“Oh! Notbadwitches, I didn’t mean that… It’s a group of powerful, supernatural, butgoodwitches. They call themselves the L.A.W., which stands for the League of Amazing Witches. They’re the ones people turn to when regular law enforcement can’t use woo-woo to get things done.”
“Why have I never heard of them?”
Brianna chuckled. “Seriously? Do you think we’d be accepted by mainstream cops? Or the average close-minded thinker who doesn’t believe in the supernatural at all?”
He shook his head, trying to wrap his mind around all this new information. "Okay, so you're a time-traveling witch who's part of a secret organization. And in the future, we're closer. Is there anything else I should know?"
Brianna's expression turned serious. "Yes, actually. Remember that email about the funeral?"
His stomach dropped. "Yeah, I've been wondering about that. Who...?"
She held up a hand. "I can't tell you specifics, but I can say this: someone important to both of us is going to need our help soon. And when the time comes, you need to trust your instincts."
Chad nodded slowly, remembering her cryptic message about saying 'yes'. "Is this related to Professor Emerson? He just offered to mentor me today."
Brianna's eyes widened slightly, but she quickly composed herself. "I can't confirm or deny anything specific. But I will say this - your relationship with Professor Emerson will be crucial in the coming months. Pay attention to what he teaches you, both about writing andotherthings."
"Other things?" he echoed. "What do you mean?"
Brianna stood up, smoothing down her shirt. "I've already said too much. Just keep your eyes and mind open, okay? And remember, when the time comes, trust yourself."
He rose as well, feeling overwhelmed. "Bri, wait. You can't just drop all this on me and leave. I have so many questions."
She smiled softly, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "I know you do. But some things you need to discover for yourself. That's part of the journey."
As she turned to leave, a thought struck him. "Wait! Can you at least tell me why you came to see me today? The present-day you, I mean."
Brianna paused at the door, her hand on the knob. She turned back to him with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Oh, that. I just wanted to invite you to dinner tomorrow night. My place, 7 PM. Don't be late."
With that, she was gone, leaving him standing in his living room, feeling like he'd just stepped into an alternate reality. Time travel, witches, secret organizations, and now a dinner invitation that suddenly felt loaded with potential significance.
Chad collapsed back onto the couch, rubbing his temples. How had his life become so complicated in the span of just 24 hours? Yesterday, he was a normal English professor with normal problems. Now, he was apparently destined to be involved with a time-traveling witch and potentially caught upin some mysterious, supernatural events. Not that he’d mind getting closer to Bri. He had always been attracted to her. He’d even read somewhere that male and female friends are usually attracted in some way.
He glanced at his phone, half-expecting to see more messages from future Brianna. The screen remained stubbornly blank. With a sigh, he got up and poured himself a glass of water, wishing it were something stronger but knowing he needed a clear head to process all of this.
As he sipped the water, his eyes fell on the stack of essays he'd brought home to grade. The mundane task suddenly seemed laughably insignificant compared to the revelations of recent events. But maybe that normalcy was exactly what he needed right now.
He settled at his desk and picked up the first essay, red pen in hand. As he read through his students' analyses of Kafka's "The Metamorphosis," Chad couldn't help but draw parallels to his own situation. Hadn't his life just undergone its own bizarre transformation?
Brianna steppedthrough the shimmering portal, leaving Chad's apartment behind and emerging into the elegant mansion of the League of Amazing Witches. The familiar scent of sage and sandalwood tickled her nose as she made her way down the corridor. Her heels clicked against the polished marble floor.
Her stomach churned with a mix of anxiety and defiance. She knew she had broken one of their most sacred rules but couldn't bring herself to regret it. Chad deserved to know the truth, especially because of the chaos that was coming. His cooperation would be crucial.
She paused outside Bas's office, taking a deep breath to steady herself. Bas took up a space in the corner of the old library. The better to keep an eye on the younger witches. The ornate oak door loomed before her; intricate runes carved into its surface pulsing with a faint blue light. She raised her hand to knock, but before she could make contact, the door swung open of its own accord.
"Come in, Brianna,"
She stepped into Bas's presence, her heart racing. The room was dimly lit, shadows dancing on the walls from the flickering flames in the ornate fireplace. Bas sat behind her massive desk, her silver hair gleaming in the firelight, her piercing green eyes fixed on Brianna.
"You told him," she said. It wasn't a question.
Brianna squared her shoulders. "Yes, I did."
Bas sighed, leaning back in her chair. "You know the rules, Brianna. We don't reveal ourselves to outsiders. Even to those involved in pivotal events."
"Chad isn't just an outsider," she argued. "He's... important. To me, and to what's coming."
Bas raised an eyebrow. "And you think that gives you the right to jeopardize everything we've worked for?"
