The crystal-clear waters of Mirathrend’s Mirror, a pond in the celestial realm, rippled violently and shimmered like a vibrant rainbow aurora. Today, the normally calm waters were unusually active, stirring up the curiosity of many gods and goddesses, causing them to gather around the pond. It was a hobby among these celestial beings to use this pond as a looking glass into the human realm, such activity from its mystical waters foretold of an impending, significant event.

They leaned in, peering inquisitively into the glittering waters, their whispers threading through the air like silk, eyes wide with unvoiced questions as the magical mirror calmed to allow the heavens a view into the lives of Golden Rivers’ founding families.

“Come forth!” Vistara’s voice rang out, beckoning those around her towards the water’s edge. “Hurry, something momentous is about to unfold at Golden Rivers High!” she predicted. Many turned their heads upon her words, as she was a goddess known for her wisdom - her gaze spanned through the myriad paths of mortal destiny. Eagerly awaiting the choices these humans would make, she took a prime seat near the edge of Mirathrend’s Mirror, just as its waters cleared to reveal a scene in the main entrance of Golden Rivers High.

Eloquen, a god donned in garments that shimmered with hues of gold rushed towards the pond, goddess whispered in excitement as this god passed them. The presence of Eloquen had goddesses stealing glimpses of him between watching the pond. Such a handsome god couldn’t be ignored and if he was joining them, it would mean intriguing developments within a particular founding family – the Landins.

“Does this concern the young Landin boy?” Quoriel inquired, her attention shifting from Eloquen to the pond. The vision within remained murky, revealing only the familiar high school facade. Her voice, laced with curiosity, broke the silence as she seated herself beside Vistara.

“Silence, it commences…” Vistara interjected, disregarding the inquiry, her unblinking eyes fixated on the human world below.

“The moment draws near…” Quoriel murmured, her breath intertwining with the pond’s ripples, sending a celestial caress to Eric Landin and his comrades. Unaware of their celestial audience, the boys felt an inexplicable urgency. Quoriel’s words had touched them.

The audience watched in silent anticipation; it was clear something big was in the works. Quoriel held her breath, knowing her proximity to the magical mirror could sway the fates below. With all eyes focused on the earth below, the scene began unfolding with Eric as the focal point.

“The bell’s about to ring – timing is crucial!” Eric, captain of the Golden Rivers High basketball team, barked at his teammates. “We can’t be seen! Hide, now!” His voice, laced with urgency, spurred the boys into action, scrambling for cover just as the bell echoed, marking the end of classes.

As students flooded from the main entrance, Eric crouched behind his SUV, parked strategically near the doorway. His plan, crafted over weeks, was unfolding perfectly: he had arrived early, the special-order roses were delivered on time, and his SUV was ideally positioned in the parking lot. Now, hidden from view, he counted the seconds, each ticking by like an eternity.

“How long has it been?” Eric thought as he hid, anxiously waiting for the cue from his teammates. Peeking from his hiding spot, Eric’s heart raced; he was a bundle of nerves, waiting for the signal. Still, no signs of Adeline or his teammates. Eric’s heart hammered against his chest, a frantic rhythm of anticipation, his sweaty palms betraying his nerves as he set the roses down gently on his bumper; their survival was crucial to his plan, a plan that had cost him many favors using his family’s resources to get these special flowers here.

Taking a deep breath, Eric closed his eyes against the cool metal, trying to calm his usually unshakable nerves; this feeling was unfamiliar to him.

Unbeknownst to him, Ashley, a year his junior and harboring a not-so-secret crush, had spotted him. “Hey Eric,” she cooed, sidling up beside him. Her voice, sweet yet piercing, demanded his attention. “What are you up to?”

Eric frowned, fearing that his plans would be ruined. Swiftly, he pulled Ashley behind the SUV with him, and peered around his vehicle to make sure they remained unnoticed.

“Shhh,” he gestured, finger to his lips. Ashley’s smirk betrayed her delight at their proximity, her heart fluttering at the thought of his lingering touch. She was delighted to have found him first, being this close wasn’t easy since he would normally be surrounded by others. The bouquet of peach roses on the bumper caught her eye, their sweet fragrance mingling with the air.

