Leon stood on the platform, wearing a wide, arrogant smile as the principal officially announced his election as the new club president. His figure radiated confidence, as if the entire world belonged to him.
Along the wall, Sebastian, Nadia, Natan, and Alicja watched—faces restrained, filled with hidden discontent and unease.
Roksana, with enthusiasm and a slight gleam in her eye, approached Leon and patted him on the shoulder."Congratulations, Leon. You truly deserve it," she said convincingly. "You're very charismatic. The club needs someone like you."
Leon smiled even wider and, with disarming self-assurance, announced:"Thanks, Roksana. To celebrate, I'm inviting all of you to a party I'll organize in the gym. The principal has already approved it. It's going to be intense."
He glanced at those standing aside—Sebastian, Nadia, Natan, and Alicja—as if expecting a reaction, though he knew well they would not be thrilled.
Nadia grimaced slightly, exchanging worried glances with Alicja and Natan. Sebastian struggled to hide his anger and disappointment.
Alicja whispered to Nadia:"This party is the beginning of something bad. I can feel it."
Nadia nodded, though she wanted to believe she was wrong.
Leon, full of self-satisfaction, returned to his friends, as if everything were under his control.
***
The gym lights were dimmed, only a few lanterns casting a warm, orange glow over the arranged tables and speakers. The air carried the scent of dancing candle flames and the sweet smoke of incense.
The music pulsed with rhythm, and students gradually relaxed, mingling in groups, laughing and exchanging glances. Leon, wearing a provocative black jacket, stood at the center, drawing everyone's attention. His confidence was palpable, electric in the air.
Sebastian and Roksana stayed close together, their eyes frequently darting toward Leon.
Nadia, Alicja, and Natan stuck together at the side, observing the scene from a distance, tense as if anticipating that something was about to happen.
Suddenly, Leon began speaking:"I'm glad everyone came! This will be a night you'll remember. And if anyone has a problem with that—well, not my concern."
Natan frowned, unable to hide his anger.
Alicja whispered to Nadia:"We have to watch out for each other. This could get out of control."
Nadia only nodded, feeling the shadow of the General still looming over them.
Suddenly, from behind the stage, all the lights went out. The gym fell silent, pierced only by nervous whispers.
Leon smiled coldly and said:"This is just the beginning."
The music picked up again, and the crowd began to move. Leon strode confidently among the groups, his gaze scanning everyone, until it stopped on Nadia, standing next to Alicja and Natan, trying to keep her distance.
Without a word, Leon approached her, grabbed her hand, and pulled her firmly to the center of the gym. Nadia tried to resist, but his grip was too strong.
"Come, dance with me," he commanded, leaving no room for refusal in his voice.
Nadia struggled again, but a circle of onlookers had already gathered, and Alicja and Natan watched her with worry and helplessness.
Leon began dancing with Nadia, his movements decisive, dominating. He allowed no independent gestures, controlling every step, every change of pace.
As the music slowed, Leon leaned toward her, his face close to her cheek, cold eyes locking onto hers. Suddenly, he grabbed her face and kissed her aggressively, without invitation, fully aware of the power he held over her.
Nadia closed her eyes, her heart racing, fear and defiance mingling, but she could not break free.
When he finally released her, she stepped back quickly, catching her breath, anger and determination shining in her eyes.
Alicja and Natan immediately moved to her side, ready to support her.
Leon smiled coldly and walked away as if nothing had happened, leaving behind a tense silence and uncertainty.
Nadia stood beside her friends, trying to steady her trembling hands. Alicja clenched her teeth, seeing the pain and anger in her friend's eyes.
"You don't have to worry," she said quietly, though her voice carried more concern than certainty.
Natan looked at Nadia with compassion."It's not your fault," he said firmly. "He has no right to treat you like that."
Nadia nodded, but inside her heart, a mixture of anger, helplessness, and fear churned.
Meanwhile, groups on the dance floor began talking and dancing louder, trying to ignore the tension between them.
Alicja noticed Roksana approach Leon, speaking with him, her smile forced, her gaze uncertain.
At that moment, Natan called out:"Maybe we should step outside for a moment? Some fresh air will do us good."
Nadia looked at Alicja, who nodded. They stepped outside, where the cold air hit their faces.
"We have to do something," Nadia said quietly. "We can't let this keep happening."
Alicja and Natan agreed silently. They knew now that everything was more serious than ever.
Against the backdrop of flickering Christmas lights, the cold winter air gave them strength and clarity. Yet one thought still burned in their minds: how to stop Leon and the General who controlled him?
