𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐋 BOOK 2
{•𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑱𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒑𝒚•}
𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞: 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝑳𝒆𝒕 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝑯𝒆𝒓.
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐯𝐬. 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐏𝐘
--ɪs ɪᴛ ᴀ ʜᴀᴘᴘɪʏ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴀғᴛᴇʀ..--
♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤
𝐇𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞 - 𝐆𝐲𝐦
Bluey stepped into Hades’ suite, her heart hammering against her ribs. The place was quiet—too quiet. The kind of quiet that made every creak of the floor sound like a warning.
Hades walked ahead, silent, his hands tucked into his pockets, his gaze fixed straight ahead. Bluey’s stomach twisted with nerves.
Is he suspicious?
They reached his private gym. The lights glimmered off the polished floor, the equipment neatly arranged, but the tension in the room made it feel like a battlefield.
“Why are we here?” Bluey asked, trying to keep her voice casual.
Hades didn’t answer immediately. He just stood there, calm, his dark eyes scanning her.
“How is that possible?” he said finally, his voice quiet but sharp.
“Huh?” Bluey blinked, caught off guard.
“Your combat power,” he clarified, tilting his head slightly. “I mean… that ranking. How in earth....are you that strong ?”
Bluey forced a shrug, trying to sound innocent. “I’ve been training. You know… at the training classes.”
Hades gave her a look that made her stomach knot tighter. A look that said he doubted her.
Bluey bit her lip, trying to soften her expression, hoping her cuteness would work its charm on him.
“Don’t try to act cute with me right now,” Hades warned, his tone low, almost dangerous.
Bluey froze. He’s really doubting me… I’m doomed if I don’t convince him.
Hades’ gaze held hers, unwavering. Finally, he said, “Okay then, five minutes.”
“Five minutes? What’s happening in five minutes?” she asked, her pulse quickening.
“I want to see how strong you are. Don’t hold back,” he replied.
His calm demeanor didn’t hide the edge in his tone, the unspoken challenge behind his words.
Bluey swallowed hard, feeling a mix of nerves .
---
Bluey gritted her teeth, holding back her groan, trying not to show everything she was capable of. Every punch Hades threw, every kick, she barely managed to dodge.
When she tried to retaliate, she was slow, clumsy under the sheer force of his attacks. She stumbled, slammed against the floor, and winced as the impact knocked the breath out of her.
Bruises were forming, her body aching, but she refused to go all out—not yet.
Hades, on the other hand, was unrelenting. He moved like a storm, fists and feet striking with precision and power. He didn't know what kind of emotions that was clouding him.
Suspicion?
Doubt?
Mistrust?
Yet, with every strike, a thought crossed his mind, She can't be a weakling. Her combat power isn't just for jokes.
And right now, it's beginning to make sense. There is no way on earth someone that weak would ever think of enrolling in MIA.
Bluey’s strikes became slightly faster, slightly sharper, but it was still nowhere near Hades’ level.
Hades’ eyes narrowed, frustration and concern mixing into a dark intensity. He slowed, then stopped for a brief moment, letting the air settle around them.
“Don’t try to pretend. I can read you like a book,” Hades said, voice low but fierce, almost a growl. “Fight me. I’m not going to go easy on you.”
He lunged again, but this time Bluey pushed past her hesitation. Her fists erupted in bursts, faster, sharper strikes but Hades still matched her, his movements fluid, controlled, yet overwhelming.
Within moments, in a move that stunned her completely, Hades grabbed Bluey firmly, pressing her against the wall.
His eyes bore into hers, unflinching, intense, searching. Bluey’s heart raced. She had no idea what he was thinking, no idea if he was about to strike again or stop.
All she could do was hope… hope he let this moment slide.
His body molded against hers, leaving no space between them. He crashed his lips onto hers, rough and demanding, tongue slipping into her mouth as he pulled her closer, tilting her head to deepen the kiss.
Bluey’s hands instinctively gripped his arms, responding to the heat and force behind his actions.
He nipped at her lower lip, biting gently before tugging it, making her gasp against him.
Every movement was possessive, leaving her chest pressed against his, her heart hammering as he pressed his body harder into hers.
The intensity of the kiss left her breathless, knees weak, completely consumed by the moment.
Finally, he broke the kiss, their foreheads touching as they both struggled for air.
He's gonna let it slide, right? She thought.
“I like you like this,” Hades said, voice low and rough, a dangerous smirk playing on his lips. “Not like a weakling. We make a dangerous couple.”
“Really?” Bluey whispered, still flushed and panting.
“Yes, of course. Your skills are impressive, it’s almost like I’m fighting a female version of Hyce.”
“Okay… that’s all?” She asked, teasing despite the heat still racing through her veins.
“Actually… no. I’m not going to pretend like I’m not shocked or actually let it slide, so I’m going to ask.” He stepped even closer, his gaze locking on hers.