“What’s that?” she asked, eyes bright with hope as she gazed upon the flowers. “Are those for me?” she teased, reaching for the bouquet, hoping to claim it for herself.

Annoyed, Eric ignored her question and intercepted her hand. “Ash, please,” he whispered, a mix of pleading and frustration was written on his voice through to his handsome face. “Can you, for a moment, leave me be?!”

Ashley shivered as a tingle ran down her spine, her emotions whirling – both happiness from the way he said her name to disappointment from his frosty tone. Resigned, she chose to stay silent, savoring the rare chance to be alone and so close to him. Ashley had spent most of her time admiring Eric from a distance, even this proximity was a rare treat for her, one she didn’t want to waste. Leaning against the SUV, Ashley placed herself close enough to her distracted crush to fill her senses with Eric’s clean but subtle cologne and the fruity sweetness of the roses.

Hidden together, Ashley pondered the intended recipient of the flowers. To her knowledge, Eric had never shown interest in anyone, despite the many admirers and confessions he’d received. Like her, to many, he was untouchable, a deity among them – to be loved but nothing more.

This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

Her musings were cut short as the basketball team emerged from their hiding places. Their presence was known by the familiar sounds of dribbling balls and shouts, was loud enough to be heard through the crowd exiting the school. The noise was akin to watching one of their games from the school’s gymnasium. Peering out, Ashley saw Adeline and her friend stepping out through the doors. The basketball team had started to surround them, discreetly herding the two girls towards the parking lot.

A scowl crept onto Ashley’s freckled face. She had long envied the city’s founding families, names that held respect and prestige for centuries. Adeline O’Cean, heiress to the O’Cean legacy and Kaylynn Deverell, Adeline’s childhood friend and beloved only daughter of the Deverell family were among the people she resented most. Despite her own family’s status, their name – Briggano – held no weight in Golden Rivers, a fact that stung with unfairness. She always wondered why these girls, who, like her, had nothing but their family name could be loved and adored by so many?

Her thoughts were again interrupted as Eric stepped away, bouquet hidden behind his back, moving toward Adeline. Ashley could tell that Eric’s teammates had been a part of the plan, and that Adeline was the target. Her heart sank and a bitter taste filled her mouth as she realized the flowers were not for her; instead, she would have to watch the man she thought was untouchable confess his love to another.

Adeline and Kaylynn were deeply engaged in their conversation and did not notice that they were already cornered in front of the parking lot where Eric stood. A curious crowd had started gathering around them, drawn to the ruckus the basketball team had created and fell silent when they spotted Eric with the hidden bouquet. The team linked arms to prevent people from entering the space between Eric and Adeline.

‘This is it. My moment…’ thought Eric. He took a deep breath and stepped forward, holding the bouquet in front of himself like a shield. Clearing his throat, he began speaking the lines he had recited multiple times the night before.

“Adeline O’Cean, our families’ history runs deep. I have always admired you – your grace, intellect, and devotion to your ancestry. You make me believe that anything is possible. I want to witness your growth and support you in all your endeavors.” Eric took a deep breath before continuing, his speech spilling out in a rush. “Addy, would you honor me by being my date to the Prom?” His gaze lifted from the bouquet to Adeline’s emerald eyes, searching for a sign. Her gaze was clouded, Eric felt a lump in his throat, not knowing how to interpret her expression. Lifting his weighted feet, he took a step towards her, extending his shield of roses to Adeline.

A hush fell over the crowd. Adeline, blindsided by the public declaration, was paralyzed by a wave of shyness. The intensity of the onlookers’ stares rooted her to the spot.

Beside her, Kaylynn stood steadfast. She understood the turmoil within Adeline; this spectacle was overwhelming for someone who hated the spotlight. Regardless of Adeline’s response, this moment would undoubtedly fuel the school’s rumor mill for weeks, amplified by Eric’s popularity. Her attention shifted from Adeline’s frozen figure to the roses in Eric’s outreached hand.