Nadia, Alicja, and Natan stood close together, trying to regain their breath after the tense atmosphere of the party.
"We need to organize ourselves," Nadia said, gazing into the distance as if searching for answers in the winter sky.
"Exactly," Alicja added. "We can't let Leon keep terrorizing us."
Natan nodded, clenching his fists.
Suddenly, they heard approaching footsteps—confident, arrogant. They turned and saw Leon, stopping before them with his signature cynical smile.
"So, discussing me behind my back?" he asked, with clear disdain in his voice.
Nadia felt her heart race, a cold knot tightening in her stomach."We don't want to talk to you," she said firmly, trying to hide the tremor in her voice.
Leon stepped closer, nearly within arm's reach."Do you really think you can do anything against me?" he hissed, a dark spark flashing in his eyes. "I'm the club president, and everyone in this school loves me."
Natan began to straighten up, but Alicja grabbed his arm."Leave it," she said calmly but firmly.
Leon laughed coldly."Relax, I didn't come here to cause trouble… for now. Just remember," he said disdainfully, "I'm in charge here. And anyone who opposes me will regret it sooner or later."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving behind cold air and tension that seemed to fill the space between the friends.
Nadia looked at Alicja and Natan."He won't leave us alone," she whispered.
Alicja held her hand."But we won't give up either."
Natan looked at them with determination."Together, we can handle it."
***
Sitting in the dimly lit girls' room, the three of them focused on what they had heard and seen. Each felt the weight of responsibility, but they knew that without action, the situation would only get worse.
Nadia spread a map of the school's underground passages on the table, taken from her great-grandmother's book."This is their territory," she said quietly, pointing to a section labeled "ritual site." "This is where we need to start looking for answers. It's said the General has used this place for centuries."
Natan looked at the map and added:"If we find traces of old rituals, maybe we can break his influence over Leon."
Nadia stared at them both with determination."But we have to be careful. He knows we're trying to resist. Every step could be our last."
Alicia rubbed her chin."We need someone like me, who can see the dead. Someone who knows spirit magic."
Natan looked at Nadia."You, Alicia, and I—we're a team. But we need outside support."
Nadia's voice trembled slightly."My mother… she knows about these things. Maybe she'll agree to help us, though convincing her won't be easy. I'm afraid… I haven't told her the truth. She'll be angry with me."
Alicia smiled faintly."We have to try anyway. We can't wait any longer."
Natan added:"And above all—we have to protect each other. No solo trips into the underground passages."
Nadia looked at the map and said softly:"This is only the beginning. But I know one thing—if we don't act now, he will completely consume Leon."
In silence, they accepted the plan. They knew dark times were coming, but together, they had a chance to oppose evil.
***
Nadia sat on the edge of the bed, gripping her phone. Her heart raced, but she knew she had to do it. She could no longer hide the truth from her mother.
Taking a deep breath, she dialed the number.
After a few rings, her mother's calm, quiet voice answered."Hi, Mom," Nadia began uncertainly. "I need to tell you something… it's important."
Sara listened carefully, her voice carrying concern."What happened, Nadia?"
The girl told her everything: about Leon, the General, how the boy was under his control, the rituals, the pond, and how she felt the memories of her past life returning with increasing strength.
"Please, Mom," she finished, her voice trembling, "I need your help. I don't know what to do on my own. I know I lied before and didn't tell the truth, but I really want to save Leon from this monster—and above all, myself…"
After a moment of silence, Sara replied:"I'll come to the school. This time, we'll handle it together. You're not alone, Nadia. I'm glad you finally told me the truth."
Nadia felt an immense weight lift from her shoulders. She knew that with her mother's help, they had a greater chance."Thank you, Mom," she whispered with relief.
They hung up, and Nadia looked out the window at the misty dawn. A long, difficult time lay ahead, but now she no longer felt alone.
The next morning, Sara unexpectedly appeared in the school hallway, her calm yet determined expression immediately drawing the attention of several teachers. News of her arrival quickly spread through the corridors.
Sara headed straight to the principal's office, where the morning briefing was in progress. After a moment, she waited until the principal could see her.
"Good morning, Principal," she began firmly, though her voice carried a trace of concern. "I'd like to request permission to stay at my daughter's school for two days, due to her poor health."
The principal looked at her with mild surprise."At school?" she asked skeptically. "Wouldn't it be better to take her home so she can rest in peace?"
Sara shook her head."I'm afraid if Nadia goes home, she'll want to skip classes. School is important to her, and the teachers are nearby, so she can be supervised while keeping up with lessons."
