Ruining The Grounds Of Hell  – Episode 7

  –ɪs ɪᴛ ᴀ ʜᴀᴘᴘɪʏ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴀғᴛᴇʀ..–

♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤
★ 𝐇𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞★ 9.30 PM

Hades barely made it through the door before exhaustion flooded his muscles.

Bluey had dragged him from place to place all day, pulling him through flashing arcade lights, pointless games, then another amusement park just because she wanted to ride the spinning teacups twice.

He kept up with her, he always did, but now his body felt heavy and worn.

Bluey slipped off her shoes the second they entered his suite, her legs humming with leftover energy while his felt drained. She turned to him with a soft smile.

“Do you want anything?” She asked, brushing her hair out of her face.

“A drink,” he said, voice deep and tired.

She nodded and disappeared into the small bar area while he collapsed onto the edge of the bed, unbuttoning his black shirt with slow fingers.

He tossed it aside and let out a quiet breath, letting the cool air touch his skin.

Bluey held a glass of alcohol in one hand and the entire bottle in the other. She walked toward him, slipping into the space between his legs, close enough that her scent brushed against him before she did.

“Here you go,” she said softly, placing the glass in his hand.

Hades lifted it and drank, the burn sliding down his throat, steadying him. Bluey raised the bottle to her lips and took her own sip, watching him over the rim.

Her eyes softened, her body warm and relaxed from the long day, but her presence still sharp enough to pull his attention back to her completely.

She stayed there in front of him, close enough that his knees touched her thighs, close enough that he felt her warmth through his tired haze, close enough that he could not look anywhere else but at her.

Bluey watched him finish the glass in one effortless swallow, her lips curling into a soft smirk as she pretended to sip from the bottle.

“Sorry if I stressed you out today. But thanks… I had a lot of fun,” she said quietly.

“Sure. Anything for you,” Hades replied, voice low, rough from exhaustion.

He handed her the empty glass and rubbed his temples, but the moment she stepped closer, something in his vision shifted.

Bluey, already beautiful—suddenly looked unreal. His pulse kicked. His skin heated. The air around her seemed to throb.

Bluey lifted her eyes to him, innocent and unknowing.

Or so he thought.

His breath hitched.

“Mi ruina…” he whispered, voice breaking into a moan as he reached for her waist and pulled her between his legs.

She froze for a second, she didn’t expect it to hit him this fast.
The bottle slipped from her hand and knocked softly against the carpet.

Hades didn’t even notice.

He rose to his full height, sweeping her up with him in a single motion. Bluey’s back hit the mattress and he hovered above her, shadows carving down his face as his pupils blew wide.

“I want you,” he exhaled against her throat, lips dragging over her skin like he was starving for her.

His hands trembled slightly—heat and dizziness crawling through him. He kissed her neck, slow at first… then sloppier, heavier, struggling to keep control.

Bluey felt him falter.
“Hades…?”

He tried to answer, but the room spun. His body swayed, weight sinking onto his palms as he tried to keep himself upright over her.

“Damn…” he muttered, blinking hard, trying to focus on her face.
Her beauty blurred, doubled… then softened into darkness.

“Hades?” she whispered again, a little breathless.

He collapsed beside her, chest rising and falling unevenly, consciousness slipping away.

Bluey pushed up on her elbows, staring at him.

Perfect.

Exactly what she needed.

—–
Bluey wore the hoodie and pulled the cap low, her steps quick and silent as she slipped into the dim hallway leading toward Miss Dora’s office.

The building felt colder at night, every fluorescent flicker echoing through her nerves.

Hyce, Sergio, and Natalie were already waiting at the end of the corridor.

“Sorry I took so long,” Bluey whispered, breath slightly shaky.

“You sure Hades won’t suspect you’re gone?” Natalie asked, arms crossed, doubt heavy in her tone.

“I drugged him. He’s fast asleep,” Bluey replied.

“Okay. Let’s go,” Sergio said, already pulling out his tablet.

They hurried to Miss Dora’s office door. The digital lock glowed faintly red until Sergio plugged in the small device from his sleeve.

Lines of code streamed across his tablet, reflecting off his focused eyes. Then—
click The lock turned green.

They entered.

Sergio moved straight to the bookshelf and pressed his hand along the back panel until a metallic chime sounded.

Bluey stepped back as the shelf split open, sliding to the side.

“Woah… this is new,” Natalie breathed, stunned as the hidden door revealed a narrow passage beyond.

Bluey didn’t hesitate. She slipped inside first, pulse hammering. The small vault room sat at the end—metal walls, scanner lights blinking patiently like they had been waiting for her.

She pulled out the key and inserted it into the keyhole and clicked it.
The vault unlocked.

“Please let there be something,” she muttered under her breath as she pulled the small heavy door open.

Inside… not stacks of documents, not files, not anything they expected. Just a single item sitting perfectly centered.

A key card.

Sergio stared, baffled. “Seriously? A key card? That’s it?”

Bluey took it, turning it over in her gloved hand.

