***

- IMAMIAH - The angel of strength and resilience.

***

Finally, peace to enjoy these dishes that look so delicious.

My plate consists of scrambled eggs, herb cheese, and toast. For something sweet, I've opted for French toast stuffed with chocolate, sprinkled with white powder, and of course, a large glass of orange juice. Always wake up with a glass of orange juice. Yum.

– Marie, eat slowly, it's not going to fly away, she jokes.

– Oh, Hailey... shut up.

– You should swallow before talking haha, you're getting it everywhere.

I realize I'm acting like my gluttonous brother, Jonn.

– Min-che.

She sits across from me and starts her breakfast.

– Yeah, sorry, I was really hungry.

– You know the cafeteria is open 24/7. You don't have to wait for fixed hours to eat.

– Really? I exclaim, you should have told me that earlier.

I'm always hungry.

– Of course.

She laughs. I think it's the first time I've heard her laugh.

– Where's Elise? Wasn't she with you?

– She was, but she stayed with Hadrien.

– Why's that?

A vein on her forehead starts to swell, but a smile appears on her face.

– I don't know.

Suddenly, another tray is placed on the table next to us. It's Elise. She sits down, finally joining us.

– What are you girls talking about? she asks with a big smile on her face.

– Nothing, we both answer at the same time.

The surprise is clear on our faces as we look at each other.

– So, my brother's okay? Hailey asks her.

– Yeah, don't worry.

– Why did you stay so long with him after I left?

– I... helped him take care of himself.

While they're talking, I start thinking again about what Hayden told me. Why was he in such a state, forbidding me to approach his brother?

– Marie!

I jump.

Speaking of the devil, here he is.

I should hang little bells on all of them, this is getting impossible. I'm going to die of fear with all these heart-stopping moments.

He still seems angry, and I still don't know why.

– Can I talk to you?

My curiosity gets the better of me.

– Uh... sure, if you want.

We leave the cafeteria and walk a few meters away to get some privacy so no one can hear us.

– I want to... Forget what we said earlier.

– Okay.

– And I have a question to ask you.

Oh, what is he going to talk about? Is he going to ask me out? We barely know each other.

– Go ahead.

I'm anxious about his answer. What am I going to say? Do I want to? No? Yes? Maybe?

– Did you take the book that was in my room?

Oh, well, no, nothing to do with that.

All this for a book? He could have left me alone. Why go to so much effort? I feel both relieved and... disappointed.

– Uh... yeah, it could very well be me who took it, well, borrowed it, to be exact, I reply, tapping my two index fingers together, embarrassed that I thought he was going to ask me something else.

– Phew, he breathes, you have to give it back to me.

– Why are you so worked up over a book? I ask, puzzled. It's just a book.

– I can't talk about it, but it's a "book," as you say, pretty important, he replies, emphasizing the word "book" with air quotes using his fingers.

– It's in my room.

– Let's go now.

I turn towards the cafeteria door, thinking about my still-full plate that I haven't finished.

Voici la version corrigée avec les tirets :

---

– Do we have to go right now?

– Yes, as I said, it's a very important and dangerous book.

Dangerous?

– How can a book be dangerous?

– I... Fine, I'll tell you, but keep it to yourself.

– You can trust me.

– Anyway, I'll make sure you stay quiet if you don't.

– I'll pretend I didn't hear that, first because I know how unpredictable you can be, but also because I don't appreciate what you just said.

He gives me a dark look. I smile at him, mimicking a zipper closing with my hand over my mouth, then I lock it and throw the key, which seems to relax him. He gets closer to me, then looks around to make sure no one can hear us. He leans in close to my ear and whispers:

– It's an ancient book containing spells for demons. If someone uses them, demons might be attracted and come here, he admits.

– How did you have this? I whisper, my eyes wide open.

– I... let's just say I also... borrowed it. It's one of the forbidden books. Actually, I wasn't supposed to have it either.

Without realizing it, we've started whispering as if we're sharing secrets. Well, that's exactly what we're doing.

– What! Why isn't this type of book under surveillance?

– Well, yes, that's actually the case, he admits.

– How did you get it then? I ask, worried.

– I was the one supposed to keep an eye on it, he answers reluctantly.

A laugh starts to form in my throat, and I try to hold it back, but it bursts out two seconds later.

– Hahaha, but...

– It's very serious.

– Ah! Yes, sorry, I stop laughing suddenly. It's just that I've never seen you scared, and I didn't think you knew what it was. Don't worry, it's in my room. If you want, we can go get it now.

– Yes, the sooner I have it in my hands, the better I'll feel.

He follows me to my room. Silent, only his face shows his concern. Once we reach the door, he stops.

– You can go in, you know.

– Oh no, I'll wait here, it's better.

I shrug and go to my bed.

When I lift my pillow, my face tightens.

Oh no!

– Hayden! I call.

– Yes?

– The book... it... it's not here.

– What?!

He runs in and starts searching under my pillow, under the blanket, even lifting the mattress in case it fell underneath.

– Hailey saw me reading the book earlier, but...

– No, it can't be my sister.

– Then...

The door opens, and the sound makes me turn toward it, losing my balance and falling onto my bed. Hailey enters, arms crossed, looking angry.

– What are you two doing?

– Nothing, we answer at the same time.

We both said it at the same time, she knows we're hiding something.

Voici la traduction demandée :

---

– So why are you alone with her in a room with the bed unmade?

I immediately stand up, and Hayden steps toward her, placing his hands on her shoulders.

– Don't worry, little sister, it's not what you think

– So what are you doing here?

– I came to get something.

– You're talking about your T-shirt?

He stays silent, watching her take the clothing from the closet and throw it at him.

– Hailey, I...

Hailey gives me a dark look and walks around her brother to stand in front of me.

– Marie, tell me what's going on.

– It's just... I borrowed a book I shouldn't have.

– A book? she says, surprised.

Her expression suddenly softens, and she tilts her head, staring at me for a few seconds without saying a word.

– It's a forbidden book, Hayden adds.

– What?

She seems to know about these books.

– The problem is, it's not here anymore, he continues.

Suddenly, their faces tighten in pain, and they both place their hands on their heads. Blinding flashes of light fill the room, crossing the large windows before a huge boom of thunder shakes the space. A storm has appeared suddenly, as if by magic. As if by magic. Hayden and Hailey realize that something is happening, as if an invisible force is trying to enter their minds.

After the shock, they exchange a look filled with terror, standing up straight and releasing their skulls.

– Hayden, she calls.

– Yes, I heard it too.

– What's happening? Are you okay?

I step closer to them, placing my hand on Hailey's shoulder, who is crouching slightly.

– The demons... they've managed to come here, she announces.

Her eyes are filled with fear at this revelation, and I finally understand what's happening. As if by magic. The forbidden book has been used.