Chapter 11: Classroom Sparks

Aurora's heart skipped a beat as she sat at the dinner table, her phone hidden under the tablecloth. She had been waiting for Liam's text all day, and finally, it arrived. Excusing herself, she quickly got up and stepped into the living room, her phone trembling in her hand.

"Liam!" she whispered, her eyes scanning the message. "Missing you, though." Her cheeks flushed, and she couldn't help but smile. She quickly typed a reply, her fingers flying across the screen.

As she returned to the dinner table, she tried to compose herself, not wanting to arouse suspicion from her family. But she couldn't help sneaking glances at her phone, willing it to buzz with Liam's response. Alex, her brother, noticed her distraction and raised an eyebrow.

"Expecting a call or something, Rory?" he asked, his tone teasing.

Aurora hesitated, her eyes darting to her phone. "No, no, just...just checking the time," she stammered, trying to play it cool.

After dinner, they tidied up, and Aurora retreated to her room, her phone finally buzzing with Liam's response. She grinned, feeling a flutter in her chest as they texted back and forth, their conversation flowing effortlessly. As they bid each other goodnight, Aurora snuggled into bed, her heart still racing from their exchange.

The next morning, Aurora woke up feeling refreshed, her hair tied up in a high ponytail, with a few loose strands framing her face. Downstairs, she found Alex cooking breakfast, and their mom preparing to leave.

"Where are you off to, Mom?" Aurora asked, noticing her mom's slightly worried expression.

"Meeting with the head of the witch district," Natalie replied, her voice measured. "A representative from each house and family is required to attend."

Aurora's concern grew. "I hope it's nothing too serious."

Natalie nodded reassuringly. "Me too, sweetie. Have a good day at school, and you too, Alex. I'll be back later."

With that, she grabbed her bag and headed out the door, leaving the siblings to their breakfast. Alex handed Aurora a plate, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Looks like Mom's got some witchy business to attend to," he said, winking.

Aurora rolled her eyes, playfully nudging him with her elbow. "You're such a dork, Alex."

As they finished breakfast, Aurora's mind wandered back to Liam and their text conversation the night before. She couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest when she thought about him.

"Aurora, you okay?" Alex asked, noticing her distant expression.

Aurora nodded, still lost in thought. But then Alex's next words surprised her.

"I know about Liam, Rory."

Aurora's eyes widened in surprise. "H-how did you know about Liam?"

Alex smirked. "Your phone buzzed during dinner last night, and I couldn't resist taking a peek."

Aurora's face flushed with embarrassment. "Alex, that's my private stuff! You shouldn't have looked!"

Alex shrugged. "Hey, I'm your brother. I'm curious about what's going on in your life. And besides, it's not every day you start texting with a mysterious guy."

Aurora crossed her arms, still feeling a bit betrayed. "Well, now you know. But it's not a big deal, okay?"

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Not a big deal? You two were flirting pretty hard, from what I saw."

Aurora rolled her eyes. "Shut up, Alex."

Alex chuckled. "Okay, okay. But seriously, Rory, who is this guy? You're usually not into the whole texting thing."

Aurora sighed, knowing she couldn't avoid the question forever. "His name is Liam. We met at the library a few days ago."

Alex's eyes lit up with interest. "No way! The library? That's so romantic."

Aurora playfully rolled her eyes. "Shut up, Alex. It wasn't like that."

But Alex was undeterred. "So, what's he like? Is he cute?"

Aurora blushed, trying to hide a smile. "Alex, stop it."

But her brother's teasing only made her realize how much she enjoyed talking about Liam. And how much she wanted to see him again.

As they walked to school, Alex continued to pry, asking Aurora more questions about Liam. She tried to brush him off, but Alex was relentless.

"Come on, Rory, spill the beans! What's he like? Is he smart? Funny? Does he like video games?"

Aurora laughed, shaking her head. "Alex, stop! You're going to make me late for class."

But just then, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, her heart skipping a beat as she saw Liam's name on the screen.

"Hey, gotta go, Alex," she said, quickening her pace. "Later!"

Alex grinned, knowing he'd been dismissed. "Later, sis! Good luck with your mystery man!"

Aurora blushed, tucking her phone away as she got to school and hurried to her first class. She couldn't wait to see what Liam had to say.

Aurora rushed into her History of Mythology class, apologizing to her friend Mia as she slid into the seat beside her. "Sorry I'm late, Mia. Alex was being his usual nosy self."

Mia smiled sympathetically. "No worries, Rory. Though it seems you'll have to introduce your brother to me someday, I like him already if he's giving you so much trouble." And to that statement, Aurora smiled. Mia then continued, "Anyway, you made it just in time. Professor Thompson is about to start the lecture."

The classroom was dimly lit, the walls adorned with ancient artifacts and dusty tomes. Professor Thompson, a bespectacled woman with a kind smile, stood at the front of the room, her eyes scanning the students as she began to speak.

"Welcome, students, to our History of Mythology class. This is a required course for all students from freshman to senior year, and I'm excited to explore the rich world of myth and legend with you all..."

As Professor Thompson began to write on the blackboard, Aurora settled into her seat, her eyes fixed on the professor. But as she glanced around the room, her gaze accidentally met Ethan Blackwood's piercing black eyes, which were fixed intently on her. His chiseled features seemed chiseled from granite, his dark hair messy and unkempt, and he wore the school uniform, a white shirt and navy blue blazer, which seemed to accentuate his brooding presence. For a moment, they just stared at each other, until Aurora quickly looked away, her heart skipping a beat.

Halfway through the class, Aurora gazed around the room and her eyes landed on a familiar figure leaning against the back wall, his eyes fixed on hers. Liam's piercing blue gaze sparkled with amusement, and he winked at her, sending a flutter through her chest.

Aurora's mind raced back to the events of yesterday, their chance encounter in the library, and their late-night texting session. She felt a blush spread across her cheeks and neck as she quickly looked away, trying to compose herself.

Mia noticed her friend's sudden flush and raised an eyebrow. "Rory, what's going on? You look like you've seen a ghost!"

Aurora shook her head, trying to brush it off. "It's nothing, Mia. Just...just a little warm in here, that's all."

But she couldn't help sneaking another glance at Liam, who was still watching her with a knowing smile. Her heart skipped a beat as she felt a connection spark between them, and she knew that this was just the beginning of a story she couldn't wait to unfold.