“You didn’t just grow strong overnight, did you?”
Bluey froze, heart thudding painfully in her chest.
“Um…”
“Make sure that whatever comes out of your mouth is not a lie,” He warned, his voice sharp, but his eyes searching her face.
She swallowed, fighting the thrum of adrenaline. “I’ve just been training. Let’s just say I’m a quick learner. There’s nothing more to it.”
Hades studied her silently for a beat, then nodded.
“Okay then, if you say so.” Without another word, he walked out, leaving Bluey pressed against the wall, trembling, her mind spinning from both the fight and the raw intimacy of their encounter.
“Shit, that was close..” Bluey breathed out.
-----
Hades sat on the rooftop edge, legs stretched out on the cold concrete, a cigarette burning between his fingers.
The school was quiet, too quiet, and the smoke curled around him like a restless thought.
His phone vibrated.
Mavka.
He exhaled sharply and answered.
"Hello, Hades." Mavka’s voice purred through the line.
"What? Do you have any idea humans do sleep?" Hades muttered, tapping ash over the edge.
"Well, you're not asleep now, are you?" she teased.
"What is it?" he asked flatly.
"Miss Dora sent me the list for the combat rankings to pass on to Rue. Your girlfriend is top 2. How is that possible?" Mavka said.
Hades paused, cigarette halfway to his lips.
"I'm surprised too. I already asked her. She said it was through training classes."
"Don't tell me you actually believe her," Mavka scoffed.
"I know she's lying," he said quietly.
He leaned back lying on the ground, jaw ticking. "I just hope that whatever it is is just for a stupid personal reason… and not something that’ll turn her into my enemy."
Silence poured through the phone, heavy and telling.
"You don't have plans tomorrow, right? I want to come see you," Mavka said.
"I'll be busy," Hades replied, flicking ash off the edge of the rooftop.
"Why?"
"I'm taking my girlfriend out. I promised to take her to Disneyland. I'll take her tomorrow."
"Disneyland? Can I tag along too? Let's all hang out," she said, way too casually.
"It's a date. With my girlfriend. We’ll see each other whenever I come back."
"Should I crash your outing, or will you let me tag along?" she pushed.
"I'm being chill right now… don't piss me off, Mavka."Hades' voice dropped to a calm, low, and very dangerous tone.
"C'mon, don't be grumpy. I'm only trying to know your girlfriend. I'll leave early. Please."
He dragged a slow breath, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"…Fine."
"Thanks a lot. See ya."
The call ended.
Hades stared at his phone and scoffed softly.
"Hmm. Tomorrow will be Bluey and I’s first official outing as a couple," he murmured, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I'll take her to a restaurant afterwards."
-----
★𝐌𝐈𝐀★
It was past 2 a.m. when Bluey stepped out in front of the main building, the campus silent except for the distant hum of the night.
She had texted Hades she was sleeping over at Natalie’s room tonight, securing her cover. Every step felt heavy with anticipation.
A sudden hand on her shoulder made her freeze. She turned slightly and immediately recognized Sergio.
"Hey, no one followed you, right?" he whispered, scanning the dark around them.
"Nope. I’m in the clear," Bluey replied, her voice steady but her pulse quickening.
Sergio nodded, his expression tight with focus. "Okay."
Without another word, they started moving toward Miss Dora’s office, their footsteps soft against the concrete, eyes alert for any sign of movement.
The tension between them was thick, the quiet of the night amplifying every sense as they approached their target.
-----
Sergio crouched slightly, tapping rapidly on his tablet. Lines of code and encrypted commands scrolled across the screen as he hacked into MIA’s main server, bypassing layers of security one by one.
“Got it,” he whispered after a few tense moments, and the digital lock on Miss Dora’s office clicked open.
They pushed the door slowly and stepped inside.
“Is this the bookshelf you were talking about?” Bluey asked, running her fingers along the spines.
“Yes,” Sergio replied, scanning the room carefully.
Bluey pressed gently on a book, and with a soft click, the entire section swung open to reveal a hidden door.
“Crazy,” she muttered as they stepped inside.
The room was dimly lit, with a single high table in the center. On it sat a photobook.
They opened it, flipping through the pages. It was completely empty, but the cover read 2025 Cards. Each page had ten neatly arranged slots, seemingly reserved for ten pictures only.
“What’s this? Are they going to put our pictures here when we graduate?” Sergio asked, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
“Probably,” Bluey said, frowning. “Like a school year photobook. But… why only ten slots?”
Her gaze then shifted to a sleek vault sitting on another table. Sergio moved over and tried opening it, but the screen glowed with a cryptic message:
🔒 Unlock With Joker 🔒
Bluey’s brow furrowed. “Unlock with… Joker? What does that even mean?”
