Dark Enchantment

14

Asher

The taste of betrayal was bitter on my tongue as I stormed out of the chapel. I had allowed Elara to be with Leon, had watched as they shared intimate moments. But seeing the transformation in Elara, from an innocent girl to a woman who craved another man, was a blow I wasn't prepared for. Was it the darkness? Had it changed her?

I wanted to be angry at her, to confront her, but I couldn't. Because despite everything, I loved her.

In a daze, I got into my car and drove off, heading back to the boarding school. I couldnt afford my absence to be noticed. When I arrived, I was greeted by the sight of a heavy police presence. Several officers were questioning students, their faces grim.

As I moved to enter the building, a voice called out to me. It was one of Millie’s friends, nervously twisting her hands as she approached me with a policeman.

"Asher," she said, her voice trembling, "This officer wants to know about Millie."

The officer turned to me, his face stern. "We understand that Millie was last seen getting into your car. Could you tell us more about that?"

I cursed under my breath, the events of that night coming back to haunt me. It was the night I had lured Millie out, under the pretense of a date, only to kidnap her for Elara's sacrifice.

I forced a calm expression on my face, readying myself to explain the web of lies I was about to weave.

"Of course, officer," I started, forcing a casual smile, "Millie and I were supposed to meet that night. We had a date."

The officer's gaze remained stern, scrutinising my every word as he jotted down notes. "And did you meet her?"

"Yes," I lied smoothly, "But she didn't stay long. She left after a while."

The officer raised an eyebrow, "Did she mention where she was going?"

I shrugged, feigning ignorance, "She said something about meeting a friend. I didn't ask who."

As the officer continued to probe, I wove a tale of innocence. A tale where I was nothing more than a concerned friend, worried about the sudden disappearance of a fellow student.

Once the officer was satisfied, he thanked me for my cooperation and left me to my own devices. I let out a sigh of relief, my heart pounding in my chest. It was a close call, too close.

Stepping into the quiet sanctuary of the boys' bathroom, I let my bag drop to the floor. Turning onnonenof the taps I splashed cold water on my face, trying to calm my racing heart

As the water dripped off my face, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. The familiar face looked back at me, the same dark hair, the same green eyes, but it felt like I was looking at a stranger.

Suddenly, a firm hand landed on my shoulder, causing me to jolt upwards. I turned around to see one of my brothers standing behind me. His face was etched with concern.

"That was a close call, Ash," he said, his voice low. "You need to be more careful."

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. He was right, it was a close call. Too close. The lies were starting to catch up with me, the secrets threatening to unravel.

As he left the bathroom, I was left to my own thoughts. The image of Elara, of her with Leon, flashed in my mind. The memory was a painful reminder of the price of our secrets, of the sacrifices we had made for our cause.

And as I stared at my reflection, I couldn't help but wonder if it was worth it, if Elara was worth it. But even as the question echoed in my mind, I knew the answer. She was worth it. She was worth everything.

As I attempted to step out of the bathroom, I was met by Sophia. Her eyes were red-rimmed, her expression hardened.

"You lied to that officer," she accused, her voice a low hiss.

Taken aback, I took a step back. "What are you talking about?"

"Millie," she spat, "She was dead set on sleeping with you that night. She wouldn't have just left."

I shook my head, "You're wrong. She did leave."

"Stop lying! She wanted to make you forget all about that sad sop. I know you did something to her."

"Even if she hadn't," I leaned closer, my voice steady despite the pounding in my chest, "I wouldn't have slept with her."

Sophia's eyes widened, "Why?"

"Because I love Elara," I said, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

As the truth spilled out, a look of horror spread across Sophia's face. She took a step back, but before she could go any further, I raised my hand and clicked my fingers.

Suddenly, Sophia was frozen in place, her eyes wide with panic. I had used my magic to hold her in place.

"I wish you hadn't come looking for me, Sophia," I said, my voice heavy with regret. "If you'd accepted what I told the police, you could have gone on with your life."

Tears welled up in Sophia's eyes as she struggled against the invisible force holding her in place. "What did you do? I can't move!" she cried out.

Instead of answering, I just laughed, a bitter, hollow sound. With another snap of my fingers, Sophia began to shrink. Within seconds, she was no bigger than a mini figurine.

I bent down and picked her up, dangling her by her arm. She was light as a feather, her tiny form squirming in my grip. My bag lay open on the floor next to me, and without a second thought, I placed her in the pocket.

I could have ended it there, could have snuffed out her life as easily as I had reduced her to this size. But as I stared at the tiny, terrified Sophia, another idea formed in my mind.

She wanted answers? Fine. I would give them to her. But on my terms, in my own time. And would she suffer for them.

Zipping up my bag, I slung it over my shoulder. As I walked out of the bathroom, I couldn't help but feel a twisted sense of satisfaction. Today had been a day of revelations, of bitter truths and dangerous secrets. But for the first time, I felt like I was finally back in control.

I was done playing the dutiful student.

With a quick glance around to ensure no one was watching, I walked back to my car, tossed the shrunken Sophia into the boot and slammed it shut. As I drove back towards the chapel, I relished in the sharp turns and abrupt stops, knowing each jolt would be amplified for the tiny captive in my trunk.

Upon my arrival at the chapel, Andre was sat on the steps seemingly waiting for me, his brows furrowed in concern. "Why aren't you in biology?" he asked, clearly puzzled.

"I've got better things to do," I retorted.

Andre warned that breaking routine would raise suspicions, especially with the police looking for Millie. I dismissed his concerns, knowing she was nothing more than ashes at the bottom of our fire pit. I then proceeded to show him the tiny Sophia, explaining my plans to use her to teach Elara how to control her powers.

As i walked around him, Andre tried to stop me from entering the chapel, but frustration quickly bubbled within me. With a flick of my wrist, I used my magic to send him crashing to the side. But Andre was quick to retaliate, restraining me with his own magic. A battle of power ensued between us, but I was stronger. Breaking free from his hold, I stormed into the chapel.

What I saw next shattered something inside me. Elara was having s*x with Trent, one of our brothers, on the very slab where she had sacrificed Millie. A sickening grin spread across her face as her eyes met mine.