“So we’re supposed to figure out where this one’s going to open now?” Sergio muttered in frustration.

Bluey exhaled slowly.

“The card says Underground Lab.” Bluey whispered, staring at the small black key card in her hand.

Natalie blinked. “Underground Lab? Is that… even in this school?”

Hyce ran a hand through his hair, uneasy. “There’s actually an underground tunnel. Old one. I noticed it when I first got into MIA but it’s sealed off. No one uses it.”

Bluey stepped closer. “Where is it? Is it far from here?”

Hyce shook his head.

“Not far. We have to walk toward the Training Arena building. The tunnel entrance is behind it.” His voice dropped. “But that area is heavily guarded at night. Like… top tier-level guarded.”

Sergio clicked his tablet off and pocketed it in the bag he carried . “Let’s go.”

Hyce stiffened. “Are you insane? If gunfire breaks out, we’re done. We’ll get caught in seconds.”

Bluey didn’t even hesitate. “We can’t stop here. Not after everything we’ve risked. We’ll do it discreetly. That’s the only way.”

The room fell silent for a beat. Sergio looked at Natalie. Natalie looked at Hyce. Then Natalie huffed out a breath.

“So… we’re going?”

Bluey nodded. “Yeah. We’re going.”

Hyce exhaled shakily.

—–

The group finally reached the entrance to the underground tunnel, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and old leaves.

Rust clung to the metal fixtures, and the trees around cast long shadows, their branches scratching the ground as if warning them to turn back.

The tunnel looked abandoned, almost forgotten.

Hyce crouched slightly, peering at the entrance.

“Doesn’t look like anyone’s been here for years,” he muttered.

Sergio shook his head. “I don’t know… this probably isn’t the right place.”

Natalie’s brow furrowed. “What if the lab isn’t even in MIA? What if it’s somewhere else entirely?”

Bluey didn’t respond immediately. She walked slowly around the entrance, her sneakers crunching over the dry leaves, her eyes scanning every inch.

Then her steps faltered; her foot creaked against the wooden floor. She stopped. Something felt off.

Kneeling down, she brushed the leaves away with her hands, revealing a faint outline beneath.

A square lid, almost blending into the floor, stared back at her. She pressed a hand against it, feeling the faint vibrations of the wood.

“Found something,” she said quietly, her voice low but urgent.

She lifted the lid, revealing a smooth square opening in the floor. The air from below smelled cold and metallic, hinting at secrets long buried.

Bluey slid the key card into the slot. A soft click echoed, and the hidden entrance unlocked. A narrow staircase spiraled downwards into darkness.

She looked back at the group. “This is it. This is where it goes.”

One by one, they descended, each step groaning under their weight, the tunnel swallowing them into the unknown.

*

They carefully descended the narrow staircase, the sound of their footsteps echoing against the concrete walls.

At the bottom, a bright fluorescent light bathed a long, sterile hallway in harsh white, making the air feel unnaturally cold.

“Where does this go? There’s no door anywhere,” Hyce muttered, his voice tense as he scanned the endless stretch of the corridor.

They walked straight, their footsteps growing heavier with unease, until a single white door finally appeared at the end.

Sergio quickly swiped the key card, and the door clicked open.

As they stepped inside, Natalie’s hand flew to her mouth.

“Oh my God…” She whispered, her eyes wide with horror.

The lab was a grim spectacle. Tables lined the room, each holding bodies of students—pale, lifeless, the remnants of the eliminated from the combat rankings.

“These… these are the bodies of the eliminated students from the combat rankings,” Hyce said, his voice barely steady.

“All 99 students,” Sergio added, his usual composure shaken.

Bluey’s hands trembled as she stepped closer to a table. “I knew it was shady… but this shady? What do they do with their bodies… and they’re… all dead.”

Natalie’s voice cracked. “Are you guys seeing this?”

They all turned toward her, following her gaze, and their blood ran cold.

Massive shelves stretched along the walls, filled with jars of liquid, each containing organs—human organs, perfectly preserved and labeled.

The room smelled faintly metallic, the horror pressing down on them like a physical weight.

“This… this is insane,” Bluey whispered, her stomach churning.

Hyce ran a hand through his hair, trying to steady himself.

But for a moment, they all just stood there, staring at the ghastly collection, the reality of the school’s cruelty sinking in, and the weight of what they had uncovered threatening to suffocate them.

Suddenly…

“Shh… someone’s coming.”Bluey’s voice barely rose above a whisper.

Before they could even process it, the sound of heavy boots echoed in the hallway. Armed guards appeared, storming in with rifles raised, eyes blazing with authority and malice.

“What are you doing here?!” one of them shouted, and gunfire erupted.

The sharp crack of bullets ricocheted off the metal shelves, sending sparks flying as the team dove for cover.

Bluey rolled to the side, pulling Natalie with her, while Sergio slid behind a table, returning fire with precision.

Hyce lunged forward, tackling one guard, using his momentum to disarm him before another swung a baton. T

he air was thick with smoke and the acrid scent of gunpowder.

