Chapter 7 Spotlight

The morning sun cast a warm glow on the bustling school hallway as Astara made her grand entrance. Dressed in a short, glittering dress that caught every glint of light, she turned heads as she walked confidently, her arm linked with Sammy's. Her ethereal beauty and poise seemed almost out of place.

"Hey, princess!" Seth's voice rang out, drawing attention. Sammy and Astara turned to see Seth leaning casually against the wall, his eyes fixed on Astara with a mix of admiration and mischief. He beckoned her over with a casual wave.

Astara seemed momentarily puzzled but was about to step forward when Sammy tightened his grip on her hand, silently signaling her to stay put. "It's alright, I can handle it," she said, her voice calm and reassuring.

Sammy muttered under his breath, "Yeah, right. She's a sorceress. How could she get intimidated?" His arms were folded tightly, his eyes fixed on the scene.

Astara approached Seth, her expression neutral but her eyes sharp. "What is it?" she asked, her tone measured.

Seth grinned, taking a step closer to her. "Your curves are killing me, princess. You've got me completely bewitched," he said, his voice dripping with flirtation.

Astara raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "Hmm... I think if I had bewitched you, you wouldn't be standing here," she replied, her voice laced with a touch of disdain.

Seth chuckled, his gaze lingering on her. "How about we drop the act and get to the deal? Sleep with me tonight," he proposed, his tone shifting to one of crude demand.

Astara's eyes darkened, her expression turning cold. "Say that again," she said with steely resolve.

Seth didn't have a chance to repeat his proposition. Astara's hand flew across his face with a force that made a loud smack echo through the hallway. Several students gasped, their eyes wide with shock at the sudden display of force. Sammy's eyes widened, his heart racing as he silently hoped Astara wouldn't reveal her true nature in front of everyone.

Seth stared at her in stunned silence, his hand pressed to his reddened cheek. Astara glared at him, her gaze fierce and unyielding. Without a word, she turned back to Sammy, took his hand, and walked away with him, leaving a flustered Seth standing alone.

•••

Back at Sammy's house, Astara took over the kitchen duties. Mrs. Collins was away, and the house was filled with the buzz of Nana and Ryan, who had convinced their parents they were staying for extra tuition classes.

Astara moved around the kitchen with ease, preparing lunch for everyone. The aroma of her cooking wafted through the house, and soon enough, Ryan's voice was filled with appreciation. "This is so good! You're the best cook in the world!" he exclaimed, his eyes shining with delight.

Nana, rolling her eyes but smiling, added, "Yeah, Ryan. It's not just cooking; it's magic."

"Okay, eat fast so we can get to studying," Astara instructed, a note of authority in her voice.

"On spells?" Ryan asked, his curiosity piqued.

"No, on schoolwork," Astara said firmly. "I'll help you with your studies." Ryan sighed dramatically, but Sammy chuckled at the exchange.

"That's great," Sammy said with a laugh. "We all know we're not exactly stellar when it comes to grades." He glanced at Astara, feeling a surge of gratitude and happiness. Her presence was a welcome addition to his life, and her caring nature made a significant difference.

•••

Friday's sports day brought a new excitement to the school grounds. Astara joined Nana, changing into their sportswear with an eager grin.

"So what's the plan?" Astara asked as she adjusted her outfit.

Nana looked at her with a grin of her own. "Cheerleading, if you're up for it," she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Astara laughed. "You mean I cheer and don't play?"

"There's a basketball game today," Nana said, finishing her preparations. "Unless you want to play with the guys."

"Sure!" Astara said, her excitement palpable as she headed out to the field.

Nana quickly followed her, concern evident in her steps. "Wait... Astara!"

Outside, the guys were warming up for the game. Astara approached them with confidence. "Hey boys!" she called out, drawing their attention.

The guys exchanged puzzled looks. "What, little girl?" one of them asked with a smirk.

"I want to join and play today," Astara said with a determined expression. "Can one of you give up your place for me?"

A few snickers followed. "And why would we do that? You don't even know how to play," another guy said dismissively. "If this is a joke, just stop."

Astara's eyes sparkled with a challenge as she held up a bundle of dollars. "How about I give you this?" she proposed, her voice steady.

The offer made the guys' eyes widen in surprise. After a brief discussion and some hushed negotiations, they agreed, and Astara was added to the game.

•••

The students were packed into the bleachers, watching with wide eyes as the basketball game unfolded. To their astonishment, Astara was on the court, seamlessly blending into the game. She moved with a fluid grace, her agility and precision making it seem as though she was almost flying. Each shot she took was accurate, each movement deliberate and elegant.

The crowd's amazement grew with every point she scored. Cheers erupted from the bleachers as Astara continued to impress with her performance. Sammy, Ryan, and Nana were on their feet, their faces lit with excitement and pride.

"She's so good!" Ryan exclaimed to Sammy, his voice barely audible over the roar of the crowd. "Do you think she's using magic?"

"Magic or not, this is incredible!" Sammy responded, his eyes glued to Astara as she scored another basket. The joy and pride in his heart were unmistakable.

As the final whistle blew, signaling the end of the game, the crowd's cheers reached a crescendo. Sammy, Ryan, and Nana hugged each other, their cheers mingling with the celebration around them. Astara had not only played remarkably well but had also become the center of attention, earning admiration from all corners of the school.