The principal frowned, but after a moment nodded."I understand. I'll allow you to stay for two days. I'll assign a free room that belonged to a recently departed caretaker. Please keep us updated on Nadia's condition."
Sara smiled faintly with gratitude."Thank you. This is very important for her—and for me."
After leaving the office, Sara quickly found Nadia, who was waiting in the corridor with Alicia and Natan. Their eyes met, and relief appeared in the girl's gaze."I'm here," Sara said softly, lightly touching her daughter's shoulder.
Nadia smiled shyly."Thank you, Mom."
As Sara began escorting Nadia toward the classroom, Leon appeared in the hallway. He noticed the woman and approached with a mocking smile.
"Well, well," he began with a clear tone of ridicule. "The great Nadia's own mother shows up, all because of a little illness? I heard she's having problems… yet everyone cares so much?"
Sara didn't look away. A fire of old determination lit her eyes."Yes, Leon," she said calmly but with tense authority, "don't try to provoke me. Years have passed, but I remember exactly who you are. And I remember Alan—the man who sacrificed his life to free us from your cursed presence. He is the hero of this place and will remain so forever."
Leon laughed mockingly, stepping closer."Ah, that Alan story… pathetic. You think his death changed anything? I'm still here. In your family's life, in your daughter's. Sooner or later, everything will return to its place."
Sara straightened her chest proudly, refusing to yield."I will never let you hurt anyone again. We are stronger than you think. This time, we will win."
Leon took a step back; his mocking smile vanished briefly, replaced by a shadow of seriousness."We'll see," he said quietly, then turned and walked away, leaving behind a tense silence.
Sara looked once more at Nadia, gripping her hand tightly."We have to be ready for anything," she said softly. "But you're not alone."
Nadia and Sara sat in the school hallway, waiting for class to start. The silence between them was thick with unspoken words until Nadia finally broke it.
She looked at her mother with concern, then decided to tell her the truth—the whole truth."Mom… there's something you need to know," she began quietly, not taking her eyes off Sara. "That boy… Leon… who is possessed by the General… he's actually Alan's reincarnation."
Sara frowned, her lips tightening with tension."What do you mean?" she asked cautiously.
"He saw everything, every detail from that life," Nadia explained, her voice starting to tremble. "How he loved you then, how he fought for you and your friends. It's like he remembers that world, those feelings. That's why he feels lost and torn."
Sara shivered as memories from years ago returned with hurricane force."Alan…" she whispered, as if afraid to say the name too loudly.
"There's more," Nadia continued, each word heavy on her heart. "Alicia… she's the reincarnation of your grandmother, my great-grandmother. She's also a medium, just like in that life."
Sara took a deep breath, as if these words were a weight she was trying to bear."I don't know how it's possible… but I feel it could be true," she admitted quietly.
Nadia looked straight into her mother's eyes."Mom… I… I'm in love with Leon. It happened when he was still a wonderful, radiant boy. I'm in love with the reincarnation of the man you loved as a teenager."
Tears filled her eyes."It's all so complicated, but I can't stay silent any longer. I want you to know."
Sara looked at her daughter with a mix of shock, pain, and tenderness. Her heart ached at the thought of a past love returning in such an unexpected form. She knew a difficult fight awaited them—not only against external darkness but also against their own memories and emotions.
"You're very brave, Nadia," she finally said, wiping her daughter's tears. "And you're not alone. Together, we'll try to save what can still be saved."
Memories of the past, which she had tried to bury deep within herself for years, slowly surfaced. She felt the pain—the pain of loss, but also of a love that had never truly died.
How is it possible that that world is returning to us now? she thought in horror, unable to believe the spirits of the past were still so alive. And how can I protect Nadia when I feel so helpless myself?
She looked at her daughter and saw the courage that sometimes eluded her own heart. She also saw the immense danger and burden Nadia carried on her shoulders.
"My dear…" she began softly, trying to find the right words. "I know all this is hard, maybe even terrifying. But your love, even tied to something so complicated, is also beautiful. It must be protected because it's a light in this darkness."
Nadia felt her body tremble—not just from fear, but also with relief that she could finally open up to someone who truly understood her.
"Sometimes I think I shouldn't tell all of this," she confessed quietly. "That it will weaken me, that I'll lose everyone I love."
"But that's exactly why you must be strong," Sara interrupted firmly. "Because love and truth give strength, even if sometimes you have to push through the darkest moments."
Nadia wiped her eyes, trying to hold back the tears that had started flowing again."Thank you, Mom. Without you, I don't know if I could manage."
The two women sat in silence for a while, united in their pain, hope, and determination. They knew a battle awaited them that could change everything—but they had each other.