Bullets tore through the lab, shattering jars and splattering liquid across the floor. Blood painted the walls as bodies fell—both guards and attackers alike.

Bluey moved like a shadow, weaving between tables, striking at anyone who got too close, while Hyce and Sergio covered her.

Natalie ducked behind a shelf, her hands shaking as she aimed and fired, adrenaline pushing her past fear.

Every movement was frantic, violent, desperate.

The gleaming organs and lifeless bodies around them became a grotesque backdrop to the carnage as they fought for their lives, the violence raw and unrelenting, leaving no room for hesitation.

By the time the smoke cleared, the hallway was littered with fallen guards and blood-soaked debris, and the four of them stood panting, wide-eyed, staring at the devastation they had just survived.

“Let’s get out of here.”Bluey said as they all ran out of the lab.

—–

HADES’ SUITE – 2AM

Bluey stood at the sink, scrubbing at her clothes, the water turning pink as the blood stains faded. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, her hands trembling slightly.

Deep down, a knot of fear twisted in her chest. The truth about MIA, about what had happened to those students—it was worse than anything she could have imagined.

“Can I do this?” she whispered to herself, gripping the phone tightly. With a deep breath, she dialed Raul’s number.

The line clicked, and his voice came through calm but steady.

“Bluey, it’s late. What’s wrong?”

“I… Raul, you won’t believe this,” she said, her voice breaking slightly.

“MIA… it’s just a front. The school, the rankings, all of it—it’s a cover. They’re harvesting organs. The bodies, the labs… it’s insane. I can’t even… I can’t imagine how they have the heart to do this to students. Innocent kids.”

There was a pause on the line. Raul’s voice came softer, measured.

“Bluey, I hear you. I know it’s terrifying, but you have to calm down. Don’t do anything rash. We’ll handle this together. After the MIA ball, we’ll meet and figure out our plan. Sergio just texted me and I already told him the same thing.”

Bluey exhaled slowly, relief mingling with her lingering fear. “Okay… I’ll wait.”

She hung up and leaned against the sink, brushing her damp hair back from her face.

Footsteps echoed softly behind her. Her eyes widened as Hades entered the bathroom, rubbing his eyes, the effects of the drug still making him sluggish.

His presence was imposing even in his half-awake state, and for a moment, Bluey froze, caught between fear and the awkward tension of him noticing her here.

“Bluey,” Hades murmured, his voice rough as he wrapped his arms around her from behind, pressing his face into the warmth of her neck.

“Where have you been?” he asked, his tone half-curious, half-demanding.

Bluey hesitated for a fraction of a second before lying softly, “I… I was with Natalie. Just a girl’s night… and Nia too.”

Hades let out a low hum, as if accepting her answer. “You’re done, right? Can we go back to bed?”

“Sure… let’s go,” Bluey whispered, taking his hand and gently leading him to the bed.

They both settled under the sheets. Hades curled around her, his head resting lightly on her chest, and she instinctively stroked his hair, pressing soft kisses along the strands.

The quiet warmth, the steady rise and fall of his breathing, lulled her into a rare sense of calm.

Bluey closed her eyes, letting herself sink into sleep, her hand still resting over him, holding onto the moment of peace amidst the chaos surrounding them.

—–
★𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠- 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐫’𝐬 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞★

“Maureen! Maureen! Where the fuck are you, bitch?!” Corazon’s voice sliced through the quiet mansion like a knife as she stormed inside, heels slamming against marble.

Maureen appeared at the top of the stairs with Gael behind her, both startled.
Corazon’s eyes narrowed immediately.

“Oh… I see you’ve moved on to the next man quickly.” Her voice dripped with venom.

“What is it this time?” Maureen approached her with tired irritation, but before she could blink, Corazon’s hand whipped across her face in a brutal slap.

The crack echoed through the foyer.

Maureen’s body jerked backward, almost collapsing, but Gael rushed forward and caught her by the arms.

“Corazon, what the hell is your problem?!” Gael barked, pulling Maureen behind him protectively as he seized Corazon’s elbow to stop her from lunging again.

“Why’d you do it?! Who gave you the right?!” Corazon screamed back, her eyes blazing.

“Do what?!” Maureen shot back, breath shaking, cheek throbbing red.

“It’s Morgan,” Anthony said from the side, stepping forward, fury stiffening his jaw.

Gael scoffed. “Look… I know she’s your daughter, and I respect that, but what in Earth’s name are you insinuating—”

The door slammed.

Banjo walked in.

“Maureen—” He started, but Corazon immediately pointed at him like she found her criminal.

“Good. You’re here.”

Anthony didn’t wait. He lunged.

“You bastard!” His fist collided with Banjo’s face. Banjo staggered, then swung back with equal force.

“What the fuck is your problem?!” Banjo snapped, wiping blood from his lip.

“Why did you switch the kids?! Tell me why?!” Corazon screamed, voice cracking violently.

Banjo froze.

“Switch the… kids? What kids?” Maureen asked, confused, while Banjo stood breathing hard from the punch.