Sergio shook his head, tapping a few commands on his tablet but couldn't access anything on MIA server.
“Joker? As in… a Joker card?” Sergio asked, eyeing the vault cautiously.
“Not sure,” Bluey replied, squinting at the panel. “Look, there’s a fingerprint scanner and another slot for a key. So we either find the key… or whoever has the Joker card.”
Bluey’s mind raced. Is Joker a card? Or a person?
Sergio glanced around the room one last time.
“Let’s go,” He said, carefully putting everything back in place as they slipped out of the hidden office, leaving the mystery of the vault hanging in the air.
-----
★𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐲- 𝐇𝐲𝐜𝐞'𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞★
Hyce stepped out of the bathroom, shirtless, towel over his shoulder, water still dripping from his hair—only to find Sergio standing in the middle of his room like he owned the place.
Hyce didn’t even acknowledge him.
“Hyce, come on,” Sergio said, exasperated. “You’ve been ignoring me since yesterday. You’re being unfair.”
“Unfair?” Hyce’s brows lifted with cold disbelief. “Really?”
Sergio moved closer. “If there’s a problem, talk to me.”
Hyce turned sharply. “Fine. What’s your deal with Bluey? I saw her leaving your suite yesterday evening.”
Sergio blinked. “Bluey? What do you—”
“Don’t.” Hyce’s voice dropped, dangerous. “Don’t even think of lying to me, Sergio. I swear I will hit you.”
“Nothing’s going on between us,” Sergio said quickly.
Hyce scoffed.
“At the beach resort, I saw you fighting her. And somehow she was stronger than you, I was honestly surprised. I kept quiet, because I suspected something was off between you two. I didn’t even tell Hades.” He stepped closer, eyes locked on him.
“So explain.”
“You think I have an affair with her?” Sergio asked, stunned.
“No, I know you wouldn't cheat on me. But then…” Hyce said slowly, eyes narrowing.
“Putting the pieces together, I figured something out. If we trace everything that happened at the beach… and the possible reasons Bluey would get mad at you… I’ve come to a conclusion.”
Sergio swallowed hard as Hyce stepped closer, chest nearly touching his.
“You and Bluey are the spies,” Hyce said, voice low, sharp.
“You framed your friend because you needed a decoy. You being with me at the clinic… and Bluey knowing Hades would never let her get hurt… that covers both your alibis. And you didn’t blow up the front door because you didn’t want Bluey trapped inside.”
“Hyce…” Sergio breathed, shock and fear twisting his voice.
“Correct me if I’m wrong,” Hyce challenged.
Sergio stayed silent.
“Fine,” he muttered. “You’re right. I’m the spy. Me and Bluey. You going to rat us out?”
Hyce didn’t even answer.
He punched him. Hard.
Sergio touched his bloody lip. Hyce grabbed his collar.
"Seriously? You really wanna die? How can you be a spy? What's your deal? Who do you work for?" Hyce demanded.
"Listen, Bluey and I work for someone who only wants to dismantle MIA's corrupt system," Sergio replied.
"Corrupt system? What exactly is corrupt about MIA? The deaths? Those are weaklings who couldn't pass simple tests," Hyce shot back.
"And you think that's right? What do you think happens to expelled students?" Sergio pressed.
"They go back home cause they have no place here," Hyce countered.
"They get killed, you moron! None of them survive, and we're trying to figure out where or what they do with their bodies," Sergio yelled, shoving Hyce back.
"You're being delusional," Hyce said, steadying himself.
"You really think they care if you die? It doesn't matter who you are. Hyce, it doesn't matter. I'm only trying to help. Bluey and I are," Sergio spat out, frustration and fear mixing in his voice.
"So what exactly is her mission with Hades, and yours with me? If you're here for a deal, am I just part of it? Do you really love me like you claim?" Hyce asked, eyes burning with a mixture of anger and disbelief.
"I love you, Hyce. I seriously do," Sergio said, his voice low but fierce, like he was trying to etch it into every corner of Hyce’s mind.
"I’m just trying to do what’s right here. I wish there was a way I could convince the remaining students in the academy to join forces so we can tackle this together."
He stepped closer, closing the distance, and cupped Hyce’s face gently in his hands.
His thumb traced Hyce’s jawline, and then—softly, but with a trembling intensity, he pressed his lips to Hyce’s cheek.
Then the other. One, two, three small kisses, each lingering just a beat longer than the last.
"We’re only fifteen left," Sergio continued, his forehead resting lightly against Hyce’s, "...and I’m certain the number will keep reducing. Try to understand that I’m not the enemy here."
Hyce’s fists clenched, fighting the storm of emotions swirling inside him.
"You want to tell me this school is just… using us?" Hyce asked, voice tight, heart pounding.
Sergio pulled back just enough to look him in the eyes.
