On a beautiful autumn evening, a youngster by the name of Winter stumbled upon an old book entitled: "The Midnight Chronicles". The tale unfolded before her eyes, drawing her into a world teeming with dark magic, forbidden love, and of course, bloodthirsty vampires. Unbeknownst to her, Winter becomes the subject of a prophecy, fated to unravel the mysteries within Karina's restless heart.

~~~

As Winter turned the pages, she slowly dived in the fantasy world of late night masquerade ball, where a most enchanting event took place and how the strong bond of friendship between humans and vampires is formed.

She find herself captivated by the dangerous charm
these creatures possess, feeling a strange pull towards their dark existence. Yet, a shiver of fear dances down her spine, reminding her of the inherent danger that accompanies these otherworldly beings.

When the sun dipped below the horizon, a cool breeze swept through the town, signaling the upcoming dark night. With delicate fingers, she traced the worn edges of its pages, gently closing the book.

Checking the time, Winter slowly stretched her arms in the air after such long period of sitting still. Is it weird how she could say that these stories are actually good? Winter isn't the type for fantasy stuff, that's for sure, but when her heart races with anticipation, it portrays otherwise.

Changing into her pajamas, Winter laid flat on the soft cushion behind her, enjoying the warmth the bed provided her with. Winter lay nestled in her bed, her delicate frame hidden beneath cascades of feathery blankets.

The softness of her breath echoed throughout the room, as she slowly dozes off to sleep. Winter's tired eyes from studying for a week straight remains closed, as the sound of Ningning's computer filled the dormitory's air. A calming atmosphere of a classical saturday night, hours slipping by like sand through an hourglass.

A bat silhouette reflected through the window, caused by the street light. The small creature stood upside down on the roof, dozing off completely.

~~~

The following day, Winter was on the bus with Ningning to a library nearby. Seated next to the window, Winter took sight of the beautiful yet common view outside.

"I heard that there will be a new student in our class"  Winter robotically said as she isn't fully awoke yet, though, she is quite curious of this unfamiliar person.

"I knew that, of course. That is probably Giselle's close friend. Karina if you remember" Ningning replied.

Winter nodded quietly, her mind elsewhere.

"Now, i think we should get off soon. The bus is about to stop at our destination"

Winter mumbled "ok" before checking her bag and get off the bus with Ningning.

They continue to walk a short distance from the bus stop to the library, looking around at the same time. It is a rather ancient library, the scent of aged books immediately attracted Ningning.

Side by side, they settled into a serene corner, armed with books that they found interesting. They were both excited to spend the day exploring the world of books.

Ningning put her coffee down as she read through a romantic novel, glancing over at Winter's true crime story.

"Geez" Ningning whispered under her breath, finding her friend's interest bizarre.

Winter paid her full attention on the story, she is rather fond of murder mysteries and quizzes that have to be solved throughout the story.

The whole library went silence, nobody is dared to ruin other's peaceful time. And that include the duo, who are focused on their own world.

~~~

The sun was already setting after the two walked out of the library. Ningning and Winter decided to walk back home since the bus will be arriving late. They scrolled through the town quietly unil Winter decided to speak up first

"So, have you got any information about the new student?"

"You mean Karina? Well, I guess that she's the same age as Giselle and..."

Ningning looked down, going through her memories if there is anything special about this particular person.

"And... That's as far as I know"

Winter seem disappointed, she was going to ask further more if the damn rain didn't start to pour down.

"Shit" Ningning cursed, holding Winter's arm and running off to the nearby shelter.

Rain droplets poured down fast, soaking the two friends completely.

Ningning pulled Winter into another bus stop and hid under the roof.

"The weather forecast said that it was going to be a sunny day..."

Winter shivered due to the cold, clinging onto her friend who is also soaking wet.

"We can wait for the bus. But it won't arrive until the next 20 minutes.."

Ningning said, stopping for a bit before continuing

"Unless.. We can run fast to out dormitory, it's only about 3 minutes"

Winter sneered, laughing at how the suggest was so stupid but at the same time, convincing.

"Then why not?"

Winter held Ningning's hand and dragged her out into the rain. The two laughed and shivered at the same time as the rain poured down their skin.

And by the time they were all done giggling, Winter found herself sick the next morning.

~~~

School been busy these weeks but I'm finally updating!!