On The Grounds Of Hell – Episode 1

On The Grounds Of Hell – Episode 1

  {•𝑩𝒍𝒖𝒆𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑯𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒔•}

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞: 𝑰’𝒍𝒍 𝑳𝒆𝒕 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝑯𝒆𝒓.

ʙʏ ʙᴀʀʙɪᴇʟʟᴇ 

  -ʟᴜᴄᴋ ɪs ᴀɴ ɪʟʟᴜsɪᴏɴ-

♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤

★ 𝐙𝐮̈𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐳𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝- 𝐇𝐚𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐡𝐧𝐡𝐨𝐟 (𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥) ★

The loudspeaker crackled overhead, switching between German and English.

“𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑! 𝐙𝐮̈𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐇𝐚𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐡𝐧𝐡𝐨𝒇. 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏.”

The crowd stirred to life. Businessmen adjusted their coats, students slipped on earbuds, and tourists hurried for the exit with maps clutched in hand. 

Amid the rush, Bluey stepped carefully down from the carriage, dragging a small,  suitcase behind her.

She looked out of place among the polished city commuters. Her long beige skirt brushed her ankles, paired with a white turtleneck tucked neatly in. 

A soft cardigan hung loosely from her shoulders, and her sneakers were slightly scuffed from travel. Her long, wavy, and black hair, fell in loose strands over her face, glowing golden under the terminal lights.

There was a lightness in her eyes, a quiet happiness. The kind of face that explains pure innocence and naiveness.

She tightened her grip on the suitcase handle and followed the signs leading outside. The air hit her cold and clean.

 Zürich looked big…. bigger than she remembered, with its glass buildings and speeding trams but she smiled anyway.

The bus terminal was a short walk away. Bluey found the right stop, checked the fare, and chose the cheaper route.

 She climbed aboard, dragging her luggage with a soft grunt before sinking into a seat near the window.

Her reflection stared back at her — soft cheeks flushed from the cold, lips parted slightly as she exhaled a shaky breath. 

As the bus doors shut with a hiss, Bluey whispered under her breath,

“Here we go.”

 She hadn’t seen this city since she was two. Her parents worked for rich people , her father, a driver; her mother, a maid and she was sent to live with her grandmother in a quiet mountain village. 

All she ever knew of Zürich came from her mother’s stories. Bright streets, polished cars, and people who never looked down.

Now she was back. 

Then her phone buzzed in her pocket.

She smiled before even answering.

“Mom.”

“Bluey?” Maureen’s voice came through the speaker, breathless and full of worry. “Are you here already?”

“Yeah, I just got off the train,” Bluey said, her voice light. “It’s so big here, Mom. I forgot how beautiful it is.”

Her mother sighed on the other end.

 “Just be careful, okay? Don’t talk to anyone. The city’s not s playground. People here look at girls like you and think too much.”

“I’ll be fine, Mom.”

“Promise me you’ll go straight to the Estate. No wandering around, no sightseeing.”

“I promise,” Bluey murmured, smiling even though Maureen couldn’t see it. “I’ll text you when I get there.”

“You better.”

“I will, Mom.”

—-

★ 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐫’𝐬 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 ★

The cab rattled down a quiet, paved road lined with tall oaks that shadowed the sky. The city hum had long faded behind her, replaced by the distant whistle of wind and the crunch of gravel under tires.

When the car slowed to a stop before a sprawling white-bricked estate, Bluey’s breath caught.

“This is the place,” She murmured, her voice small, the words almost lost to the wind.

The cab drove off, leaving her alone with her suitcase and the faint sound of fountains from the front garden. The Sinclair name gleamed on the iron gates.

She pressed the doorbell.

Moments later, a uniformed security guard appeared, scanning her from head to toe before the gates creaked open.

“Good afternoon,” She said politely.

He nodded curtly, taking her bag without a word.

Her shoes crunched softly against the pebbled path as she walked in, each step bringing her closer to the mansion that loomed like a quiet palace.

And then—

“Mom!”

Bluey barely got the word out before Maureen came rushing from the side door, wiping her hands on her apron.

“Bluey!”

The  woman’s voice trembled with love and joy as her daughter threw her arms around her. Maureen held her tight, pressing a kiss to her hair, the scent of soap and comfort wrapping around Bluey like home.

“I can’t believe you’re here,” Maureen whispered, her eyes misty. “You’ve grown so much since I last saw you.”

 “I missed you so much.” Bluey smiled into her shoulder.

They stayed like that for a long moment — two of them quietly embracing  before Maureen pulled back, brushing at her cheeks.

“Come on,” She said softly. “Let’s go inside before Madam sees us standing out here.”

—

The mansion’s interior smelled faintly of jasmine and money. Polished marble floors reflected the afternoon light. 

They entered the dining room.