“Are my eyes deceiving me?” Kaylynn gasped, darting to Eric’s side to seize the bouquet. Eric’s handsome face twitched as he tried to suppress a smile; this was what he had planned for. Kaylynn’s exuberance was the key to easing Adeline’s discomfort and breaking the ice. “Juliet Roses, am I wrong?”

Eric nodded, accompanied by a knowing look. “Your thoughts?” His barely contained smile crinkled the corners of his eyes, glad that another piece of his plan was finally falling into place.

“These are exquisite!” Kaylynn inhaled the roses’ fragrance. “How did you manage this? They aren’t sold anywhere near us, and I’ve been trying forever to get permission from the UK to cultivate these!”

Eric’s smile broadened. “I’ll introduce you to my contact,” he offered, watching Kaylynn’s delight with satisfaction. His attention returned to Adeline, hoping to see life returning to her blank gaze.

The joy in Kaylynn’s voice snapped Adeline from her daze as Kaylynn forced the bouquet into Adeline’s hands. A faint smile graced her lips as the roses’ sweet peach scent enveloped her. ‘They are stunning,’ she mused, hypnotized by the flowers’ delicate petals.

Kaylynn positioned herself to block the crowd from Adeline’s line of sight, grasping her friend’s shoulders. Their eyes met. Adeline’s plea was clear. “Can we leave now?”

Understanding the silent request, Kaylynn nodded. She turned sharply to face Eric and the crowd, and declared, “Alright, everyone, show’s over. It’s Friday – go enjoy it!” With a stern look, she kept Adeline safely tucked behind her.

The crowd began to disperse, murmuring in agreement. The basketball team awaited Eric’s cue; he nodded, and they dispersed to help usher away any stragglers. It took a few moments for them to be alone again. Adeline came out from behind Kaylynn, and the girls exchanged a silent appreciative smile.

“Come on.” Eric gestured to his SUV. “I’ll drive you home.”

“Oh, that’d be great!” Kaylynn beamed, pulling Adeline towards the parking lot. “We’re going to Addy’s, and we’re running late.” she teased, glancing at Eric. “Thanks to someone….”

As Eric turned to his SUV, a nagging sensation tugged at him. Spotting Ashley by his door, realization dawned. “Oh no,” he muttered under his breath. He better take care of this now before it complicated things further. Leaving the girls to enter on the passenger side, he continued forward.

When Ashley met Eric’s gaze, she approached him with a frown directed at Adeline. “All this for her?” she questioned bitterly. “I never knew you to be into anyone. Why her?” Her words were sharp and demanding; it took her all her strength to not scream.

Eric’s patience was at its limit with her. “This isn’t your concern. You barely know me, and I’m tired of your judgments,” he retorted, stepping past her to his driver’s seat. Pausing, he added with a bit of remorse, “I appreciate your feelings, but please respect my choices.”

He climbed into his SUV, shutting out any further conversation. Ashley glare followed him as he drove away, her gaze locking with Kaylynn’s for a fleeting moment.

“Argh!” Ashley grumbled, kicking a rock by her feet. Her frustration boiled over. “What a horrible start to the weekend!” She stormed off, bumping into a younger student amid her brooding. The impact caused the girl to stumble backward into her friend.

“Hey, watch it!” the girl’s friend called out, only to be silenced by Ashley’s scowl.

Rubbing her shoulder, unable to ignore the pain that shot from it, the junior muttered loud enough for Ashley to hear, “Some apology…”

Ashley’s stride didn’t falter as she passed the school gates. The sting of Eric’s parting words and the whispers of a budding new romance between him and Adeline ignited a flame within her. “Something must be done,” she vowed. “Eric won’t get his way tonight. I will find a way to stop him – it’s the best time to change his mind.”

Far above them, the deities observed, their brows furrowed in disapproval at Ashley’s bold resolve. A ripple of murmurs broke their hushed vigil, each offering conjectures and counsel on the unfolding drama. Yet, as the magical mirror shifted, they refocused on the reflective surface, eager to see what happens next.