While Leo was on his way get Brenna, M.J. and Winter were discussing the details of their plan. Winter stood in the farthest isle away from the doors in order to avoid garnering too much attention. Leo spoke into her thoughts, "We're almost there." She signaled M.J. and Sam appeared in front of her. It was the same crimson eyes, but much gentler. M.J. was trying to portray the same love he felt for Brenna into his illusion to make it more convincing. Winter had to do her part too in order for this to work. Winter looked up at the illusion and smiled, "Why are you looking at me like that?" In a voice that was eerily similar to Sam's the illusion responded, "Because you are beautiful." Winter could tell M.J. wasn't used to showing affection and tried to make herself blush. She reached out to touch his arm. Winter's eyes widened. To her surprise, the skin underneath her fingers was soft and warm. M.J.'s powers were much stronger than she'd thought. He could make someone believe that something was really there using all their senses.
Winter saw Brenna in the corner of her eye, watching them. She maintained character and pulled the illusion closer to her, "Dishing out compliments today? What's the occasion?" It raised its hand and caressed her cheek, seeming to admire her. Winter stared into the red eyes as they got closer. Brenna stomped up to them, "What's this?" Winter backed into the illusion, facing Brenna, "Oh look. It's your fan." The illusion put an arm around Winter, "Annoying." Brenna gawked at Sam, "I thought you weren't interested in anyone else after her." The illusion kept his eyes fixated on Winter and completely ignored Brenna. She stared in disbelief for a moment longer before grunting exasperatedly and storming off.
Winter thought, "Well?" Leo approached as M.J.'s illusion dissolved, "It worked. She was heartbroken and now she hates you more than ever." Winter fiddled with her bracelet, "We just have to show her Sam and I together a few more times before she fully gives up on him." Leo put his arm around her shoulder, "Winter you're a scary genius." When M.J. appeared, Winter narrowed her eyes, "I didn't know you could materialize things like that. Your illusion of Sam seemed so real." He shook his head, "I don't materialize them. But I can make it so that the person thinks they are undeniably real. The texture, the sound. It's all in their head." Leo inhaled, "A true master manipulator." M.J. smirked at them mischievously, "Let's do it again in the cafeteria when no one else is around." Winter tilted her head, "Why would Brenna be at the cafeteria after lunchtime?" Leo ruffled his hair, "She likes to get snacks before gym." M.J.'s head snapped over to Leo and then relaxed when he realized that the only reason Leo knew that was because he read his thoughts. Winter tapped her chin, "There's no chance Sam would show up there then right?" Leo leaned against the bookshelf, "No way. He tries to maintain his distance from the cafeteria unless it's to pick up his lunch." Winter tilted her head, "Oh yeah. Aren't you close friends with Sam, Leo? Why don't I ever see you around him?" He chuckled, "I happen to be spending all of my time with you." She rolled her eyes, "Lucky me." Winter paused for a moment, "Wait aren't you both in Star's potential?" They nodded and she clapped her hands together, "Great. After seventh period you two head over to the cafeteria together and call me when you're ready." The bell rang and Leo and M.J. left the library to go to class.
Winter looked around to make sure she was alone before making her way to the entrance of the secret room. She put her hand up to the shelf and it opened. She tiptoed down the staircase to see the sword still resting on the table. She took a breath of relief and grabbed it before sitting down on the couch. She ran her hand over it. Her magic tugged. She had the key in her hand but some of the pieces were still missing. She didn't know what it meant. A wave of frustration washed over her before the dream from last night flickered in her mind. She got up and went over to the table, grabbing a piece of paper and scribbling on it, "Who is Aliana?" She placed the sword beside it and left the secret room, hoping the boy would find it and help answer her questions.
When Winter entered the class, Nelly Terran didn't pay her any attention and continued in her lecture. Mandy and Layla gave her a knowing look. Winter sat down and began unconsciously tapping her pen against her desk. She was feeling a little anxious. The events of the past few weeks brought so many different questions to her mind. When the bell rang, Winter got up and meandered toward Layla's desk where Mandy was sitting in her lap. Mandy gasped, "Winter your eyes." Immediately, Winter shut them and tried to regain her composure. She took a deep breath and they returned to normal. "They're back now, what's wrong?" Winter rubbed her temples, "It's nothing. I-" Layla put a finger to Winter's lips, "We agreed on no more lies remember?" Winter closed her eyes again, "You're right. I'll fill you all in during lunch." They had their free period right before lunch so Winter drew more sketches of the beast she encountered to provide a visual for her friends. She folded the paper and put it in her pocket just before the lunch bell rang and her friends dragged her to the cafeteria. They stood in line waiting to get their food when Sam bulldozed to the front. The head chef immediately handed him his specially prepared meal. Sam snatched it and seemed to fume as he uncharacteristically headed to a table reserved for him. The anger he felt seemed to bring a hush to the cafeteria as everyone tried to bring the noise level to a volume that would please Sam Tudor. Winter glanced back at him. She watched as Leo approached him and started a conversation. Winter noticed that Jax and Lucas were waiting for them to join and sat down. Jax seemed weirdly upset too. "What's wrong?" Did they fight? Lucas placed a hand on Jax's arm, "He's just in a bad mood today."
Leo stood and walked over to them. Winter thought, "Why is he here?" Leo made eye contact with her and spoke directly into her thoughts, " I don't know, but he's really pissed about something." Winter moved a piece of broccoli with her fork, "You couldn't tell what?" Leo placed his hands on the table facing up, "I couldn't read his thoughts, but there's only one thing that gets him that enraged."