The Diary Keeper ["The Dark Legacies" Series]

Chapter 21: Tensions rise

Finally, it's November. It was a reminder that winter was upon us, and with it came a sense of jubilant anticipation. The prospect of the upcoming holidays brought a twinkle to my eye and a contagious joy that spread through the air. I couldn't help but be swept away by the infectious excitement that permeated the village, eagerly counting down the days until the winter holidays would finally arrive.

As I stepped outside, I could see my breath forming delicate clouds in front of me, reminding me that winter was just around the corner. The once vibrant autumn colors had now faded, leaving a carpet of fallen leaves in their wake. The trees stood tall and bare, their branches reaching towards the gray sky, as if waiting for a gentle dusting of snow to adorn their limbs. The streets were adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, casting a warm and inviting glow that beckoned me towards the enchantment of the season.

I walked briskly, my footsteps echoing against the quiet streets. There was a certain magic in the air, an energy that seemed to hum with anticipation.

The thought of the winter holidays brought a carefree lightness to my step. It meant a break from the routine of school, a respite from the demands of assignments and exams. It was a time to indulge in simple pleasures, to spend time with loved ones, and to create lasting memories.

I imagined myself wrapped in cozy blankets, sipping hot chocolate by a crackling fire, and losing myself in the pages of a captivating book. The prospect of snowball fights, ice skating, and building snowmen added a playful twinkle to my eyes.

But, you know what? No, most of all these things will not happen so often because there are too much to find, too much too realize, too much... of everything going on.

***
Ugh, helping Kaira Crowley? Seriously, that's the last thing I wanted to do. I mean, just looking at her with that air of arrogance and self-confidence made my skin crawl. But apparently, it's a new school rule, and I have to be her mentor until the end of school year. Fantastic.

As I reluctantly walked into the classroom, I could feel her eyes on me, assessing my every move. She had this haughty demeanor, as if she already knew everything and didn't need any help. Some sort of entitled princess. Well, good luck with that attitude, Kaira.

I walked into the school library, hoping for some peace and quiet to catch up on my own studies. But of course, fate had other plans. There she was, Kaira Crowley, sitting at a table with her nose buried in a book. Great, just great.

I sighed and made my way over to her, trying my best to put on a polite smile. She looked at me with a smug smile, as if she found the whole situation amusing.

"So, Liandra, I guess you're going to help me with studying?" she said with a hint of superiority in her voice.

"Yeah, lucky you," I muttered under my breath. "But don't get your hopes up. I'm not exactly thrilled about this whole arrangement."

Kaira raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by my response.

"Well, aren't you a ray of sunshine?" she retorted, a hint of sarcasm in her tone.

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms defiantly.

"Look, Kaira, I'm not here to hold your hand and do all the work for you. If you want my help, you better be ready to put in the effort. I won't tolerate any laziness or entitled attitude."

"What brings you here?"

I sat down opposite her, trying my best to maintain my composure.

"Well, apparently, I'm your designated mentor," I said, emphasizing the word 'apparently.' "So, here I am, ready to offer my expert guidance and all that."

"Well, that's mighty generous of you," she replied, her voice laced with a hint of defiance. "But just so you know, I don't really need anyone's help."

"So confident, yes?" I laughed, "Well, goodbye then!"

And I just left the library without hesitation.

***
Kaira, the new student whom I was assigned to mentor, had managed to push all the wrong buttons. I wouldn't help her anymore. Let her fend for herself. I didn't care if I was reprimanded or faced any consequences for my decision. The thought of continuing to guide her through this school seemed unbearable.

Why should I waste my time on someone who showed no gratitude, no humility? If she thought she could breeze through this place with her superior attitude, she had another thing coming. I would focus on my own path and let her figure things out on her own. She wants a war? She will get a war.

I leaned back in my chair, a defiant smirk playing on my lips. From this moment forward, I would distance myself from her, and the consequences be damned. It was time to break free from this mentorship, reclaim my independence, and let Kaira face the consequences of her own actions.

I don't care at all. Just don't care.

***
I spotted Ethan from the corner of my eye as I walked near the boarding school in Hazelford. He seemed hesitant, glancing in my direction with a mixture of shyness and curiosity. A mischievous smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I approached him.

"What's up, Ethan?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Um, hey Liandra. I was wondering... Would you maybe want to hang out on the weekends? You know, go out and do something fun?"

I couldn't help but chuckle at his bashfulness. It was adorable, really.

"Sure, why not? I'm always up for some excitement and adventure. But tell me, Ethan, why limit ourselves to just weekends? Why not skip a few lessons and make the most out of our time together?"

His eyes widened in surprise, a mix of excitement and nervousness flashing across his face.

"Skip lessons? Are you mad?"

"Why not? Life's too short to be bound by rules and routines. Let's break free from the monotony and create our own adventures. Trust me, it'll be worth it."

"Emm... No, I still insist on the weekends."

"Well, OK then," I laughed and headed to the dormitory.

Boys are difficult to understand sometimes...

***
I stood in front of Mrs. Lockwood's house, a heavy feeling in the pit of my stomach. I had come with so many questions, hoping to find some answers and guidance from Agatha.

As I approached the door, it swung open, revealing a young woman with sadness etched on her face.

"Good afternoon! I'd like to see Mrs. Lockwood," I said.

"I'm sorry, but she passed away two days ago."

A wave of shock washed over me, threatening to engulf my thoughts and emotions. Agatha, the only persons who could tell me significant details, was gone. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks.

"Wha-what happened?" I managed to stammer, my voice barely audible.

"It was sudden. A peaceful passing in her sleep. She had been unwell for some time."

I thanked the young woman for her words, trying to compose myself. I turned away from the doorstep, feeling a profound sense of loss weighing heavily on my shoulders. Agatha's absence left a gaping hole in my heart, and I knew that moving forward without her guidance would be a difficult journey.

I had too many to ask. But it's too late.