Chapter 14: Unraveling the Mystery

Liam, Kai, and Anya gathered in the library, determined to unravel the Eclipse Operation mystery.

"I'll start digging into Victor's family," Kai said, typing away on his phone. "But we need to be careful; we don't know what we're up against."

"Agreed," Liam said. "Let's divide tasks. Anya, can you research Julian's past? See if there's any connection to Aria."

"Already on it," Anya replied, eyes scanning her laptop screen.

Meanwhile, in the school hallway, Aria approached Ethan and Maya, who were working on their group project.

"Hey, guys. Everything okay?" Aria asked, noticing the tension.

"Yeah, just project stuff," Maya replied, forcing a smile.

Ethan's eyes met Aria's, his gaze lingering. "We're good, Aria."

Maya's eyes narrowed slightly, a pinch of jealousy creeping in.

"Aria, can I talk to you for a sec?" Ethan asked, his voice low.

"Sure," Aria said, stepping aside with Ethan.

"Hey, I wanted to ask... are you okay? You seem distant lately," Ethan said, his eyes searching hers.

Aria's expression softened. "I'm fine, Ethan. Just stressed with school."

Ethan's gaze held hers, his voice barely above a whisper. "If something's bothering you, I'm here for you, Aria."

Maya watched, her unease growing. She hadn't expected Ethan to be so attentive to Aria.

"Thanks, Ethan," Aria said, smiling. "That means a lot."

As Aria returned to her friends, Maya turned to Ethan, her voice laced with sarcasm.

"Wow, Ethan, you're so concerned about Aria. I'm touched."

Ethan's expression hinted at confusion. "What's wrong, Maya?"

"Nothing," Maya said, rolling her eyes. "Just admiring your dedication to Aria's well-being. I mean, who needs me when you have her, right?"

Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Maya, that's not fair. I'm just trying to help Aria."

"Help her? Or fall for her?" Maya snapped, her jealousy boiling over.

Ethan's face fell, realization dawning. "Maya, I... I care about you. Not Aria."

Maya's expression softened slightly, but her voice remained laced with sarcasm. "Oh, I'm so relieved. For a second, I thought you were going to dump me for the queen bee."

Ethan sighed. "Maya, stop. This isn't about Aria; it's about being a friend."

Maya's eyes flashed. "Friend? You're not even my boyfriend, Ethan. Just a study partner with benefits."

The tension between them was palpable.

Unbeknownst to them, Julian watched from afar, a sly smile spreading.

"Nova's plan is unfolding perfectly," Julian thought. "Aria's friends will soon be divided, and Liam will be mine."

Nova's message flashed on Julian's phone: "Phase 2 initiation confirmed. Target acquisition imminent."

Julian's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "The eclipse is coming, Aria. And you won't see it until it's too late."

Meanwhile, Liam, Kai, and Anya continued their research.

"We need to find a connection between Julian and Aria's past," Anya said.

"I've got something," Kai exclaimed, eyes scanning his phone. "Victor's family has ties to Aria's biological father."

Liam's eyes widened. "That's the link we need. Let's dig deeper."

As they delved deeper into the mystery, the stakes grew higher.

Would they uncover the truth before Julian's plan unfolded?

Would Maya's jealousy tear her and Ethan apart?

The scene faded to black, leaving questions unanswered.