"I’m not going to force you to believe me," He whispered. "....but please… don’t expose my secret. Or Bluey’s especially."
And with that, he left, leaving Hyce frozen, cheeks warm from the kisses, and mind reeling from the intensity of it all.
-----
★𝐃'𝐑𝐔𝐄 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚★
Luxury cars rolled past the wrought‑iron gates one after another, engines humming like a symphony of wealth.
Guards bowed slightly as doors opened and former elites of MIA stepped out, dressed in tailored suits and couture gowns, the air thick with old alliances and older grudges.
Inside the grand hall, crystal chandeliers washed the room in warm gold.
Iris entered arm‑in‑arm with Robert, poised like royalty returning to a throne.
“Hello, distinguished ex‑classmates,” Iris greeted, her tone smooth, regal, perfectly rehearsed.
Nadine, Hyce’s mother immediately rose with a delighted gasp.
“Iris, my darling, darling dear!” she exclaimed, sweeping her into a hug soft enough to hide the sharpness in her eyes.
“I missed you,” Iris smiled as they both took their seats.
David, Hugo’s father, leaned back with a smirk. “The very own President and First Lady of the country. "You are reading from www.mhiztaemy.com.ng" You two have always been a match for each other. I’m impressed.”
“She’s glowing even more than usual,” Nadine added, eyes glinting with admiration.
“Of course,” Iris replied, resting her hand on Robert’s arm, “Robert here takes good care of me.”
A pointed cough echoed through the hall.
Everyone turned.
And froze.
Marco strolled in like a bad omen, smirking, unbothered, very much alive.
“Is this guy still alive? Why?”David scowled.
Marco shot him a glare. “My enemies shall perish. Why are you wishing me dead?”
“Because you don’t deserve to live,” David snapped. “You’re a scumbag.”
Marco ignored the insult and shifted his attention. “Robert. Long time no see.”
Robert didn’t even turn. He simply crossed his legs and lifted his glass, dismissing Marco like he wasn’t worth a breath.
Marco’s jaw twitched.
“Ignoring me? Really? Should I be rude? I’m trying to be nice here.”
He stepped closer, too close and let his fingers glide through a strand of Iris’s hair, slow, possessive, deliberate.
It lasted one second.
Because in the next, Iris’s hand flashed to the table. Before anyone could blink, she dragged the fruit knife across the back of Marco’s hand.
A clean, deep slice.
Blood poured instantly.
“What the—F+K!” Marco jerked back, clutching his hand. “Iris—!”
Iris rose from her chair with a grace that didn’t match the violence she’d just committed. Her posture was elegant. Her eyes were murder.
“Do you really want me to kill you this time?” she asked quietly.
Marco stared at her, chest heaving, pupils blown wide with pain.
Robert finally glanced up, calm as the dead sea.
“You really don't listen and up until now, you still don't know your place, Marco.” He said, eyes cold. “I haven't really said anything about the shitty strings you've been trying to pull on Iris, it's been decades... move on you motherfucker.”
“Marco, stop being childish. Leave someone else’s wife alone already.”David shook his head, exasperated.
“What’s all this noise?” Corazon asked, stepping in with Anthony.
“Gosh, the evil witch is here,” Nadine sneered without missing a beat.
“What did you just call me?” Corazon’s voice was sharp, her anger palpable.
“Evil witch, what? Any other way I can sugarcoat it?” Nadine replied, smirking.
“Oh my goodness! You bitch! What gives you the right to talk to me like that, huh? I’m not the one who doesn’t know who her baby daddy is,” Corazon shot back.
“Well, at least I decided to get pregnant because I wanted a son. I didn’t want marriage. How about you? Spreading your legs for any available dick there is. I wonder why Gael even married you…” Nadine retorted, venom in every word.
“Correction,” Gael said as he stepped forward, his presence silencing the room. “She’s about to be my ex-wife.”
“Oh I see it… she probably cheated with Anthony, right?” David said, eyebrows raised.
“What else? Birds of the same feather flock together,” He added, and Robert chuckled under his breath.
Nadine clasped her hands dramatically. “You know what? Since we’re at it, I think we should really come up with everyone’s sins.”
Anthony sighed. “Nadine—”
“Seriously, Anthony?” Nadine cut in.
“Celine was a sophisticated woman. You two were so in love, and I was genuinely happy even if she settled for.....” Nadine looked at from head to toe.
“… you. And you had the audacity to cheat on her with this… classless bitch?”
Corazon shrieked. “I will so kill you!”
Anthony grabbed her, holding her back. “Corazon, stop it—”
Nadine rolled her eyes. “Sit down, please. The desperation is showing.”
“Nadine, can we respect ourselves? And stop bringing Celine into this issue,” Anthony snapped. “It’s not my fault that Corazon and I fell in love. She chose me over that fool.”
