The bracelet'soulmate.

Keisha felt nervous as she walked into the classroom, her heart still racing from the previous day's adventures. The familiar scent of chalk and paper was a stark contrast to the shadowed realms she had traversed. She took her seat, trying to blend in, but her friends were already waiting.

"Where have you been?" Zelda demanded, her eyes narrowing. "You've been missing classes for two days and hanging out with your roommates all the time."

Keisha forced a smile. "Just... busy with some personal stuff. You know how it is."

Nora crossed her arms. "Personal stuff? You've been gone for days. We were worried."

Kiesha's mind raced. She couldn't reveal the truth-their quest, the artifacts, the shadow realms. "I had some family issues to deal with. My roommates were just helping me out."

Nora's suspicion didn't waver. "Family issues? Why didn't you tell us?"

Kiesha shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "It was complicated. I didn't want to burden you guys."

Zelda softened. "We just want to help, Keisha. We're your friends."

Kiesha nodded, guilt gnawing at her. "I know. I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

The bell rang, signaling the start of class. As the teacher began the lesson, Kiesha's thoughts drifted. She hated lying to her friends, but the truth was too dangerous to share.

____________

In a dimly lit room, the three figures huddled around a table. Their faces were obscured by shadows, their voices low and conspiratorial.

"The girls are getting too close," the first figure said, his voice a gravelly whisper. "They've already found two artifacts."

The second figure, a woman with piercing eyes, nodded. "We need to stop them before they bring back magic. It will upset the balance."

The third figure, cloaked in darkness, leaned forward. "We must act quickly. The next realm will be their undoing."

The first figure smirked. "We'll send them to the "Desert of Despair". Its trials will break them."

The woman smiled, a cold, calculating expression. "And if they survive?"

The third figure's eyes gleamed. "They won't. But if they do, we'll be ready. We'll use their own desires against them."

The three conspirators shared a silent agreement. Their plan was set-the girls would face their greatest challenge yet, and the conspirators would ensure they failed.

Little did they know how the girls have conquered their desires ....

___________

Back in the classroom, Kiesha felt a shiver run down her spine. She glanced around, sensing an unseen presence. Her friends chatted, oblivious to the danger lurking in the shadows.

As the day wore on, Kiesha's resolve hardened. When she saw Tori passing by her class she quickly told her that they must lay low because she felt someone was watching them .

" I feel like she's slowly replacing me " Nora said .

" Nora ...of course not ,you my best friend, you're my day one ,no one , absolutely no one can replace you eyy , Tori is just my roommate. I help her with Commercial subjects "

"If you say so then , we've got a lot of catching up to do " Nora said holding her best friend's hand smiling widely.

As the day went on the two groups of girls had a lovely day with their friends,in the school premises . Little did they know of the dangers awaiting them ....

This was just the beginning.....