At the far end of the long glass table sat Corazon Sinclair, elegant and cold in a cream silk blouse, slicing into a salad with mechanical precision. 

Across from her, Morgan, her daughter, scrolled lazily through her phone, barely glancing up.

Maureen stood straighter, her voice quiet but firm.

“Ma’am, this is my daughter, Bluey. She just arrived.”

“Good afternoon, ma’am.”Bluey bowed slightly, her tone respectful and shy.

Corazon didn’t respond. Her gaze flicked up once… cool, distant before dropping back to her plate as though Bluey didn’t exist.

The silence stretched.

Then Morgan looked up, finally setting her phone down, her voice slicing through the air like a whip.

“Weren’t you taught table manners? Can’t you see we’re eating?”She said, a disgusting scoff tugging her lips.

Bluey froze, her lips parting slightly in shock.

“I’m sorry,” Bluey mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.

“You better be.” Morgan said sharply, rolling her eyes before returning to her phone.

The air shifted when heavy footsteps echoed down the grand staircase.

Gael appeared, adjusting his cufflinks as he descended, his expression calm and unreadable, the kind of authority that didn’t need to raise its voice.

“I’m heading off. I have a meeting.” Gael said, leaning down to press a quick kiss on Corazon’s cheek.

“Good afternoon, Dad,” Morgan said, her tone suddenly bright.

Gael only nodded in response, not sparing her more than a glance. Morgan’s smile faltered, her fingers curling into a tight fist beneath the table.

“Good day, sir,” Bluey greeted politely, her hands clasped nervously in front of her.

Gael paused mid-step, his gaze softening slightly as he turned toward her.

“You’re Bluey, right?”

“Yes, sir.”

“How was the journey? I hope you didn’t get lost.”

 “No, sir. Thank you again for paying for my tuition. It means a lot to me.” Bluey shook her head, a small, grateful smile on her face.

 “No problem. Just settle in and be comfortable. School starts tomorrow and you’ll be leaving with Morgan.” He nodded once, almost dismissively but not unkind.

Bluey glanced at Morgan, who met her eyes with a look so sharp and disgusted it could cut glass.

“Okay, sir,” Bluey replied softly.

“I’ll be leaving now, and Morgan, let’s talk when I get back.” Gael said sternly.

“Yes dad.”Morgan clenched her fists.

Gael walked past them, his cologne trailing faintly in the air before the sound of the front door closing echoed through the house.

“Dear, come with me,” Maureen said quickly, placing a gentle hand on Bluey’s shoulder.

Bluey followed her mother out of the dining room, feeling Morgan’s cold gaze burn into her back all the way to the hall.

Morgan’s phone lay forgotten beside her glass of juice. Her  eyes blazing as she stared at the door.

“How dare Dad spend his money on that petty maid’s daughter,” She spat, voice trembling with fury. “You are reading from www.mhiztaemy.com.ng” “Is she the only loyal servant in this house to deserve such huge rewards?  What about me?”

 “Lower your voice, Morgan.” Corazon dabbed the corner of her mouth delicately with a napkin, unbothered.

“No, Mom,” Morgan snapped.

 “He’s my father! And he doesn’t even look at me half the time. But the second that girl shows up, he suddenly cares? He pays her tuition? He cares about everyone but his own child? Seriously? My school? I wanna see her try!”She let out a bitter laugh.

Corazon set her utensils down, folding her hands elegantly on the table. Her eyes glimmered coldly as she regarded her daughter. 

“You’re overreacting.”

“Overreacting?” Morgan pushed back her chair, standing abruptly. 

“That dirty countryside girl walks in here like she belongs, that dirty thing? You saw him, Mom. He looked at her like she mattered.”

Corazon’s lips curved into a slow, almost amused smile.

 “That’s because your father has always had a weakness for strays. It makes him feel merciful, important.” She leaned back, crossing one leg over the other.

 “But don’t worry, darling. He won’t notice her for long.”

 “What do you mean?”Morgan frowned.

“I mean, that once you’re back at school, she’s yours.” Corazon said softly, almost purring the words, 

 “Mine?”Morgan blinked, unsure if she heard right.

 “Do whatever you want with her. You can finally let out your anger, just don’t get on your daddy’s bad side for now. Do you understand?”

Morgan’s anger cooled into something darker, a cruel smile tugging at her lips. 

“Oh, I understand perfectly.”

Corazon reached for her wine glass and swirled it slowly.

—-

– 𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬-

Banjo stormed into Maureen’s quarters, his face dark with anger. The door banged against the wall as Bluey jumped from her seat, startled. 

She stood quickly, her fork clattering on the plate she’d been eating from.

“Hi, Dad,” She said softly, forcing a smile.

Banjo’s eyes narrowed. 

“Don’t ‘hi, Dad’ me, Bluey. What was that nonsense you pulled at the dining just now?” His tone was sharp, every word laced with fury. 