Gael’s brows lifted, dangerously calm. “You mean she married me because she couldn’t choose a man with your kind of ego?”
"It's been barely 10 minutes and y’all are already killing each other? Impressive."
Madam Rue said as she descended the grand staircase, heels echoing like a warning.
They all looked up at her, annoyance and curiosity flickering between them. She finally reached the bottom step, posture elegant, eyes unreadable.
"You're the founder’s daughter?" Iris asked, brows raised.
"Yes. Please sit." Madam Rue gestured, and they all obeyed, some reluctantly, some stiffly holding the insults they hadn’t finished throwing.
She tapped her tablet. "Let’s do an overview. Dora gave me a briefing of each of you."
Her eyes skimmed the list as she read aloud:
Joker – Iris
Ace – Robert
King – Anthony
Queen – Nadine
Knight – Gael
Jack – David
Oracle – Marco
Crest – Celine (Deceased)
Maiden – Alice (Deceased)
Pawn – Corazon
"Read your past files, and you’re all… impressive," Madam Rue said, voice carrying both praise and a hint of mockery.
"Why are we here?" Robert asked sharply.
"Well," Madam Rue continued, setting the tablet down gently, "...it’s that time and season in MIA where the offsprings have once again proven that they’re deserving of being true leaders."
She clasped her hands together.
"Firstly, the annual Masked Ball will be taking place in three days. We want to make it a little more fun this year… and also a little more entertaining."
She smiled—beautiful, cold, and dangerous.
And every parent in the room felt a chill.
"What kind of fun are you talking about?" Marco asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Let’s see. The students are going to participate in a duel. Four students each. It’ll be a kill-or-be-killed duel," Rue said calmly.
"Tell me you’re joking," Nadine scoffed.
"Does it look like I am?" Rue shot back, unbothered.
"You’re crazy…!" Corazon exclaimed.
"Apparently, I have fifteen students. I need that list down to ten. Y’all know the rules: only ten will ever graduate, and five must die. Two dying at the ball is just a step forward," Rue explained.
"What about us? You planning to make us join a duel too?" Gael asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Hmm… you figured it out too?" Rue said, tilting her head.
"You’re not making anyone here kill each other," Robert said sharply.
"Calm down. I won’t. It’ll just be a friendly game. Chess. Just two people, to save time. For entertainment," Rue replied with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
"So, who are the four students that will compete?" Anthony asked, leaning forward.
"Let’s draw lots. Mavka!" Rue called.
Mavka appeared, carrying two trays and a set of cards.
"I’ll call on whom to pick. Corazon," Rue said.
"What?" Corazon blinked in shock.
"Flip two cards from this tray," Rue instructed, her tone sharp.
Corazon stood and casually flipped two cards.
NIA & ARIS
She breathed out. At least Morgan wasn’t involved.
"Now, Marco, flip two cards too," Rue instructed.
Marco flipped two cards.
MARCO & ROBERT
"You have got to be kidding me," Marco scoffed, shaking his head.
"Finally, Iris..." Rue said, turning her gaze sharply.
Iris glared at her, fists clenched.
"Flip two cards," Rue commanded.
Iris hesitated, then flipped two cards.
BLUEY & HADES
Her breath hitched.
"Hades…" she mumbled under her breath.
"Hmm. This Bluey girl… guess what, Iris? Do you know she’s your son’s girlfriend?" Rue said, a smirk tugging at her lips.
Robert and Iris exchanged a tense, silent look.
"This will be fun. Among these four students, two will die… it’s going to be a bloody night," Rue added, her eyes glinting with malice.
They all stood, absorbing the weight of her words.
"I can’t believe this," Nadine muttered, storming out.
David followed, then Anthony, and Corazon trailed behind. Marco lingered a moment before exiting.
Gael stood frozen, thoughts racing. Bluey? She’s really going to die just like that? She can’t beat Hades… it’s impossible. Slowly, he walked out.
Iris remained, glaring daggers at Rue.
"What?" Rue asked, unbothered.
"My son… I know he’s the Joker," Iris said, her voice trembling with fury and fear.
"Oh really? Any problem?" Rue replied, her tone mocking.
"Can you just stop? Stop this system, this school, this… this horrible scheme," Iris demanded.
"And if I don’t want to?" Rue shot back, smirking.
"You’re ruining their lives. I’m pretty sure if they all found out what this school really is, they’d pull their kids out," Robert said, stepping forward.
"Will you tell them and risk your son dying? Because be assured, I’m going to blow his brains out," Rue warned, eyes cold and lethal.
Iris clenched her fists, nearly crying, but Robert gently held her hand.
"Let’s go," Robert said, guiding her away.
Rue watched them leave, her smirk widening.
------
𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥
Maureen and Raul were in the room, both leaning close to the small speaker connected to Maureen’s device.
