Kian’s Mockery

  The room was thick with tension as Kian stood near the doorway, arms crossed and his trademark smirk plastered on his face. “So, let me get this straight,” he said, glancing between Arin and Lyra. “You’re telling me there’s some magical feather that drags you into a life-or-death game when you sleep? Arin, buddy, you’ve officially lost it.”

  Lyra, sitting up and visibly annoyed, shot Kian a glare. “It’s real. Not that you’d understand.”

  Kian raised an eyebrow, unfazed. “Oh, it’s real? And I suppose next you’ll tell me you’re both knights on some grand quest to save the world. This is rich.”

  Arin rubbed his temples, clearly at the end of his patience. “Kian, I’m serious. It’s not a joke.”

  Kian chuckled, leaning against the wall. “Sure, sure. And I’m the king of this magical kingdom. Honestly, Arin, I’m impressed. You really went all out with this story just to explain why there’s a girl in your room.”

  ---

  The Challenge

  Arin clenched his fists. “You think I’m lying? Fine. Prove me wrong.”

  Kian raised an eyebrow. “Oh, this should be good. What do you have in mind, oh wise storyteller?”

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Arin gestured toward the feather resting on the table near the bed. “Pick it up. Pluck it like I did. Then you’ll see for yourself.”

  Lyra frowned. “Are you sure about this, Arin? He doesn’t seem like the type to take this seriously.”

  Kian waved her off with a dismissive hand. “Relax, lady. I’ll humor him. What’s the worst that could happen?”

  He strolled over to the feather, picking it up between two fingers. “So I just… pluck it, huh? Like this?” With a swift motion, Kian yanked the feather, a faint golden glow radiating from it for a split second.

  “See?” Kian said, spinning the feather in his hand. “Nothing happened. No magical world, no monsters. Just a very confused dude wondering why his best friend is losing his mind.”

  Arin stared at him, his expression unreadable. “Wait until you fall asleep.”

  ---

  Lyra’s Exit

  Lyra stood, brushing off her clothes. “Well, I’m done with this circus act. I’ll let you boys argue it out.”

  She headed for the door, her boots clicking softly against the wooden floor. Kian called after her with a mock salute. “Goodbye, mysterious stranger! Thanks for gracing us with your presence!”

  Lyra rolled her eyes but didn’t reply as she left the room.

  Arin’s relief at her exit was short-lived. He heard the faint sound of footsteps outside and then a sharp intake of breath.

  ---

  An Awkward Encounter

  The door burst open again, this time revealing Arin’s parents. His mother’s sharp gaze scanned the room, while his father stood behind her, arms crossed.

  “Arin,” his mother said, her tone both stern and confused. “Who was that girl who just left your room?”

  Arin froze, his mind racing for an explanation. Kian, however, couldn’t resist.

  “Well, Mom, you see, Arin’s been hosting secret sleepovers. Apparently, magical feathers and life-or-death games are part of the package deal,” Kian said with a wide grin.

  Arin shot him a glare. “Kian, not now.”

  His mother crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed. “Arin, we’re waiting.”

  ---

  To Be Continued...