“Do you have any idea how you embarrassed me? How you embarrassed this family?”

 “I didn’t mean to—” Bluey’s voice trembled.

“You never mean to, do you?” Banjo cut her off.

 “ Do you even remember who you are? We owe everything we have to the Sinclairs. Everything, Bluey. Our house, your education, even the food you’re eating.”

Maureen rose from her seat, her hands shaking slightly. “Banjo, that’s enough. She didn’t disrespect anyone. Corazon was the one who—”

Banjo turned to her sharply. 

“Don’t you dare defend her. You’ve spoiled this girl enough already. Maybe if you taught her some gratitude, she wouldn’t act like she’s forgotten where she came from.”

 “I didn’t do anything wrong, Dad. I was just…. trying to be nice…”Bluey’s eyes filled with tears.

“Quiet!” He snapped, his voice echoing through the room. “You think the Sinclairs will keep helping us if you keep running your mouth like that? You think they’ll tolerate your attitude?”

He shook his head in disgust, glaring at her one last time.

 “You should be ashamed. Be thankful Corazon didn’t throw you out of here.”

Then he turned and left, slamming the door so hard the walls seemed to tremble.

Bluey stood frozen, tears spilling down her cheeks. Maureen rushed to her, holding her gently.

“Why does he hate me, Mom?” Bluey sobbed, her voice breaking. “Why is he always like that with me?”

Maureen stroked her hair, fighting back her own tears.

 “He doesn’t hate you, baby,” She whispered, though her voice quivered. “He’s just… angry at the world. But you didn’t deserve that.”

Bluey shook her head, crying harder.

 “Then why does it feel like I’m the only one he’s angry at?”

—-

★ 𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐁 ★ 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

The club pulsed with music and light, the bass thumping through the floor like a racing heartbeat. 

Neon streaks flickered across dancing bodies, laughter and shouts rising above the DJ’s mix. The scent of perfume, liquor, and smoke blended in the air.

In one corner, Morgan sat pressed against Trevor, their lips locked in a hungry kiss as she giggled between breaths. 

Her arm draped lazily around his neck, his hand resting a little too low on her waist. They looked lost in their own world, oblivious to everything else.

Across the room, Sergio sat stiffly at a booth with Dawn and Desiree, his knee bouncing restlessly under the table. 

His eyes kept darting to the entrance, his jaw tight, fists clenched against his thighs.

“Sergio, calm down,” Dawn muttered, leaning closer so he could hear her over the music.

“Yeah, man.” Desiree added, swirling her drink. “You’re gonna explode at this rate.”

“I can’t,” Sergio snapped, his tone low but edged with fury. “If I don’t see him right now, I’m gonna lose it.”

“Geez, this obsession is real. You’ve been tense all night. You even turned down a drink, which says a lot.” Dawn sighed, shaking her head

 “He’s been like this since we walked in. I swear, if he doesn’t show up soon, Sergio’s gonna burn the whole place down.” Desiree smirked.

 “He said he’d be here when I checked his last IG post. I’m not calming down until I see him.” Sergio’s eyes scanned the crowd again, impatient, wild, desperate.

“Or until you cause a scene. You’re starting to look like a storm about to break loose.” Dawn muttered, crossing her arms.

Sergio didn’t answer. The lights flashed red across his face, highlighting the raw tension in his jaw. His chest rose and fell in uneven rhythm with the beat of the music.

Immediately, the entire club seemed to shift.

The moment the doors swung open, the air thickened with excitement. Neon lights flickered toward the entrance as three figures stepped through, and in an instant, the screams erupted from every corner.

 Students jumped from their seats, phones out, flashes igniting the room like fireworks.

Hugo Vance walked in first, dressed in a crisp white button-up with the sleeves rolled to his elbows, black tailored pants, and a silver chain glinting against his throat. 

He oozed calm arrogance, flashing a grin that had half the crowd melting.

Beside him, Hyce Kline looked effortlessly charming in a soft pink sweater and matching trousers, the kind that only he could pull off without losing his edge. 

His curly blonde hair framed his face perfectly, and his pink lips curved into a teasing smile that drew a collective sigh from the girls in front.

Sergio froze mid-drink, his grip tightening around the glass.

 “F+k,” He muttered, eyes darting to Hyce.

“Hyce is going to kill me. How can a guy be this f+king pretty.”

“You’re so gone.”Desiree chuckled.

But when Hades Laurel stepped in, the atmosphere shifted completely.

He was dressed in all black—black shirt, black slacks, black gloves, black boots. 

A sleek black mask concealed the lower half of his face, leaving only those sharp, unreadable eyes exposed. 

His presence was quiet but commanding, the kind of energy that didn’t need to speak to be felt. 

Every step he took demanded attention.