The audio was choppy, but they had heard everything up until the moment Gael left the hall. After that, the recorder didn’t pick up Rue’s private conversation with Robert and Iris.
“Wait… so they’re planning a duel to kill off two students? They’re trying to tell me that only ten students will graduate from the school?” Raul said, shocked.
“Now it makes sense,” Maureen breathed.
Raul frowned. “What?”
“The yearly photobooks in Gael’s room,” Maureen said. “I remember seeing photobooks labeled Cards for four years straight. Each one only had ten students in it. I thought it was suspicious but didn’t put much thought into it.”
“And each of them have a title,” Maureen added quietly.
Raul exhaled sharply. “We need to tell Bluey what to expect. And figure out a plan so no one dies.”
Maureen nodded, grabbing her bag.
“Because if we don’t… two kids are going to die at that ball.”
“And it could be Bluey? You're scared... right?"Raul said and she looked at him.
"I'll call Bluey."Raul said, dialing Bluey's line.
-----
★𝐌𝐈𝐀★ 6:40 PM
Bluey stood in front of Hades’ suite, tapping in the passcode with her usual soft hum. Hades was taking her out and asked her to go get dressed.
Beep—click.
The door unlocked.
She pushed it slightly, ready to step inside when her phone rang. She was about to answer the call but then--
BANG!!
A brutal metal force slammed into the side of her head.
The world froze.
Her vision warped, doubling, then smearing like wet paint. Her ears rang. Her fingers slipped off the doorknob. Slowly, painfully—she turned her head.
“…Zayne…?”
Another hit crashed into her face before she could even process it.
CRACK.
Wild pain exploded across her skull. Warm blood poured from her nose and split lip, dripping down her chin. Her knees buckled instantly.
She couldn’t move.
Couldn’t breathe.
Her legs felt like they were made of water.
Zayne caught her before she hit the floor, one arm around her waist, the other gripping the bloodied metal rod.
He smiled—too wide, too calm.
“Today,” he whispered against her ear, “...is the day you die, Bluey.”
Her fingers twitched weakly on his shirt.
“If you can’t be mine,” he continued, hoisting her up like dead weight, “...then it’s better you cease to exist entirely.”
Bluey’s head hung limp as Zayne carried her away, down the hall, out the dorm, slipping through the back door where no cameras faced.
Her blood dripped a trail behind them.
----
Zayne dropped Bluey on the hard concrete, her body thudding against it lifelessly.
A second later...
SPLASH!
Freezing water slammed into her skin. She jolted awake with a sharp inhale, trembling as her vision struggled to refocus.
“Ouch… wh‑where am I…?”
Her hands wouldn’t move. Her legs wouldn’t either.
She lowered her gaze and saw the metal cuffs digging into her wrists and ankles.
She was chained to the metal frame on top of the elevated water‑tank platform behind the school—isolated, silent, far from any building.
She lifted her head, barely and saw him.
“Zayne… what is the meaning of this?” Bluey’s voice cracked.
Zayne stepped closer. His shoes splashed in the leftover puddle beside her. He crouched and gripped her chin harshly.
“Let’s just say,” he sneered, “I’m getting my payback.”
Her brows knitted. “Payback? Zayne… what did I ever—”
“Did you really think you could humiliate me and walk away?” His voice rose, eyes shaking with anger. “You exposed me. You embarrassed me. In front of everyone.”
“But you started it! You tried to blackmail me! I— I really don’t understand you, Zayne. Weren’t we friends?” she whispered, desperately searching his eyes for anything human.
“That was before,” he said flatly. “Right now… I want nothing but to kill you.”
The blow came so fast she couldn’t brace for it.
CRACK.
A punch smashed across her cheek. Her head whipped to the side. Pain flared through her skull.
She tried to scream, but the empty yard swallowed the sound. No one was close enough to hear her, not from this isolated platform, hidden behind the supply block.
Zayne stood, breathing hard.
Then he swung.
The metal rod collided with her ribs.
THUD.
A guttural sound escaped her throat as she curled forward, only for the cuffs to yank her back upright.
Another hit.
Then another.
He struck her again and again—across her arms, her side, her legs—punches mixed with metal, cruel and unrelenting. Her clothes darkened, blood soaking down the fabric, streaking the concrete.
Her vision blurred, but she felt everything.
“I hate you, Bluey,” Zayne hissed, lifting the rod again, tears of rage burning in his eyes.
“I hate you so much.”
Zayne climbed the metal stairs with quick, agitated steps, the old structure groaning under his weight.
At the top, he grabbed the large circular lid of the water tank and shoved it open.
Cold, clear water shimmered inside—full.
He smirked and reached for the pump switch beside the tank.
Click.
The machine hummed to life, sending more water rushing in, swirling and rising toward the brim.
