The end of class bell rings.
Miria left the room, her bag on her shoulder, followed by Alix and Kira. They were walking towards the exit when someone called her.
—Miria!
It was Marlie. She hurried towards them, a hesitant smile on her lips.
- Hi ! It's been two days since we last saw each other. You came back to class, but impossible to meet you. And even my calls… radio silence. It almost seems like you're avoiding me.
She glanced at Alix and Kira.
— And… are these girls your friends?
Miria nodded calmly.
— Yes. And don't take this the wrong way, Marlie. I'm not avoiding you, Marlie. I just wanted to give you some space.
— Space? Marlie repeated, confused. For what ?
Miria sighed softly.
"So that you decide to be sincere with me," Miria said in a firmer voice.
She crossed her arms.
—I'm tired of constantly having to prove that I'm trustworthy.
"But… we trust you," Marlie protested.
"Not enough to tell me the truth," Miria replied firmly.
She looked down before adding, more gently:
"I know you're hiding something, but you refuse to tell me about it. Very good, I respect that.
She shrugged her shoulders.
— But then, I won't say everything either. It's fair, right?
Marlie looked at her, her eyes shining.
—It's not what you think. It's just... more complicated than you imagine.
Miria shook her head.
—So our friendship is not strong enough to overcome this complication, apparently.
A heavy silence fell between them.
Then Miria turned to Alix and Kira.
"Sorry, Marlie. They are waiting for me.
She walked away.
Marlie stood there, alone, with a heavy heart.
---
The trio walked down the street, the sky tinted orange by the setting sun.
Kira glanced at Miria.
"You were tough, you know.
"Yes," added Alix. Maybe a little too much.
Miria shrugged her shoulders.
- Maybe. But it's the only way to get her to open up. As long as she hides the truth from me, our bond will never be complete.
Alix sighed.
—You know... you're a little creepy when you talk like that.
Miria smiled.
— Perhaps, but I am lucid.
They didn't have time to say more.
A violent blast of air rose. A shadow suddenly passed behind them.
Alix barely had time to turn around when a violent shock threw her backwards.
- Attention ! Kira shouted, brandishing her arm.
A sphere of blue energy burst from his palm and knocked back a hooded man.
They were surrounded.
Ten, maybe twelve figures, dressed in long dark coats. Their eyes glowed with red or gold reflections under their hoods.
—Vampires? Alix whispered.
"Not only that," Miria replied, sensing their aura. There are wolves...and wizards too.
The girls exchanged a look, then got into position.