“Banjo… what is she talking about?” Maureen whispered, clutching Gael’s arm.

Banjo shook his head, panicked. “I didn’t switch them, okay—”

“If you didn’t switch them,” Anthony roared, “…then EXPLAIN why Morgan isn’t my daughter! Tell me WHY you switched Bluey and Morgan!”

Silence.

Maureen’s breath caught.
Gael’s eyes widened.
The room froze around them.

“Wh… what…?” A tiny, shocked sound came from behind.

Everyone turned.

Bluey stood there, completely still, Trevor beside her, his hand hovering near her back in worry.

Anthony had called Trevor earlier, told him to bring Bluey with him but none of them expected this.

Bluey looked at each adult slowly, her face pale, eyes wide…

“…Switched…?” she whispered.

The entire room felt like it shattered.

“What…are you talking about?”Maureen

“Dad what’s going on here?”Trevor

“The blood we donated at the hospital for Morgan….the doctor said it doesn’t match cause Morgan isn’t our daughter. The DNA shows the exact same thing.”Anthony

“So I did my homework and went back to Roses Hospital to confirm if there’s anything wrong somewhere cause I’m still in doubt and then I find out my baby was switched!”Corazon

Maureen’s breath hitched the moment Anthony mentioned the hospital’s name.
Her fingers trembled.

Her eyes widened. She stumbled back like the floor cracked open beneath her.

“What… what are you talking about?” Maureen whispered, voice already shaking.

Trevor looked between them, confused, impatient.
“Dad, what’s going on here?”

Anthony inhaled sharply, jaw clenched.

“The blood we donated at the hospital for Morgan… the doctor said it doesn’t match. Morgan isn’t our daughter. And the DNA says the exact same thing.”

Corazon, already trembling with rage and humiliation, stepped forward.
“So I did my own homework and went back to Roses Hospital to check again, because I thought—maybe it’s their fault, maybe we misunderstood something—but no.”

Her voice cracked.
“I found out my baby was switched!”

Maureen’s hand slapped over her mouth. A soft gasp escaped her.

“No… no…”

Bluey turned to her slowly, eyes filling with dread.
” What does that mean? Mom?”

Anthony didn’t even wait.

He shoved the DNA papers into Maureen’s shaking hands.
“Read it. Go on. READ IT.”

Bluey looked between them, her throat closing, panic rising.
“Mom… please say it’s not true… please…”

Maureen’s tears fell instantly. The paper slipped from her hands and fluttered to the floor.

“Why did you do it?! Just why?!”Anthony grabbed Banjo’s collar.

“The nurses at the hospital— they made a mistake. Not me.”Banjo yelled.

Everyone froze.

Corazon’s head snapped toward him.
“What did you just say?”

Banjo continued, guiltless.
“I saw when the nurse placed the babies in the wrong crib. I noticed it.”

Maureen turned to him, horrified.
“Banjo… why didn’t you ever say anything…Why did you let it happen.”

“And why would I?” Banjo snapped. “Whoever the real parents were…I knew they were rich. They could give my child a life I never could. So I tracked the Sinclairs. Forced my way here. Got you a job. Got myself in too. I did what I had to do—”

“YOU DID WHAT?!” Corazon exploded.

“I did NOTHING wrong,” Banjo shot back. “I made sure my daughter would live comfortably. That’s all.”

Gael pulled Maureen closer as she collapsed against him crying.

“You stole our daughter’s life,” Anthony whispered, voice shaking with fury he was barely holding together.
“You stole Bluey’s identity.”

“I’m never accepting her. Never. That girl is NOT mine. I will never claim her. NEVER!” Corazon pointed at Bluey like she was a stain on the floor.

Bluey’s world spun.
Her knees buckled.

Then she threw herself at Maureen, collapsed into her arms— crying hard, desperate, breathless.

“Mom please! Tell me they’re lying! Please tell me you’re my mom! Please…” She clung to her like a child drowning.

“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry… I didn’t know… I didn’t know, Bluey… You’re my daughter.” Maureen sobbed into her hair, hands shaking violently.

Anthony, furious and disgusted, stepped back.

“This is unbelievable. You let my daughter grow up in someone else’s home. You let her struggle while our real child, while Bluey—”

Trevor’s head jerked at the name.
Morgan.

His girlfriend.

His ex.

His obsession.

His Sister.

And suddenly—

She wasn’t. She wasn’t his sister but Bluey.

He stared at the floor, stunned, breath gone.

Then a smile flickered…relief. Like the heavens answered him.

Then he laughed once — breathless, shaky.

“She’s… she’s not my sister? Morgan… she’s not actually my sister?”

The realization hit him like cold water.

Trevor stepped back from all of them like their voices were knives cutting into his ears.

At that moment he couldn’t recognize anyone. Everything felt too loud, too bright, too suffocating.

Without a word, he turned and shoved the door open and rushed out of the house.