He doesn’t need aura, bro IS the AURA.

🗣️ “All hail the King of MIA!” Someone shouted from the club.

💬 “Hades!! Hades!! Hades!!”

 Echoed through the crowd, chants growing louder until it felt like the walls might burst.

Hades Laurel was the type of man people couldn’t quite figure out. He wasn’t loud, reckless, or desperate for attention like most of the golden boys at MIA—he commanded attention simply by existing. 

 He was known for his nonchalance and smartness, that cool indifference that only made people want him more. 

Hades wasn’t a bad boy, but he wasn’t good either. He played by his own rules, carried a quiet danger that made people think twice before crossing him. 

And  beneath that cold exterior, there was something more, walls  he built around his heart no one could climb.

No girl had ever gotten close enough to figure him out. Many had tried. All failed.

Then there was Hugo Vance, Hades’s polar opposite and the group’s self-proclaimed “charm dispenser.” He was the bad boy every rulebook warned about, how arrogant, flirtatious, and a complete smart-mouth. 

 He broke hearts for sport, laughed in the face of authority, and somehow still aced exams without ever looking like he tried. If Hades was the wildfire, Hugo was the storm, beautiful, dangerous, and impossible to contain.

And Hyce Kline, the “baby” of the trio. Pretty enough to make girls envious and boys uneasy. 

 Beneath that delicate charm was raw power. Hyce could outfight anyone , he’s insanely strong that even Hades himself sometimes find difficult to conquer.

He was openly gay, shamelessly confident, and sometimes more brutal with words than  with fists.

Together, the three were chaos wrapped in perfection. MIA’s untouchable kings.

You must be wondering what MIA is, you’ll find put later.

At the corner table, Trevor’s expression darkened as the trio crossed the club like gods among mortals. His jaw clenched, and his grip on Morgan’s thigh tightened.

“I hate this guy,” Trevor muttered, eyes locked on Hades.

Trevor wasn’t exaggerating. He and Hades had been enemies long before they even met.  Their fathers’ rivalry was legendary right back from MIA.

Anthony del Mundo had spent years trying to destroy Hades’s father, and now that feud had spilled into their sons.

 To Trevor, Hades wasn’t just a rival, he was a reminder that no matter how much power the del Mundos had, the Laurels still reigned supreme.

“You’re not the only one.” Morgan scoffed, glaring at the Hades. “He’s so cocky and proud. They all are.”

You all know Morgan Sinclair. Daughter of Gael and Corazon Sinclair—billionaires, and Anthony del Mundo’s biggest backers. The Sinclairs had funded every one of Anthony’s political campaigns, buying influence and loyalty in return.

And for Morgan, that loyalty meant one thing—Hades Laurel was the enemy.

“Guys, I’m off.”Gomez said, standing up from where he sat beside Juniper.

Juniper frowned and clenched her fists as Gomez left. She took a glass of alcohol and downed it.

“Honestly, I don’t understand you two. Are you dating already? Or is he not over Hyce?”Trevor asked.

“I don’t know. I don’t know where I stand with him at this point. They broke up for 5 months now and I still haven’t been able to win him over.”Juniper groaned and downed her drink.

“Girl, you are cooked.”Morgan said.

“I’ll find a way.”Juniper said determined.

—

“You guys want any drink?” Hyce asked, glancing between his two friends.

“Why did you two even drag me here?” Hades muttered, his tone flat and uninterested.

“You wouldn’t come if I asked you nicely,” Hugo replied with a lazy grin, lounging back on the couch. “Besides, it’s a school club party. Final days of the holiday before we go back to that hell disguised as a school , so live a little.”

“School party, hmm,” Hades scoffed, resting an elbow on the armrest. “Thrown by Trevor. You know how much I hate associating with that loser.”

“You can’t avoid him even if you want to,” Hugo said, raising a brow.

“Wine or whiskey?” Hyce interrupted, already standing.

“Strawberry wine,” Hugo answered, smirking.

“Whiskey.” Hades said curtly.

 “Typical.”Hyce rolled his eyes.

He slipped away from their booth, weaving through the crowd until he reached the drink counter. The music was loud, lights flashing in bursts of red and blue.

“Two glasses of whiskey and one strawberry wine,” Hyce said to the bartender.

The man nodded and turned to prepare them.

“Hyce.”

The familiar voice made him freeze. He turned sharply, already rolling his eyes before he even saw the face.

“Gomez, I am not in the mood,” Hyce said, his voice flat with annoyance.

“C’mon. You ignored me all summer. Do you really hate me that much?” Gomez stepped closer, his voice low, teasing but with a dangerous edge.

“Are you just finding that out?” Hyce replied coolly, his arms crossed, eyes never leaving Gomez’s.

“Can’t we just be… mutual?” Gomez’s voice softened, almost pleading, as he reached for Hyce’s hand.