Perfect.
He descended the stairs again, boots echoing sharply. Bluey’s body lay sprawled where he left her—bloody, shaking, barely conscious.
Zayne slid his arms under her and lifted her easily.
Her head lulled against his shoulder, breath shallow.
“Say hello to the angels for me when you get to heaven,” Zayne murmured, almost sweetly.
“Don’t… do this…” Bluey’s voice was barely a whisper, drowned in pain.
Zayne paused, tilting his head.
“Will you be my girl then?” he asked, as if it were a normal question.
As if this wasn’t murder.
She remained silent, too weak to lift her head or form words.
He smiled coldly.
“I guess not.”
He climbed back up the stairs with her in his arms. Water was already sloshing near the brim. Without hesitation, he dropped her inside.
Bluey hit the water with a splash, sinking instantly. The cold shock tore through her fading consciousness, but she kicked, tried to swim up but her cuffed wrists dragged her down again.
Water flooded her ears.
Her nose.
Her mouth.
She struggled, bubbles bursting around her face as she fought to reach the surface, but her bound limbs refused to obey.
She sank deeper.
Zayne closed the lid with a hollow metallic slam, muffling the sound of her muffled thrashing.
He locked it.
Then walked away.
-----
★𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞★
Trevor was in his suite, shrugging on his jacket, when the door slammed open so hard it hit the wall.
“What the—”
“Where’s Bluey? Is she here?” Hades burst out, chest heaving, eyes wild.
Trevor froze. Hades looked like he hadn’t just run—he looked hunted.
“What do you mean? Is she missing?” Trevor asked.
“I don’t know what to think.” Hades dragged a shaking hand through his hair. “I found blood in front of my suite. Her phone’s smashed on the floor. The last time we spoke, I told her to get dressed so we can go out. Now she’s gone. Her friends haven’t seen her either.”
Trevor’s face drained. “What in the—”
Hades didn’t wait. He stormed out of the room, Trevor on his heels.
---
Outside, Hugo and Dawn were already searching, calling Bluey’s name across the courtyard.
“Have you guys seen her anywhere?” Hades demanded.
“Nothing,” Hugo said, worry twisting his features. “No one knows where she is.”
“Check the CCTV,” Trevor snapped.
Dawn shook her head. “They’re under maintenance.”
“Of all days?!” Hades roared, slamming his fist on the nearest wall. “Shit!”
He took off again, sprinting across the grounds like he could tear the truth out of the air.
---
Meanwhile—
Natalie didn’t knock.
She kicked Zayne’s door open so hard the handle cracked the wall. Loci and Nia followed behind her, their faces stone‑cold.
Zayne looked up from his laptop, startled. “What the hell are you guys doing here?”
“Where is she?” Natalie demanded.
“Where is who?” Zayne leaned back, playing dumb.
Loci stepped forward, fists clenched. “I swear, if you act stupid right now, you’ll regret it. Where is Bluey?!”
Zayne’s smirk twitched.
“Find her… if you can.”
Zayne leaned back in his chair, smirking. “She’s probably dead by now.”
Natalie recoiled like he’d slapped her.
Nia’s knees buckled, a sob ripping out of her.
Loci didn’t hesitate.
He lunged.
His hand twisted in Zayne’s collar as he slammed him against the wall. “Just TALK! Where is she? What did you do to her?!”
Zayne just laughed—low, vicious. “Why should I? Hades can choke on his rage for all I care.”
“Zayne, please,” Nia cried. “Just stop. Hades will kill you. And Bluey...Bluey didn’t deserve any of this. She’s your friend!”
“My what?” His eyes snapped toward her, icy and unhinged. “I don’t give a shit about any of you or her.”
That was it.
Loci’s fist drove into Zayne’s jaw so hard the crack echoed. Before Zayne could breathe, another punch slammed into his cheek. The force sent him flying backward.
He crashed into his worktable—wood splintering, laptop smashing, papers flooding the floor.
The table collapsed under him, breaking into jagged pieces as Zayne groaned, spitting blood.
Nia covered her mouth, trembling.
Natalie stepped forward, voice shaking with fury. “Tell us where she is… or I swear, Zayne, we're calling Hades right now.”
Zayne lay there, coughing, but that sick, satisfied smirk returned to his bloody lips.
“You’re too late.”
---
Hades stood in the middle of the dorm compound, fists clenched, scanning every corner. He had searched everywhere he could think of.
Every dorm room, every hallway, every hallway exit. He knew she had to be alive—but where? Where could she be?
Right now, they were down to only 15 students in MIA, so the search should be easy but this proves otherwise.
Hyce and Sergio came rushing out, both panting heavily from running across the campus.
“Any sight of her?” Hades demanded, his voice low and sharp.
“Not even a glance,” Sergio replied, wiping sweat from his forehead.
