Feeling the need to bridge the gap that has formed between us, I tentatively suggest, 'So, I was thinking that maybe we could go to the library today and study up about curses. It might help us find out more about yours?'
Nina narrows her eyes at me, a mixture of caution and reluctance in her gaze. 'Shh, someone might hear you. I'll go to the library after school by myself. We need to avoid each other until you find your mate. I'm only sitting at this table with you because Mr Thomson made us lab partners, and we don't get a say in it,' she says with a touch of bitterness.
Her words, while stinging, carry a truth that I can't deny. The realization that Nina doesn't want to be near me, especially after the seven years of friendship we've missed out on, settles uncomfortably in the pit of my stomach. We resume our work, completing assignments in mutual silence.
Lunchtime arrives, but I don't care about food right now. Determined to assist Nina, I head to the library and research curses, seeking answers to help us break this curse.
Within the library's quiet expanse, I spend twenty minutes scouring the shelves for a book on curses. Frustration sets in when I realize none of the available volumes provide helpful information. As I contemplate my next move, I see Pipsqueak sitting at her usual table.
'Psst, Pipsqueak,' I whisper, trying to get her attention.
She glances around the library with confusion across her face.
'Over here,' I whisper a bit louder.
'M-magnus?' She says, standing up and approaching me. 'Is everything alright?'
'I need your help,' I tell her.
'W-what kind of help?' She stutters nervously.
‘I need to study curses, but none of these books have been helpful. Where would I find a better book?’ I ask, keeping my voice low.
'Curses or any type of magic isn't allowed, Magnus. Those books aren't out here with the other books. We would get in big trouble if we studied witchery or magic,' she explains with a hint of fear.
'Where are they kept, then?' I ask, determined.
'In the t-town library, behind lock and key, in a r-room out of sight,' she says as if divulging a well-kept secret.
'Do you know where the room is?' I press further.
'Y-yes,' she replies hesitantly.
'Great! Meet me at the town library after school,' I instruct.
'B-but…' she begins.
'4 p.m. sharp,' I declare, 'And don't be late,' I add with a reassuring smile.
The school bell rings, signalling the end of lunch. I swiftly reach my locker, where Zak, May, and Josie await.
'Ready to go home, bro?' Flint asks.
'Sorry, I have a school project I need to do. I'll be home late for dinner. Tell Mum and Dad not to worry about me,' I inform them as I hastily throw my books in the locker and grab my back before slamming my locker closed.
Without waiting for their response, I sprint down the corridor, my determination driving me past Nina and Moss, absorbed in a passionate kiss. A growl escapes me, interrupting their moment, and they watch in surprise as I continue running through the corridor, my mind focused on getting inside the mysterious room in the town library that might hold the key to Nina's curse.
Pipsqueak is waiting out front, and she gives me a worried look. 'Are y-you okay, Magnus? Why are you drenched in s-sweat?' She asks with concern.
'I'm fine. I had to fight my wolf back from shifting,' I explain, my breath still slightly uneven from the recent struggle.
'So, the r-rumors you have your wolf are t-true?' She asks, seeking confirmation.
'Yes, they are,' I affirm, aware that the revelation might be unsettling for her.
Pipsqueak gives me a worried glance. 'Magnus, I know y-you want to see these books, but we will get into s-so much trouble. You should reconsider this,' she pleads.
'No, I have to do this, Pipsqueak. I don't have any other choice,' I tell her, and she hears the desperation in my voice.
'Why? W-what has happened?' She asks, her concern deepening.
'I can't tell you. Only the highest-ranking wolves in the pack know, and I've been told not to tell anyone else,' I explain.
'Oh, okay. I just m-might not be as much help if I don't know what it is you are trying to find the answer t-to,' Pipsqueak replies earnestly.
'For now, let's just get inside that room,' I suggest, steering the conversation back to our mission.
Pipsqueak nods and gestures for me to follow her.
We enter the library, and she leads me to the librarian's desk. 'S-see the office over there? Inside is another d-door at the back. It's locked, and that is where the f-forbidden books are kept,' she tells me, her voice hushed.
'Where is the key?' I ask, eyeing the librarian who is occupied with scanning returned books.
Pipsqueak points at the librarian's side, where a ring of keys dangles. 'How are we meant to get the keys when she is wearing them?' I frown.
'Y-you distract her. I'll sneak up behind her and take them,' Pipsqueak suggests.
I nod in agreement and approach the librarian with a charming smile. 'Why hello, miss,' I say, locking eyes with her.
'Yes, how can I help you?' She responds, a smile forming as she scans me over.
'I was wondering if, ah, you fell from heaven?' I say, adding a flirtatious touch.
'Excuse me?' She says, surprised.
'Well, you see, heaven called and said they're missing an Angel, and I know a sweet angel when I see one,' I wink.
The librarian, twice my age, blushes while Pipsqueak facepalms herself.
'Oh, my,' the librarian giggles.
I continue the flirtatious conversation, playing the part to perfection. Meanwhile, Pipsqueak successfully takes the keys and tiptoes into the back office. 'I'll see you around, doll face,' I wave goodbye to the librarian. She sits down, fanning her face, charmed, as I walk away, heading toward Pipsqueak and the door that leads to the forbidden books.