—–
★𝐌𝐈𝐀- 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥’𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞★

Hades stood in Miss Dora’s office, shirtless, sweatpants low on his hips, the tension in his muscles visible as he moved.

Mavka hovered nearby, her eyes scanning the room, alert and precise.

Miss Dora’s face was pale, her usual composure shattered as she waved her hands frantically.

“They found out!” she shouted, panic lacing every word.

“Found out what?” Hades asked, tilting his head, his voice calm but edged with danger.

“The lab, you nuthead! The guards—they were attacked last night, all of them dead! I only found out this morning when I went there myself!” she yelled, her voice cracking under stress.

Mavka’s brow furrowed. “How is that possible?” she asked, scanning Hades with a mix of concern and calculation.

Hades’ eyes narrowed. “Does Rue know?”

“You seriously think I would tell her now?!” Miss Dora snapped, stepping forward, voice sharp.

“What have you been doing, Hades? Going on dates? Entertaining your lover while you had a job to do?! I told you to find that damn spy and now you’ve failed, and we’re in a loophole!”

Hades’ jaw tightened. He stepped closer, the room temperature seeming to drop around him.

“First of all, my personal life is none of your business, so I suggest you don’t try to make it about this. Secondly, I do what I want, anytime I want. You’ve already deprived me of a lot, and you think I’ll let you keep doing that?”

Miss Dora’s fists clenched at her sides, nails digging into her palms.

Hades’ voice grew colder, darker. “Also, who gave you the right to raise your voice at me? And why do I have to find the spy? What have you been doing….being lazy? I don’t give a shit what happens to MIA; I honestly don’t give a damn!”

Hades turned for the door, but before his hand even twisted the knob, a fist slammed across his face.

His head whipped to the side, a slice opening on his lip as blood dripped down.

He slowly lifted his gaze.
Madam Rue stood there, shaking with rage.

Hades exhaled, annoyed. “Get out of my way.”

“And what if I don’t?” Rue hissed.

He didn’t even hesitate. He shoved her shoulder and reached for the door again—
but his fingers barely grazed the knob when a violent, stabbing pain exploded in his skull.

Hades collapsed instantly, knees hitting the floor with a hard crack. His hands clutched his head as a strangled scream ripped out of him.

Rue stood behind him, eyes blazing, her tablet already raised.

“You actually think you can run your mouth at me?!” she shouted. “I guess you’re forgetting that I can kill you whenever I want!”

Hades gasped between the pain, his voice breaking.
“Kill… me… then…”

“Oh, not just yet,” Rue sneered, pressing another command.

“You’re still very much useful to me. I’ve never seen a Joker as stubborn as you.
I might as well kill you after your set is done.”

She tapped the tablet again.
The pain doubled—like claws digging into his brain, tearing, twisting, burning.

Hades’ eyes went blood-red. His skin flushed hot and his veins rose beneath it, pulsing violently.

His whole body shook as he fought not to scream.

“Please… stop.” Mavka whispered, stepping forward, her voice trembling even though she wasn’t human.

Hades could barely breathe.
His vision blurred.
The only thing anchoring him, the only image cutting through the torment was Bluey.

Bluey smiling.
Bluey touching his cheek.
Bluey saying his name.

He wanted forever with her.
He hadn’t even begun.

“Make it… stop…” he choked out, voice trembling.

Rue tilted her head, smiling cruelly. “Say please.”

Hades’ pride cracked under the agony.
“Please… please make it stop.”

Rue released the control.
The pain cut out instantly.
Hades collapsed sideways, chest heaving, forehead pressed to the cold floor.

His eyes watered uncontrollably, his breath uneven, his hands still trembling from the aftershock.

Rue crouched slightly, her voice calm again.
“You know what to do. Find the spies and kill them. I shouldn’t have to remind you.”
She glanced at him with disgust.

“Ever since you started associating with that girl, you’ve grown… soft. I promised not to meddle in your personal life. Don’t push me.”

She straightened and turned to Miss Dora.
Dora, still shaking, swallowed hard.

“So… what’s the plan to catch the spy?” Dora asked.

Rue smirked.

“At the ball tonight,” she replied. “Just leave everything to luck. Whoever the spy is, they’re smart enough to walk right into our trap.”

—–
★𝐌𝐈𝐀- 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦★ 8 PM

The ballroom looked nothing like its usual polished elegance. Tonight, it was transformed into something darker, grander, and far more intimidating.

Crystal chandeliers were dimmed to a moody glow. Black roses hung from silver chains. Every corner was lined with heavily armed security, all the Legacies entered.

The air shifted instantly. The men in tailored black suits, while the women in flowing black gowns, each one stunning in a deadly way.

Over every outfit hung the signature deep-red cape, the embroidered titles gleaming under the lights:

The students followed moments later, dressed in their own black formal attire—sleek, polished, and nervous beneath the glamour.

But the tension truly sparked when Corazon’s eyes landed on Bluey.

Her jaw tightened. Her fingers curled into her silk gloves.

Corazon’s fury rose like a tide, but Anthony quickly placed a hand on her wrist.

