London. Alexis and her husband, Landon, found themselves in a hardware store, contemplating which paint to choose for their home. "Honey. Which is better?" Landon asked, seeking Alexis's opinion. "I think blue would be a good choice," Alexis replied, her voice filled with a hint of uncertainty. Landon gathered four buckets of blue paint, deeming them sufficient for their needs. Together, they proceeded to the counter to make their purchase.

Amidst the bustling store, Alexis's eyes caught a familiar face. "Emily!" she called out, recognizing her best friend from high school. Emily turned around, a bright smile lighting up her face. The reunion filled Alexis's heart with warmth and longing for the carefree days of their youth. As they engaged in conversation, Alexis inquired about Emily's husband, Levy. "He's busy at work," Emily explained, a tinge of disappointment apparent in her voice.

With their shopping complete, Alexis suggests giving Emily a ride home, desiring to spend more time with her cherished friend. Seeking approval from Landon, Alexis turned to him. "Is it okay with you?" she asked. Landon nodded, assuring them it was not a problem. The trio made their way to Emily's house, their ride intertwining with the joyous chatter of their catch-up conversation.

Curiosity sparked within Alexis, and she couldn't help but ask her friend about married life. "How does it feel to be Mrs. Casabar?" she inquired, her voice filled with genuine interest. Emily's face lights up, radiating contentment. "It's fulfilling and satisfying," she repliesd, her happiness shining through her words. Turning the question back to Alexis, Emily probed deeper, sensing something amiss. "And how about you?" she asked, her anticipation barely contained. "I'm doing well," Alexis responded her words carefully chosen. "It's a wonderful journey," she added, casting a glance towards Landon, seeking his agreement.

Breaking the flow of conversation, Emily shared her joyous news. "By the way, I'm pregnant," she announced, a radiant smile illuminating her face. Alexis's eyes widened with delight, and she embraced her friend warmly. "Congratulations!" she exclaimed, genuinely thrilled for Emily's newfound happiness. Emily expressed her gratitude, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. Curiosity inevitably arose within Emily, and she gently inquired about Alexis's own plans for starting a family.

Caught off guard, Alexis hesitated, her mind racing to find the right words. "We'll get there," she responded, her voice masking the underlying uncertainty that lingers within her. Landon, feigning a cough, seized the opportunity to interject. "Honey, I'll be out this evening. My friends have invited me to join their party," he announced, the tension palpable in his serious tone. Alexis maintained her composure, assuring him that there's no issue with his plans.

Emily sensed the underlying tension in the car, her instincts honed by years of friendship. Though unspoken, the unspoken uneased lingers in the atmosphere, leaving Alexis and Emily to ponder the complexities of their relationships and the uncharted paths that lie ahead

The pick-up truck carrying Landon and Alexis came to a halt in front of Emily's quaint flat. Emily turned to Alexis, her best friend, and asked for her new number, eager to maintain their connection. "Can I have your new number?" Emily requested, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. Alexis, sitting beside her husband, nodded approvingly. "That's nice," Alexis responded warmly, sharing his own number with Emily. Grateful for the ride, Emily stepped out of the truck, bidding them farewell. "Thank you for the ride," she expressed her gratitude before closing the door. Alexis waved goodbye, his voice filled with sincerity. "Bye, Emily," he calls out as their truck resumes its journey, leaving Emily to watch them drive away. A sense of unease settles within her, an intuition that something isn't quite right.

Emily entered her modest flat, a place that had always felt light and welcoming since the day she moved in. However, on this particular day, a subtle shift in the atmosphere caught her attention. Something feels off, but she couldn't quite pinpoint what it was. Glancing around the room, she found nothing out of the ordinary, dismissing her lingering unease as mere imagination. Seeking comfort, Emily was approached by Luna, their loyal Labrador pet, who nudged her gently. Taking a seat on the sofa, Emily turned on the television, anticipating the arrival of her husband, Levy.