“Haven’t you heard the saying that exes don’t stay friends?” Hyce shot back, his tone sharp.

“Please, Hyce. Look, I’m begging you already. I’m sorry.”

Before Hyce could react, Gomez wrapped his arms around him in a hug that lingered a heartbeat too long, his body pressing gently against Hyce’s. 

There was a softness to it, but the closeness, the warmth, the subtle brush of lips near his ear, Hyce’s cheeks twitched with annoyance and disgust.

“If you don’t let go of me this second, all your teeth will be on the floor,” Hyce growled, yanking himself away with a shove.

Gomez stepped back, hands raised in  surrender, a sly grin on his face.

“Stop coming close to me. I f+king despise you,” Hyce spat, glaring.

He grabbed the drinks from the counter and strode back to his table, leaving Gomez smirking but unbothered in the neon glow of the club.

Hyce walked back to the table, balancing the drinks carefully before settling them in front of Hugo and Hades.

 He grabbed the bottle of whiskey with a small, satisfied smile and took a long sip, savoring the burn.

Before he could take another, Hades’s hand shot out and snatched the bottle from him.

“Hey!” Hyce protested, pouting slightly, his pink lips trembling in mock indignation.

“Didn’t I tell you to stop drinking alcohol?” Hades said, voice calm but firm, his sharp gaze pinning Hyce in place.

“It’s just one glass,” Hyce replied, trying to sound defiant, but there was a soft tremble in his voice.

“One glass, and you’re already drunk. You know how low your tolerance for alchohol is.” Hades said, narrowing his eyes, the corner of his mouth twitching in irritation.

“I won’t get too drunk, I promise,” Hyce added, attempting a brave smile, but his tiny frame and delicate features betrayed him.

“I don’t trust you,” Hugo said, sliding the strawberry drink across the table toward him.

 “Strawberry? I’m not a baby!”Hyce scrunched his nose at it.

“I better not catch you drinking alcohol,” Hugo added, his tone teasing but protective, eyes softening just a fraction as he watched Hyce carefully.

Hyce huffed and crossed his arms, stomping his foot slightly. 

“You two are so damn mean,” He muttered, but the pout on his lips made it impossible for anyone to take him seriously.

He stood and turned then walked a few steps away, still clutching the glass, his curls bouncing lightly with each step.

“Hyce!” Hugo called, his voice tinged with concern.

“Let him be,” Hades said quietly.

—-

“Arent you going to talk to him?” Dawn asked, tilting her head and giving Sergio a pointed look.

“I’m suddenly having cold feet,” Sergio muttered, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

“I don’t get you,” Desiree said, frowning. “You were so worked up about talking to him, and now you’re backing out. Don’t be a coward.”

“No… I’m now kinda scared. He looks pissed off,” Sergio admitted, his hands tightening around the glass in front of him.

Dawn rolled her eyes, grabbed a fistful of his hair, and yanked him up from the seat before giving him a little shove forward.

“Stop being so shy and go talk to him! Seize the chance now he’s alone!” She urged, her voice firm but encouraging.

Sergio stumbled a step, took a deep breath, and squared his shoulders, knowing he had no choice but to face whoever he’d been obsessing over for months.

“I don’t get that guy.”Dawn scoffed.

—

Sergio approached cautiously, eyes fixed on Hyce, who was swirling the strawberry wine in his glass, the deep red staining his lips.

“Hyce,” Sergio began, his voice slightly shaky.

Hyce slowly lifted his gaze, arching a brow, clearly unimpressed.

“It’s been… long. I mean, all summer. I didn’t get to see you,” Sergio continued, trying to sound casual but failing.

Hyce said nothing, taking another sip.

“I sent you countless texts, but you ignored them all,” Sergio added, his hands twitching slightly.

Hyce remained silent, staring at the glass as if weighing whether to respond.

“You’re not saying anything?” Sergio asked nervously, shifting from foot to foot.

“Just because we f+ked once, you assume that we’re automatically close?” Hyce’s voice was sharp, cutting through the music and chatter of the club.

“I just…” Sergio hesitated, his words trailing.

“What? Want to f+k me again? Let’s do it,” Hyce snapped, setting the glass down with a little too much force.

“Hyce, that’s not it,” Sergio said quickly, trying to explain.

“Then what?” Hyce leaned closer, eyes narrowing.

“Um… are you still dating Gomez?” Sergio asked, trying to steady his voice.

“Yes. Got a problem?” Hyce lied, smirking coldly.

Sergio shook his head, shoulders tense.

“Don’t f+king piss me off,” Hyce warned, bumping his shoulder into Sergio’s as he turned sharply and walked past him, leaving Sergio frozen in place.

“That… hurt my feelings,” Sergio muttered quietly, watching him go.