“Corazon,” he warned quietly. “Not here.”

She hissed under her breath, but forced a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

*

Across the ballroom, Hyce spotted his mother, Nadine, who looked radiant in her black ball gown and cape. He hurried toward her.

“Mom.” Hyce smiled as she pulled him into a warm hug.

“My beautiful boy.” Nadine cupped his cheeks dramatically. “You barely call your mother these days. You’re so grown now, you forget you came out of me.”

“Mom,” Hyce groaned. “I’m just busy.”

Nadine’s eyes flicked to Sergio. She looked him up and down, slowly, suspiciously, as if she were scanning a barcode.

“And who,” she asked, arching a perfectly shaped brow, “…is this very hot man beside you?”

Hyce didn’t hesitate—he reached for Sergio’s hand, threading their fingers together.

“Mom, this is Sergio. My boyfriend.”

Silence.

Nadine looked at Sergio.
Then at Hyce.
Then at their hands.
Then back at Sergio.

“You broke up with Gomez 5 months ago..” She said flatly, “…and you’re already on to the next guy?”

“Mom…” Hyce sighed, embarrassed.

Sergio stepped forward gently. “Ma’am, I’m different. I love your son very much, and I would never hurt him.”

Nadine’s stare sharpened. “You love him?”

“Yes,” Sergio said firmly. “I love Hyce. More than I can explain. You can take my word for it.”

Nadine held his gaze a moment longer, then sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes so hard Hyce thought she’d pass out.

“Well… Hyce,” she finally said, flicking Sergio’s face, “I can say, you’ve got good taste in men.”

Sergio chuckled nervously.

“Mom, please,” Hyce muttered, face flushed. “Don’t embarrass me.”

“Oh sweetheart,” Nadine smirked. “I haven’t even started.”

*

“Hugo.” David called as he approached.

“Dad.” Hugo stepped in for a small hug.

“Good evening, sir.” Dawn greeted, a little shy.

David’s eyes dragged over her from head to toe like he was inspecting merchandise.

“Who is she? Your girlfriend? Your new side chick? Your new whore?”

“Dad— your words.” Hugo hissed. “She’s the woman I love.”

“Couldn’t you do better?” David said flatly.

“Dad, don’t say that—”

“I’m not talking to you, Hugo. I’m talking to her,” David cut him off, and Hugo froze.

Dawn burst out laughing.

David raised a brow. “You. Couldn’t you find someone better? This boy—” he jabbed a thumb at Hugo, “—is a walking disaster. A fool. Zero self-control. Can’t keep it in his pants to save his life.”

“Dad!” Hugo snapped.

“It’s true,” David continued, waving him off. “If stupidity was a competition, he’d win a trophy. Probably cheat on the trophy too.”

Dawn tried to stop laughing but failed miserably. “Sir… I know he used to be like that. But he’s changed. I love this side of him. He’s trying. Really hard.”

Hugo’s chest swelled in pride, smiling like he’d just been crowned king.

David hummed, eyeing her. “If he hurts you—call me.”

Hugo whipped his head toward him. “Really, dad? I’m your son.”

“And that’s exactly why she’ll need my number,” David said. “You’re unpredictable.”

Dawn snorted, covering her mouth. “I like him unpredictable.”

David sighed. “Lord help you.”

—

Iris and Robert stood at one of the high tables, sipping champagne while they waited for Hades and Bluey to approach.

“Mom, Dad,” Hades greeted.

“Son,” Iris said, pulling him into a brief hug.

“Good evening, ma’am. Good evening, Mr. President,” Bluey said politely.

“Good day, dear. No need to be so formal,” Robert chuckled.

“So,” Iris said, eyes narrowing playfully, “are you going to introduce her to us? Or do we still have to keep waiting?”

“This is Bluey,” Hades said. “She’s my girlfriend.”

“Girlfriend?” Robert blinked, genuinely surprised. “Didn’t think we’d ever get to this day.”

“She’s really beautiful,” Iris added.

“Thank you, ma’am,” Bluey replied with a small smile — though her gaze kept flicking to Iris’s cape.
The Joker emblem.
She needed to talk to that woman alone. Desperately.

“So, my dear,” Robert said with curiosity, “how on earth did you make this guy fall in love with you?”

“I’m curious too,” Iris added. “This boy is cold as hell.”

“I… don’t know,” Bluey admitted. “It just happened.”

“Love at first sight,” Hades said casually.

Both Robert and Iris turned to stare at him.

Hades looked at Bluey and couldn’t stop staring at her, not even with his parents right there.

When Robert asked how they fell in love, Hades let out a small breath, almost embarrassed at how soft he had become.

“The first time I saw her… something just snapped in my head. A spark or whatever you want to call it. I actually went crazy trying to understand why she affected me like that.”

Bluey’s eyes widened slightly, her cheeks warming, while Iris watched them with a hand over her chest, smiling far too sweetly.

“Hades,” Iris whispered, giggling. “Oh my goodness… my son is so in love.”

