Chapter 4 Awakened

It was 9pm at night and Sammy couldn't shake off the image of the mysterious book and the power it seemed to hold. He texted his friends and told them he wanted to investigate.

Nana💬: what!! No way!

Ryan💬: we can't do that! It's dangerous, don't you know that?

Sammy💬: I know but we need to know why it got kept in there.. something must be to it.

They didn't texted back for a while until Ryan agreed.

Ryan💬: okay! But I'll kill you if anything happens to me.

Sammy💬: what if you die😆?

Ryan💬: my ghost will torment you🤪

Nana💬: I'll just go with you guys then.

They decided to meet at the the library the next morning to investigate.

•••

"Are you sure about this, Sam?" Nana asked, her voice filled with concern as they walked through the path crowded by bookshelves.

"We need answers, Nana. That book... there's something about it. I can't just ignore it," Sammy replied, determination in his eyes.

Ryan nodded in agreement, though his usual bravado was tinged with unease. "Whatever's in that book, it's gotta be important. Let's just make sure we don't get in trouble."

The trio made their way and saw the opened passage they had left. Nana turned on her flashlight as they carefully proceeded through the passage until they reached the end.

Sammy stood before the book and whispered, "Okay, here goes nothing."

"It's okay," Nana said, clinging to Ryan in fear.

Sammy slowly unlocked the book, and a cold breeze swept through the room just like before. They began to hear the same noises they heard previously.

Ignoring the sounds, Sammy opened the book. Suddenly, they were thrown into the air and landed on their butts.

They looked up to see the book floating, its pages fluttering. A bright light enveloped them, forcing them to cover their eyes. When they opened them, a girl in ancient clothing stood before them. She appeared to be around their age, with long, flowing hair and piercing eyes that seemed to hold centuries of knowledge.

As the light faded, the book fell to the ground. The girl glanced at the book and sighed in relief. She then looked at them and chuckled.

"Who... who are you?" Nana stammered, eyes wide with shock.

The girl smiled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I am Astara, once a powerful sorceress. And who might you be, young ones?"

Sammy slowly stood up, trying to steady his voice. "I'm Samuel. These are my friends, Nana and Ryan. We found the book and thought..."

Astara's eyes sparkled with amusement as she twirled with open arms. "Ah, my liberators! Thank you so much! It's been centuries since I've breathed this fresh air."

Sammy and his friends looked at each other, then back at her.

"How do we know you're not dangerous?" Ryan asked, his voice trembling with fear.

Astara chuckled. "If I wanted to harm you, do you think I would have waited this long? No need to fear me. Even though I'm 1500 years old," she said with a wink.

"What the hell!" they all shouted in shock.

"Now this is really creepy!" Ryan said.

"Why were you trapped in the book?" Sammy asked, still trying to process everything. Astara's expression darkened.

"I was wrongfully condemned by those who feared my power. They bound me to the book, hoping to keep me hidden away forever. But now, thanks to you, I am free!"

"That sounds terrible!" Nana said. "Guys, doesn't that mean we're in trouble?" she whispered to Sammy and Ryan. They glanced at Astara in fear, but she only chuckled and smiled at them.

"How do we trap her back?" Ryan asked, his voice shaky.

"Guys! It's a good thing we freed someone. She'll forever be indebted to us," Sammy said quietly. "We're glad you're free now," he said to Astara.

Astara stepped forward and took Sammy's hand, her smile enchanting. "Thank you, dear," she said, looking him in the eyes. Sammy stared at her, dazed by her beauty.

Nana nudged Ryan as they chuckled secretly.