—

“I’m leaving, mom called. Take care of Hyce,” Hades said, standing and stretching slightly, his mask reflecting the neon lights of the club.

“Okay, bro. See you in school tomorrow,” Hugo replied, bumping him lightly on the shoulder before Hades left through the crowd and disappearing.

★ OUTSIDE ★

 Trevor and Morgan were at the parking lot, illuminated by the club’s flashing lights.

 Trevor lounged on the hood of his car, a bottle of whiskey dangling from one hand, while Morgan leaned against the sleek paint, smoke curling lazily from her cigarette.

“You look pissed more than usual. What’s wrong?” Trevor asked, taking a swig from the bottle.

Morgan puffed smoke, eyes narrowing. “It’s this low-life girl that my dad decided to pay tuition for and take in.”

“What about her?” Trevor asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Daddy has never looked at me or even shown interest in me for once,” Morgan snapped, exhaling another plume of smoke.

 “He doesn’t like me, doesn’t care what I do, everything about me pisses him off—and then suddenly some girl from nowhere just catches his interest? He just feels like he has to be a good man by taking responsibility for her education, just because her mom’s a loyal maid?”

“You sound jealous.” Trevor muttered.

“I’m not jealous of that rag. I’d swear dad was having an affair with that pathetic maid if he didn’t love mommy,” Morgan continued, her voice sharp with venom.

 “I just hate that he acknowledges everyone but his own daughter.”

“Maybe he loves you but expects more? I’m really certain Uncle loves you so much. Why not increase your ranking at MIA and see his reaction?” Trevor suggested, taking another long swig.

“I’m already in the top five. What else does he want?” Morgan retorted, grinding her cigarette out against the car.

“Maybe if you stopped hanging out with this pea-sized brain, you’d figure it out,” A calm, dangerous voice cut through the night.

Morgan and Trevor both looked up to see Hades standing there, all-black attire and mask glinting in the streetlights.

“F+king Christ,” Morgan hissed, tossing her drink, the bottle shattering on the floor.

“Who are you calling pea-sized brain, huh?” Trevor growled, jumping down from the car hood, fists clenched.

“Did you hear ‘Trevor is a pea-sized brain’ come from my mouth? Why so triggered?” Hades asked, voice quiet and precise.

“You should learn how to mind your fucking business, Hades.” Morgan snapped, stepping forward.

“I am minding it.” He said coolly, nodding toward his bike. “You two are in my way.”

Without warning he stepped closer, too close. The night air between them seemed to thin.

 Hades reached and plucked the cigarette from Morgan’s lips, crushing it beneath his boot and tossing the glowing tip to the asphalt.

“Smoking isn’t good for your health, darling,” He said, as if reciting a fact.

“You motherfucking psycho,” Morgan hissed, fury flaring in her eyes.

Hades cocked his head, unimpressed. 

“Also, could you stop wearing revealing clothes all the time?” His tone was casual, almost bored.

“You must be so into me that you actually know what I wear all the time. What are you? My stalker?” she spat.

“No. Your body’s just so unattractive it makes me want to puke. What an eyesore.” He said it flat, with the same detached precision as his earlier words.

For a heartbeat Morgan went silent, the words landing like a slap. Then she inhaled, face twisting with rage, and lunged forward as if to strike—Trevor grabbed her arm and held her back.

Hades didn’t react to the movement. He turned, walked past her, swung his leg over his bike, clicked his helmet on, and without another look, roared into the night, the engine swallowing his retreat.

“Hades Laurel!! I will kill you!!” Morgan screamed after him, fingers clawing at the air.

—-

★ 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲 ★

A customized Ducati Panigale V4 screamed through the city streets, its engine roaring like a beast untamed. 

Hades leaned low, full throttle, the bike a streak of black and red lightning as it tore past cars, their horns blaring in protest.

 The wind whipped at his helmet, biting cold, slicing through him like a blade, but he didn’t slow down.

At a nearby checkpoint, an officer froze. Her radio trembled in her hand as she barked orders into the radio, voice cracking with urgency.

“The President’s son is approaching! Clear the roads, now!”

The city obeyed. Tires screeched, engines roared, and cars swerved violently to the sides, forming a path wide enough for Hades to pass through. 

Streetlights blurred in streaks of yellow and white as Hades’ bike cut through the middle, engine growling like a living predator.

Pedestrians froze, mouths agape, as if time itself had slowed. A lone pigeon took flight, startled, wings thrashing against the roar of the bike. 

Traffic officers snapped salutes, but he didn’t seem to care.

Every turn, every obstacle, every blur of neon and asphalt bent to his will. The city itself seemed to part for him, yielding to the aura of danger that clung to him like smoke.

He didn’t slow down nor did he acknowledge a single living thing around him.

Hades Laurel moved like a shadow of menace incarnate, and nothing dared challenge him.