As if proving her right, Hades reached for Bluey’s hand and lifted it to his lips, kissing her knuckles slowly, almost reverently.

Before Iris could squeal again, a sharp throat-clearing interrupted them.

Miss Dora stood at their table, hands clasped behind her back, posture stiff.

“Good evening, ma’am. Sir,” she greeted politely, then her eyes landed on Hades. “I need to speak with Hades. Right now. I demand his attention for a moment.”

Robert exchanged a tense look with his son. Hades frowned slightly but nodded, releasing Bluey’s hand before following Miss Dora out of the ballroom.

*

Across the hall, Loci was chewing loudly, already on his third plate.

“Guys, the food tonight is so good,” he said with his mouth full. “And honestly? I can’t wait for the duel.”

Nia raised a brow. “What if you get picked? Aren’t you nervous at all?”

“Of course I’m nervous,” Loci shrugged, “but it’s not like I can do anything about it.”

Natalie wasn’t listening. Her eyes were locked on the doors as Hades stepped out with Miss Dora, the tension obvious in her face.

“Guys, I’ll be back in a bit,” Natalie said abruptly, standing up.

“Um… okay?” Nia replied, confused as she watched Natalie hurry away.

—–

Iris held Bluey’s hand as they walked out of the ballroom’s main hall, stopping just outside the entrance.

“So dear, what is it you wanted to talk about?” Iris asked gently.

“You’re the Joker, right? I know what the Joker is.” Bluey said.

Iris stiffened, stepping back slightly.
“What do you mean?”

“I know about what this school is running underground. Seriously? Organ harvesting?” Bluey said.

Iris immediately covered her mouth.
“Keep it down. How do you know?”

“I’m supposing you know who Raul is. From your set?” Bluey asked.

“Raul? Isn’t… he dead? He’s still alive? How come?” Iris whispered.

“I’m working for him. Help me, Iris. Help us stop the school’s system.” Bluey said.

“You can’t win against her,” Iris warned. “She’s powerful. She has hundreds of armies. If she finds out who you are, she’ll kill you. Not just you… everyone in MIA will be in danger because you’re trying to play the hero.”

“I’m not trying to play the hero. I’m trying to do the right thing. If you can tell me who the Joker is, things would be easier. I can convince him to join us.” Bluey said.

“Bluey, I’m telling you now—stop this. Stop whatever you’re doing. Once you’re done with this school, you leave. Stop trying to stir up trouble.” Iris said firmly.

“But you know who the Joker is?” Bluey asked.

Iris held her gaze, then slowly looked away.

“I don’t know who the Joker for your set is. Like I said, it’s better you leave it that way.” Iris said and tried to walk away.

“Leave it that way? Did you enjoy doing it too? Butchering all those people? Was it fun? Did it give you satisfaction?” Bluey fired at her.

Tears immediately welled in Iris’s eyes.

“Answer me, Iris!” Bluey snapped.

“I had no choice!” Iris burst out. “Yes, I know what happened was inhumane, I know, okay? But do you think I did that willingly? I didn’t have a fucking choice!”

“Do you know why I’m doing this?” Bluey said, voice breaking but steady.

“I’m doing it because I want a peaceful life afterwards. With Hades. I don’t want this fucking school existing knowing one day my kids would be dragged into this hell. I can’t stand the shady shit this school is about.”

“If you… want a normal life with Hades,a peaceful one…then just stop.” Iris whispered. “Stop what you’re doing, or—”

“Or what?” Bluey demanded.

“You’re going to lose him, Bluey. You’re going to lose him.” Iris said.

—–

The room was dim, the overhead light humming softly as Hades walked in with Miss Dora. The door didn’t fully close; it stopped just short, leaving a narrow slit open.

Natalie stood in the hallway.

Her eyes drifted to the gap.

Curiosity.
Nervousness.
Something wrong.

She stepped closer and peeked in.

Madam Rue stood with her arms crossed, tension radiating off her.

“So what exactly are you planning on doing about the spies in MIA? They fucking killed the guards and guess what? They know about the organ harvesting, Joker.” Madam Rue’s voice was firm, accusing.

Natalie’s entire body froze.

Her breath caught.

Her heart dropped to her stomach.

Hades… is the Joker?

“So Desiree probably was just a decoy? There are only 14 students in MIA, and there’s more than one spy? “Miss Dora shook her head.

Natalie stepped back.

The words echoed in her head, ringing so loud she felt dizzy. She staggered back a step, her pulse thundering in her ears.

She tried to move, to run, to do something, but her legs trembled so badly she couldn’t even control them.

She needed to warn Bluey. She needed to warn Hyce, Sergio, to tell them who the Joker is.

She turned—

And slammed right into someone.

Hades.

His eyes darkened the second he saw her face.

“You.” His voice was low, dangerous.

Natalie’s breath hitched.

“I… suspected it and I was fucking right.” Her voice was shaking. “How could you do that to those innocent students? How could you lie to Bluey, she trusts you.”

Hades stared straight through her. “So you’re the spy?”