“How in the earth did she just… disappear?” Hyce asked, his voice trembling slightly.
Trevor stepped forward, placing himself between the two. “I’ve searched every empty dorm room and every guard assigned for supervision… but no one has seen her.”
A cold, brutal laugh escaped Hades’ lips, slicing through the tension in the air. The guards gathered around flinched instinctively.
The sound carried a darkness that made the hairs on their necks stand up. Something nasty was about to happen.
“You guys have got to be kidding me,” Hades said, his tone calm on the surface, but every word carried a deadly edge.
“Where the f+k are you, crybaby?” He barked, eyes blazing with fury.
“Let me go!!” Zayne shouted as Loci dragged him forward, shoving him unceremoniously into the center, right in front of Hades.
“He took Bluey and refuses to talk,” Nia said, trembling but steady, stepping forward to add to the tension.
Hades’ gaze hardened.
“Goodness me. I should’ve known,” he muttered under his breath, then turned his full focus on Zayne.
“Where is she?” Hades demanded, his voice like ice.
Zayne smirked, leaning back slightly. “Why? You think I’ll tell you? You don’t get to keep her to yourself. If I can’t have her, nobody can.”
Hades’ laugh rang out—cold, sharp, and terrifying. But then his attention was caught by a female guard nearby sipping from a bottle of soda.
He strode toward her, only to freeze mid-step.
The speaker above flickered to life, and the announcement echoed through the compound:
🔊 Player 002, Bluey Cruise, eliminated.
The courtyard fell silent. They all froze, their faces draining of color.
Eliminated? It could only mean one thing—the pulse detected by her wristband had dropped. Bluey’s status had triggered the alarm: her pulse had stopped.
Panic rippled through then. Whispers turned to murmurs.
“She… she’s gone?” Natalie stumbled back, stammering.
“Pulse… her pulse dropped. That’s why it says eliminated,” Sergio said, voice tight with fear.
The moment the announcement echoed through the compound, Hades’ entire body froze.
It was like every cell in him collapsed.
Like something in his chest tore open.
Like his heart stopped beating entirely.
His vision dimmed, and for a split second… he felt nothing.
Just a hollow, dead void spreading through him, killing every piece of warmth left inside him.
“Seems like she’s dead,” Zayne said with a sick, satisfied smirk.
Trevor snapped.
“You bastard!!” Trevor roared, grabbing Zayne and slamming him to the ground. His punches were wild, filled with agony.
“Where is she, you fucker!!” he screamed, tears streaming down his face as he hit Zayne again and again, until Hugo pulled him back before he lost it completely.
Hades didn’t move. Didn’t breathe properly.
“I really told her I wasn’t going to kill anyone again…” He said quietly, taking the soda bottle from the guard without breaking eye contact with Zayne.
Everyone watched.
They already knew—
Hades was gone.
Hades, the student? Gone.
Hades, the boyfriend? Gone.
This was Mi Ruina’s devil, awake again.
He smashed the bottle against the wall, slicing it in half.
The sharp edge glinted as he turned.
Zayne’s breath hitched.
A cold wave traveled through the entire compound. Everyone felt it in their bones.
Hades was in that murder zone.
“H-Hades…” Hyce whispered, but even he didn’t dare approach.
Hades crouched in front of Zayne with eerie calm.
“If you want to live…” his voice was soft, too soft, “...you’re going to talk. Where… is Bluey?”
Zayne sucked in a sharp breath.
“I’d rather die.”
Without hesitation—
Stab!!
“ARGHHH!!” Zayne screamed as Hades plunged the jagged glass straight into his cheek.
Gasps exploded around the compound.
Hades didn’t even feel affected by it.
He pulled it out—
Blood sprayed across his shirt.
And then he stabbed him again.
And again.
His eye.
His ear.
His neck.
The ground shook as Zayne’s body collapsed, blood pooling around him.
🔊 Player 013, Zayne Holt, eliminated.
Silence.
Pure, brutal shock swallowed everyone.
Hades stood up slowly… blood dripping from his hand, the bottle still clenched between his fingers.
“Blu…ey…” He whispered, voice cracking.
“Blu…ey…”
He looked like a man possessed.
A man whose soul had been ripped apart.
“The tap!! Blood is rushing instead of water!” A guard screamed from the upper floor.
Hades stopped.
Turned.
A slow, dangerous smile crawled onto his face.
“Yeah… now I know where my baby is.”
His steps were slow as he walked away, the air trembling around him.
“Did you.... guys see that too?” Natalie mumbled in shock.
“That...was.... psychopathic.” Nia added.
Trevor walked after Hades who was already walking faster now.
“You better be alive, Mi Ruina…” Hades muttered, not caring who heard him.
“Don’t you dare die on me.”
.
»𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐝 ✰
No comments