He didn’t give a flying fuck.

—-

Bluey stepped out of the Sinclair Estates, the grand gates of Prestige Villa closing softly behind her. 

The Prestige Villa sprawled across a massive area of Zürich, a collection of estates and buildings owned by the city’s most influential figures and the Sinclair Estates was one of the buildings in it.

 Bluey’s eyes darted from one shining facade to another, and she couldn’t help but chuckle. 

Today had been a little tour of the neighborhood, and the excitement of starting school tomorrow made her steps light and quick.

Lost in the sights, she didn’t notice a raised stone in the cobblestone path. Her foot caught it, and she stumbled forward, tumbling onto the cold ground.

“Ouch!” She bit her lip, tears stinging her eyes as her hands scraped against the rough stone. 

Her long black hair tumbled over her face, hiding it from the world.

“Are you hurt?” A voice asked, deep and calm. Bluey looked up and froze. 

Three guys stood before her, their presence sharp and commanding, like shadows detached from the night.

“I’m… I’m fine.” Bluey said, trying to get up, but her feet tangled again, sending her sprawling awkwardly.

“Let’s help you.” One of the boys said with a grin, stepping closer.

The other was looking at her lustfully as he grabbed her arm.

Bluey jerked, heart thumping, caught between embarrassment and a sudden spark of caution.

Bluey tried to brush herself off, tears welling in her eyes.

“Come on, little girl, this street’s ours tonight. We’re gonna make you feel good.” One of the thugs sneered, closing in.

“Please… just leave me alone.” Bluey whimpered, backing up, but her slippers scraped against the stone, and she stumbled again.

Another stepped forward, grabbing at her arm. “What’s the matter? Scared?”

She cried, panic rising in her chest, her voice cracking as she struggled to free herself as she was pulled to a corner.

Then, suddenly, one of the men felt his feet lift off the ground. His back slammed hard into the cold wall of the fence behind them with a sickening thud. 

Another thug was kicked squarely in the jaw, staggering before hitting the cobblestones. 

The third swung at her, only to be punched with such force that he fell backward, his head striking the ground with a heavy crack.

“Who the f+k are you?” The first man spat, backing away, glaring.

“And who the f+k in his right mind harasses a girl against her will?” A calm, dangerous voice answered, muffled behind a mask.

Bluey’s eyes widened as a tall figure stepped from the shadows. 

“Stop acting like a saint, you must want this pretty girl too.” The first thug snarled, recovering, and charged at him.

The first thug lunged at him, but Hades didn’t even flinch. His movements were precise, almost surgical. 

A swift step to the side, a hard shove, and the man’s momentum sent him crashing into the wall.

 The second thug swung at him, fists wild, but Hades caught his arm mid-air, twisted it with a snap that made him yelp, and then a sharp kick sent him sprawling onto the cobblestones, jaw bloody. 

The third tried to circle around, but Hades spun, delivering a punch that lifted him off his feet and slammed him onto the ground.

Not a drop of sweat formed on Hades’ forehead. His mask hid his expression, but the ruthlessness in his movements screamed dominance.

Bluey crouched behind a low stone wall, covering her eyes and ears, the sounds of grunts, thuds, and cracking bones stabbing her senses. 

She peeked through her fingers, horrified, frozen in awe and fear.

Then—it all stopped. Silence.

“Are you okay?” The calm, dangerous voice asked.

Bluey flinched, this scent. He smelt so nice, just like Lavender. She inhaled raising her head slowly.

 Hades was crouched in front of her, and despite him bending towards her, he still towered her small frame, his gaze intense. His hair falling slightly over his eyes.

She nodded slightly, unable to speak.

Hades froze for a moment, his eyes locking on hers. Those big, doll-like eyes. Her lips, her soft features… she looked impossibly fragile and small.

“Thank you.” Bluey finally muttered, her voice barely audible. 

She scrambled to her feet and ran, her heart hammering in her chest.

“Hey… your phone.” Hades called after her, but she was already gone, disappearing into the Villa.

Hades bent down and picked up the phone she had dropped. His gloved fingers brushed the smooth surface as he checked it briefly. 

Satisfied, he slid it into his pocket, the movement effortless, precise.

Without another glance, he strode to where his bike was parked, the engine already humming like a restrained predator. 

He swung onto the bike, adjusted his helmet, and with a roar that split the night, he tore past the gates of Prestige Villa, the wind carrying the faint echo of his presence across the sprawling estates.

The city streets blurred around him, lights streaking as he disappeared into the distance, leaving only the memory of chaos and control in his wake.

—-

★ 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄 ★

The bike slowed as it neared the massive gates of the White House Estate, its engine purring like a wildcat reluctantly tamed. 

The guards, already aware of who was coming, straightened immediately. 