“I’m… not.” Natalie stepped back, her entire body trembling. Her voice cracked. “Hades, I’m not.”

“So what are you blabbing on about?” he asked quietly, too quietly. “How’d you know about all this?”

Natalie didn’t answer.

She turned and she ran. She barely made two steps before a hand fisted in her hair.

A sharp yank.

A scream that almost escaped.

Her body went flying backward, slamming onto the floor, the breath knocked out of her. Pain burst through her skull where her hair was still trapped in his grip.

“Hades— Hades wait— please—”

She didn’t finish.

His boot slammed into her stomach.

The air punched out of her lungs. She curled, choking, tears spilling instantly as the shock ripped through her body.

Her mouth opened, but no sound came out.

She tried to crawl, her hands weak and shaking, her mind screaming at her to move…..move…..F+KING MOVE—

But terror had strangled every inch of her.

She couldn’t even breathe and Hades’ shadow fell over her.

Cold. Huge and Merciless.

Natalie realized then, She wasn’t facing the Hades everyone else knew.

She was facing the Joker. A darker, ruthless devil.

—–

Hades dragged her toward the balcony upstairs, his grip like iron around her arm.

Natalie stumbled, shoes scraping against the wooden floor, before he shoved her hard against the metal barricade.

The night wind slapped her face, cold and merciless.

“So… are you going to kill me?” she spat, shaking but refusing to look away from him. “Answer me, you murderer!”

“Will you watch her keep on blabbing, Joker? Or will you do something about it?” Behind him, Rue’s voice slithered through the tension.

“You two are monsters!”Natalie whipped her head between them.

Hades didn’t even think before he struck her.

His fist crashed into her jaw with such force her head snapped sideways. Blood sprayed across the railing as she choked on a sob.

“Shut up, will you?” he growled, voice low, dangerous, almost bored.

But then his eyes sharpened—cold, calculating.

“Who are the other spies?” he asked calmly.

“Your sister? Aris? Trevor? Morgan? Hugo? Hyce? Sergio? Gomez? Loci? Nia?” His fingers curled around her chin, squeezing. “Or is it Bluey? Talk.”

Her eyes blazed with rage and fear.

“Leave them out of this! All they want to do is stop this demon from taking innocent lives!” She spat blood at his shoes.

“I can’t believe Bluey is in love with a hideous monster like you! You’re a—”

“Natalie.” Hades stepped closer. So close she could feel his breath brush her cheek.

And then—

He wrapped his arms around her. A soft, unsettling hug.

“H-Hades?”Natalie froze.

His lips brushed her ear.

“I’m sorry.”

STAB !!

Her eyes widened. Air fled her lungs in a strangled gasp as the blade sank into her chest.

She grasped his shirt, trembling violently.

“You… bastard…” she choked.

STAB—deeper this time.
Her knees buckled.

STAB—straight through her core.
Her cry dissolved into a wet, cracking sound.

Hades stepped away slowly, letting her slump forward against the railing. Her fingers reached weakly toward him, then collapsed.

Without a word, he shoved her over the balcony.

Rue approached him with a slow, pleased smile.

“Good job, my boy. For a moment, I thought you’d forgotten where your loyalty lies.”

Hades didn’t answer. He only stared over the edge—expression unreadable, breath steady, hands still warm from the kill.

—-
DOWNSTAIRS……..

DROP!!

The sound wasn’t human.

Bluey flinched at the thud before she even turned. Her heart stuttered, her breath hitching painfully in her chest.

Iris gasped beside her.
But Bluey… Bluey froze.

Her eyes slowly lifted toward the crumpled body lying on the marble floor, limbs twisted, blood blooming across the tiles like a dark and spreading flower.

The metallic scent rushed into her nose, sickening—before her brain could even register the face.

Natalie.

The knife still jutted out of her chest… the same chest that had been rising and falling with breath just minutes ago.

Her skull had cracked on impact, a thin stream of blood leaking down to meet the rest pooling beneath her.

Bluey’s fingers started trembling first.
Then her lips.
Then her entire body.

“No… no… no…” she whispered, but no sound truly formed—just air.

Her knees buckled slightly, her vision tunneling.

She stumbled forward one step, then another, her throat squeezing shut as if refusing to let the truth in.

Her breath turned ragged.
Her mind blanked.
Her chest collapsed with crushing disbelief.

A cold wave of horror washed over her skin, crawling up her spine like ice.

This can’t be real. This can’t be her.
Not Natalie and certainly not like this.

Her shaking hands reached toward nothing, suspended in mid-air, as if trying to pull time back, as if she could catch Natalie before she hit the ground.

Her heartbeat slammed violently against her ribs.

A strangled sound tore out of her, not quite a scream—more a breaking.

And then everything inside her cracked.

Her eyes widened in terror, agony tearing through every inch of her.

Finally—

“NOOOOOOO!!”

The scream ripped out of her as she fell to her knees, hands flying to her mouth, her whole soul shattering at the sight before her.

.

»𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐝 ✰