' The Whispering Shadow's '.

---

As the days passed, Emily's curiosity about Xavier grew. He had always been reserved, but lately, he seemed… different. There was something off about him, something she couldn't quite put her finger on.

One afternoon, as Emily and Aria sat in the school's courtyard, Emily finally decided to speak up.

"Aria, can I talk to you about something?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aria looked up from her book, concern flickering across her face. "Of course, Em. What’s wrong?"

Emily glanced around, ensuring no one else could hear. "It’s Xavier. I’ve been noticing some… strange things about him."

Aria tilted her head. "Strange how?"

Emily hesitated. "I don’t know... he just seems really secretive. And sometimes, I catch him staring at things that—aren't there."

Aria frowned. "That does sound weird. But maybe there’s an explanation?"

Emily shook her head. "I’ve tried talking to him, but he brushes it off. That’s why I was thinking… maybe there’s something more going on here."

Aria’s eyes gleamed with curiosity. "You mean, like something supernatural?"

Emily hesitated, then nodded. "I know it sounds crazy, but I’ve heard rumors about this school being haunted."

Aria’s grin widened. "I've heard those rumors too."

Emily leaned in. "And I also heard the school board hid something in the library—a cursed artifact. They call it the Old Wing."

Aria’s brows furrowed. "The Old Wing? I’ve never heard of it."

Emily nodded. "Legend says it can show you anything you desire. But… it always comes with a price."

A slow smile spread across Aria’s lips. "Let’s check it out."

The Old Wing

The library was nearly empty when they arrived, its towering bookshelves casting eerie shadows. The scent of old parchment filled the air, and every soft whisper of a turning page sent chills down Emily’s spine.

They navigated the rows of bookshelves until they reached the farthest corner.

Then, Aria stopped.

Before them stood an ornate, full-length mirror. Unlike the others, its surface wasn’t smooth—it rippled, as if reflecting water instead of light.

"This must be it," Aria whispered.

Emily hesitated before reaching out. The moment her fingers brushed the glass, a wave of dizziness hit her. The room blurred.

Suddenly, she wasn’t in the library anymore.

She stood in a dark, damp room. The air was thick with the scent of decay, and somewhere in the distance, the sound of scurrying rats echoed.

Then—a figure emerged from the shadows.

Xavier.

But his eyes… his eyes weren’t human.

"Welcome, Emily," his voice whispered, chilling her to the bone. "I’ve been waiting for you."

His body twisted, his limbs contorting in unnatural ways.

Emily tried to scream, but the sound was lost in the pounding of her own heartbeat.

Then—

She was back.

The library reappeared around her. Aria stood before her, concern written all over her face.

"Emily? You spaced out for a second," Aria said, gripping her shoulders.

Emily’s breath came in shaky gasps. "I saw him," she whispered. "Xavier. But… not Xavier."

Aria frowned. "What do you mean?"

Emily swallowed hard. "I saw him change. His body… twisted. It wasn’t human."

A long silence stretched between them.

Then, Aria exhaled and straightened her shoulders. "We need to find out what’s really going on."

Emily nodded, determination flickering behind her fear.

As they left the library, neither of them noticed the faint whisper that echoed through the shelves.

A whisper only the Old Wing could produce.

"You shouldn't have come here."

---