With a mechanical hum, the iron gates parted open, allowing the bike to glide through the long driveway lined with manicured hedges and marble fountains that shimmered under the lights.

The bike came to a smooth stop in front of the grand mansion, its engine cutting off with a sharp growl. 

The silence that followed was filled with the faint chirp of crickets and the soft rustle of evening wind.

 Hades swung his leg over the bike, pulling off his helmet and running a hand through his messy dark hair.

“Good evening, sir.” The head of security greeted, followed by a chorus of respectful nods from guards and maids who had hurried to the entrance.

He didn’t respond. Not a nod. He walked right past them, the click of his boots echoing against the marble floor of the foyer as he entered the mansion.

Inside, the first thing he saw was Iris, his mother – the First Lady- standing near the base of the staircase, her arms crossed and eyes blazing.

“Seriously?” She snapped, her voice sharp.

 “How many times do I have to tell you to stop ditching your bodyguard! And didn’t I tell you not to ride that damn bike?”

Hades dropped his helmet onto the nearest couch, sighing. 

“Mom, I’m tired. Can I go to my room?”

“Hades!”

He froze at the tone of her voice. Iris took a few quick steps forward, her heels clicking, her silk blouse fluttering slightly as she pointed at him.

 “You think I don’t worry about you? Your father has more enemies than I can count. What if something happens to you out there? What if someone recognizes you and hurts you? You think you’re invincible just because you’re strong?”

“Exactly. Mom….you know damn well who I am. No one’s gonna hurt me, I’m the strongest.” Hades grinned.

“Stop being cocky, son. You’re making me worried. All summer, I’ve been dealing with your disobedience!!”Iris snapped.

 “Mom, I’m twenty, not two. You don’t have to act like I’m still in diapers.”He rubbed his neck, trying not to smirk.

“Oh, please.” Iris scoffed, placing a hand on her hip.

 “You act like you’re eighty sometimes, and other times you act like you’re eight! Do you have any idea how terrified I was when Albert called saying you ditched him again?”

“I needed air,” Hades muttered, walking to the stairs. “And Albert follows me like a shadow. I don’t like it.”

“Well, get used to it!” Iris shot back. “Because until you can promise me you’ll be careful till you get back to MIA, you’re not going anywhere without him.”

Hades turned halfway up the stairs, meeting her worried eyes. For all her sharp words, the fear behind them was genuine.

 Her brows were pinched, and her voice softened despite her attempt to stay stern.

 “Mom…”He sighed, his tone gentler.

“Don’t ‘Mom’ me, Hades,” She said, but her tone was already breaking. “You are reading from www.mhiztaemy.com.ng ” “Just—please. Be careful. You’re all I have when your father’s too busy saving the country.”

 “I’ll bring Albert next time. Promise.” He smiled faintly, descending two steps.

 “You said that last time.”She gave him a skeptical look.

“This time, I mean it.” He grinned, walking up to her and leaning down to kiss her cheek. “You worry too much.”

“Someone has to,” she muttered, trying not to smile but failing.

“Goodnight, Madam First Lady,” He teased with a small salute before heading back up.

“Hades Laurel!” She called after him. “I’m not done talking to you!”

But he was already halfway to his room, laughing quietly to himself.

Iris watched him go, shaking her head with a sigh that was equal parts frustration and affection. 

“He gets that attitude from his father,” she mumbled to herself—then, under her breath, added, “and that charm too.”

★ 𝐇𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐦 ★

Hades entered his room, the door clicking shut behind him. He moved to the corner and peeled off his mask.

 His shirt followed, revealing a sculpted chest and toned abs, skin adorned with intricate tattoos.

He ran a hand through his dark hair, mind flashing back to the girl. Bluey.

“Does a face like that really exist? She’s… unreal. Like straight out of Disney.” He muttered, voice low, almost to himself. 

 “F+k… f+k… f+k I can’t.”His fingers ruffled through his hair again, frustration mixing with fascination.

He grabbed his phone and typed a few swift messages. Moments later, Albert appeared.

“Boss.” Albert greeted.

“I picked this up from someone earlier.” Hades handed him Bluey’s phone, his tone cold but precise.

“Find out who owns it. I want to know everything about her. To make your work easier, she was headed to the Prestige Villa.”

“Okay, boss.”

“You have until tomorrow, once you get the information send it to me. You might not see me tomorrow morning, I’m leaving for MIA early.”

“Yes, boss,” Albert replied and left.

Hades moved to the mirror, hands braced against the wall. He stared at his own reflection, eyes narrowing, then shut them, forcing the image of her face back into his mind. 

The perfect roundness of her eyes, the curve of her lips, the way she had trembled and looked so small.

His teeth pressed against his bottom lip, his pulse quickening.

“I want her…. I want her so bad.” 

.

.

.

𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐝 ✰

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