Meanwhile, Alexis and Landon arrived at their own cozy flat, carrying the bags of groceries they had purchased earlier. Setting the bags down, Alexis turned to her husband, a warm smile on her face. "What do you want for dinner, honey?" she asked, the love in her voice evident. Landon offered a playful response, eager to express his affection. "Anything, as long as it's you who cooked it," he playfully remarked, joining his wife in carrying the supplies. In that moment, Alexis's heart brimmed with happiness, grateful to have Landon by her side. She reflected on how she ignored Emily's warnings about Landon before they got married, trusting in her love and believing that everything will work out as long as they face life together.

As the months pass by, the bond between Alexis and Emily deepened more. They never missed a day without texting or calling each other, sharing their experiences, cooking tips, and budgeting advice. Emily's baby bump grew more prominent with each passing month, a testament to the new life blossoming within her. Meanwhile, Alexis embraced her role as a wife and soon-to-be mother, blossoming into a skilled and devoted partner. The days unfolded with a sense of anticipation, as both women embark on the transformative journey of motherhood and navigate the joys and challenges that accompany it.

Their connection, rooted in friendship and shared experiences, weaved a tapestry of support and love. Through their conversations and exchanges, they found solace and inspiration, providing each other with unwavering encouragement as they navigate the beautiful complexities of womanhood. The warmth and genuine affection between them created a safe haven where their dreams and aspirations flourish.

In that tender and heartwarming chapter of their lives, Alexis and Emily discover the strength that lies within their bond. Their shared experiences become the foundation for a friendship that transcends time, reminding them that they are never alone on this extraordinary journey called life.

Alexis still vividly remembers that day, etched in her memory like a cherished photograph. It was May 13, 2003, when she paid a visit to Emily's cozy apartment. Stepping inside, Alexis greeted the morning with warmth in her voice. "Good morning," she called out, her presence filling the space. Levy, Emily's kind-hearted husband, welcomed Alexis with a smile, the familiarity of their connection evident. Alexis had known Levy since their high school days, and their friendship had endured the test of time.

In her hands, Alexis held a basket filled with fresh fruits, a small token of her affection for her dearest friend. She slipped off her boots, leaving them by the door, and turned to Levy. "I brought you some fruits," she offered kindly, extending the basket towards him. With gratitude in his eyes, Levy accepted the offering, acknowledging Alexis's thoughtfulness.

Concern for Emily weighed on Alexis's heart. She inquired, her voice tinged with worry, "How is she?" The words carried the weight of their deep bond. Levy reassured her, his voice laced with affection, "She's in our room." With a nod, he guided Alexis towards their shared space, a sanctuary where love and hope converged.

As Alexis entered the room, her gaze sought out Emily, who lay on the bed, her exhaustion evident. "Emily," Alexis uttered softly, her voice carrying a blend of comfort and concern. She settled into a chair by the bedside, her presence a soothing balm. "Are you okay now?" she inquired, her eyes filled with genuine care. The journey of childbirth had left its mark on Emily, physically and emotionally.

A tear slipped down Emily's cheek as she uttered the words that held profound meaning, "I am now a mom." The weight of motherhood, with its immense joy and overwhelming responsibility, embraced her. Levy, observing the tender exchange between Alexis and Emily, felt a surge of gratitude for the unbreakable bond that united these two remarkable women.

The cry of a baby broke through the silence, filling the room with a symphony of new life. Alexis's gaze shifted towards the crib, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. There, she beheld a precious sight—a baby boy with enchanting brown eyes and adorable features. Alexis's heart swelled with tenderness as she beheld the tiny miracle. "He's Lexis," Emily introduced the baby boy to Alexis, her voice filled with pride and joy.

In that moment, an indescribable connection stirred within Alexis. She gazed at Emily, her eyes brimming with emotion, touched by the profound honor of having a child named after her. Overwhelmed by the depth of her feelings, Alexis approached Emily and enveloped her in a heartfelt embrace. Tears streamed down their faces, mirroring their shared joy and love.

Months before, Alexis had confided in Emily, expressing her belief that she could never have a baby of her own. And now, as she cradled Lexis in her arms, a wave of joy washed over her. Levy, noticing the tender exchange, gently lifted Lexis from his crib. Emily encouraged Alexis with a warm smile, saying, "Hold him."

With utmost care, Alexis embraced the precious bundle in her arms. Lexis, unaware of the impact he had on those around him, playfully grabbed at Alexis's hair, his innocent laughter filling the room. Emily, observing the beautiful connection forming before her eyes, spoke softly, "He likes you." The words resonated deeply within Alexis, their bond of friendship intertwined with this newfound connection to the little one named after her.

In that timeless moment, love, joy, and the miracle of life converged, creating a tapestry of emotions that would forever shape their lives. Alexis marveled at the immense power of friendship and the unexpected gifts it brings, even in the face of life's uncertainties. With Lexis nestled in her arms, she understood that love had the power to transcend boundaries and rewrite destinies.

Alexis finds herself abruptly pulled back into the present, the echoes of cherished memories fading as a sharp knock resonates through the house. It comes from the other side of the door, emanating with anger and frustration. Her heart sinks, recognizing that aggressive tone all too well. It is her abusive husband, Landon, demanding her presence.

"Alexis! Alexis!" Landon's voice echoes through the hallway, punctuated by the forceful thuds on the door. Alexis's hand trembles as she clutches it tightly against her chest, feeling the weight of her son's innocence in her memories. A whisper escapes her lips, almost carried away by the air around her. "You were right," she confides to the empty space, addressing Emily's earlier concerns about Landon's true nature. "But thank you."

Her gaze lingers on Lexis, his cherubic face calm and peaceful in slumber. The love and protectiveness she feels for him fuels her resolve. With a heavy sigh, she musters the strength to leave her son's side and confront the storm brewing beyond his room.

As she steps out into the hallway, the atmosphere becomes heavy with tension. Shadows dance on the walls, reflecting the turmoil within her heart. Alexis's eyes meet Landon's, filled with a mixture of fear and resignation. She braces herself for what lies ahead, knowing that the time has come to face the repercussions of her choices.

Landon's anger is palpable, his face twisted with fury. "Where have you been?" he bellows, his voice laced with venom. "I've been waiting for you, and you dare to keep me waiting?!"

Alexis's voice quivers as she attempts to steady herself. "I was with Lexis," she replies softly, her words barely escaping her trembling lips.

A sinister smirk curves across Landon's face, his eyes glinting with malice. "Your son," he sneers, emphasizing the word with cruel intent. "Always taking up your time, isn't he? You think you can just ignore me?"

Tears well up in Alexis's eyes, but she refuses to let them fall. She stands tall, her voice filled with a quiet determination. "I will not let you harm him," she declares, a hint of defiance resonating within her words.

Landon's rage intensifies, his fists clenching at his sides. "You dare to defy me? You forget your place, Alexis," he hisses, venom dripping from each word. "You are nothing without me."

The weight of Landon's words presses heavily upon her, threatening to crush her spirit. But somewhere deep within, a flicker of strength ignites. The memory of Emily's warnings, the bond they share, fuels her resolve to break free from the chains that bind her.

With a trembling voice, Alexis finds the courage to speak her truth. "I am worth more than this," she whispers, her voice barely audible, yet resonating with determination. "For the sake of our son, for the sake of myself, I will find a way to escape this cycle of pain."

Landon's face contorts with fury, his voice reverberating through the hallway. "You think you can leave? You have nowhere to go!" he spits, each word laced with venomous disbelief.

But Alexis's spirit cannot be extinguished. She takes a step forward, a glimmer of defiance in her eyes. "I will find a way," she proclaims, her voice growing stronger with each word. "For Lexis, for myself, I will break free from this prison you've created."

The tension in the air is palpable as they stand face to face, locked in a battle of wills. Alexis's heart aches with the weight of her decision, knowing the challenges that lie ahead. But the love she carries for her son, the flicker of hope within her, propels her forward.

With every fiber of her being, she is determined to forge a different path, to protect Lexis from the pain that has engulfed her own life. In this pivotal moment, as the echoes of a***e reverberate through the walls, Alexis takes a courageous step toward reclaiming her independence, determined to create a brighter future for herself and her son.