On The Grounds Of Hell – Episode 14

On The Grounds Of Hell – Episode 14

  {•𝑩𝒍𝒖𝒆𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑯𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒔•}

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

ʙʏ ʙᴀʀʙɪᴇʟʟᴇ 

  -ʟᴜᴄᴋ ɪs ᴀɴ ɪʟʟᴜsɪᴏɴ-

♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤

★𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐨’𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞★

Sergio sat on the couch, his tablet already in hand when the door opened. Strix stepped inside quietly, shutting the door behind them.

“You sure no one followed you?” Sergio asked without looking up.

“No,” Strix replied curtly, ruffling her hair as she moved closer. “I made sure of it.”

“Good.” Sergio stood, his tone calm but sharp. “Let’s get this done.”

They walked into the living room, and Sergio placed the tablet on the table, swiping across the screen before hitting the call icon. 

Within seconds, Raul’s face appeared on the screen, his surroundings dimly lit, like he wasn’t supposed to be talking at all.

“Finally,” Raul muttered. “So, were you guys able to find anything?”

Sergio leaned back in his seat, nodding toward Strix. .”

Strix crossed her arms. “Well, I found out from my friends about something quite interesting. Turns out MIA might be more than just a school. One of them suspects that MIA is using the dead bodies from the games for some underground business.”

Raul’s eyes widened slightly. “I also suspected that. I looked into most of the people who entered MIA and the ones who were expelled or killed… they’ve been completely erased. No burial records. No graves. And those listed as expelled, gone. No trace at all.”

 “So what does that mean? We can’t leave? Are we all going to die in here?”Strix frowned.

Sergio exhaled slowly, his jaw tightening. 

“I don’t think so. My Set, Robert and the others graduated. They left the school. I think the only way to actually survive is to stay until the final games or graduation day. But there’s a catch.”

Sergio leaned closer to the screen. “What kind of catch?”

“The duration,” Raul said quietly. “It isn’t consistent. The system changes it every time, some set I’ve investigated stayed for 2, 3, 4 years and counting.”

The room fell silent for a moment. Even through the screen, Raul’s expression turned grim.

“So basically,” Strix muttered, “…we’re trapped in a place that decides who gets to live or die and when.”

 “Exactly.”Sergio’s eyes hardened.

“Also, Natalie mentioned something…” Strix said.

“Is it about Hades?” Sergio asked.

“Not that. I don’t really think that is relevant — I mean, the guys a playboy, I’m not interested in that. I’m talking about Miss Dora.” Strix’s voice dropped.

“Do you know her, Raul? She’s the principal.” Sergio leaned forward.

“No. She wasn’t the principal in our time,” Raul replied. “What about her?”

“Apparently Natalie said there was a time Miss Dora summoned Jocelyn to her office,” Strix said, “…and the girl started acting weird afterwards. That led to her loss of Sigils and eventual expulsion.”

“So the principal should be the key,” Sergio said slowly.

“Exactly,” Strix answered. “If we can find out anything about what MIA really is, it’s going to start with the principal.”

“How is that possible? Her office is heavily guarded,” Sergio frowned.

Raul tapped the side of his jaw. “We can easily start something that triggers suspicion of a spy in MIA.”

“What?” Sergio and Strix said together.

“Are you out of your mind? Are you seriously trying to set us up?” Sergio snapped.

“Listen,” Raul said quietly.

“…it’s for the greater good. They’ll put the Aces in charge of finding the spy. In the process you’ll get access to the principal’s office. Your goal is to check around once you’re in her office and see if there’s any way to break in later. It’s just a phase of the plan.”

“And how do we die down the suspicion?” Strix asked, jaw tight.

“Set someone up,” Raul said flatly. “It’s that simple.”

“We’re going to set an innocent person up?” Strix’s voice cracked on the last word.

“Everyone who died in MIA is practically innocent,” Raul said, cold and flat on the screen. “So it doesn’t make a damn difference.”

Strix flinched like she’d been slapped. Sergio’s jaw tightened but he didn’t speak—he let Raul finish.

“Look, Strix,” Raul continued, softer now.

 “…we’re trying to help everybody there. I don’t know why the guards helped me escape when I thought I was done for after I lost all my sigils, but the point is this system is eating people. If we can expose the mechanism, even if it means a dirty trick or two, we can stop them from using students as livestock.”

Sergio rubbed his temple.

 “Do you have any idea who owns MIA or who runs it?” he asked.

“Someone named Madam Rue,” Raul said. “Not sure that’s a real name. I looked but  couldn’t find anything. She keeps a tight curtain.”

Strix let out a slow breath. “Okay. We’ll plan exactly when and where to manufacture suspicion about a spy.”

“Good,” Raul nodded on the screen. He leaned forward, the webcam catching the earnestness in his face. “Be careful. And I’ll say again—don’t die.”

He ended the call. The rectangular window snapped away, leaving the tablet screen black for a beat.

Strix stood up, smoothing the hem of her shirt. 

“I’m going to my dorm now. I’m kinda busy,” she said, trying for lightness that wouldn’t land.

“Go on, before your boo gets suspicious,” Sergio teased before he could stop himself.

Strix shot him a look. 

“Whatever,” she said, and left.

Sergio watched the door close, then pushed back from the couch and paced once, twice. Raul’s words hung between them, harsh and necessary. 

 The plan felt wrong and right at the same time: messy, dangerous, maybe the only way out.

Then he thought about Hyce and the possibilities of their relationship getting messy cause of this.

—–

 ★𝐀𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥★

The executive meeting room was filled with tension and curiosity. The Aces sat around the long black table. Sergio, Trevor, Hugo, Hyce, and obviously Hades isn’t here, said he wasn’t interested.

Each waiting for Miss Dora’s entrance. The room was too quiet, the air thick with that particular unease that followed every sudden summons from the principal.

The glass door slid open, and Miss Dora walked in with her usual graceful authority, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.

 Her expression was unreadable as always, her tablet in one hand, a faint smile curving her lips that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Trevor leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.

 “So, what’s this meeting about?” he asked, his tone direct but edged with mild boredom.

Miss Dora’s gaze swept across the room before she spoke.

 “Nothing serious, Trevor. I’ve been thinking the students deserve something light-hearted for once. So, I’m planning a fun camp outside the school grounds. Three days, no official games or competitions that’s involves Sigils, just… fun.”

“Fun?” Hugo raised a brow, half-smirking. “That’s weird.”

A few quiet chuckles circled the room, but Miss Dora didn’t mind.

 “Well, consider it the school being generous to its players. Out of the 300 total at resumption, new and old, only one 110  remain. I think they deserve a little reward.” she continued smoothly.

 “I would have loved it if Morgan was still an Ace. She would’ve been perfect for organizing something like this.” Her voice softened briefly, almost wistful.

Hyce glanced toward Sergio, who didn’t return the look, his focus was entirely on Miss Dora. 

Miss Dora turned her attention to Hyce.

 “Hyce,” she said, her tone brisk again, “I need you to work with Morgan and other students to plan and organize the camp. The deadline is tomorrow since we leave the following day.”

 “Tomorrow? That’s… fast.”Hyce blinked, caught slightly off guard.

 “Then I suggest you start today.”Miss Dora’s smile sharpened.

The room fell silent for a few moments, the Aces exchanging wary looks. A camp. Outside the school. With Miss Dora’s approval. Nothing about it felt “fun.”

Trevor leaned back in his chair, tapping a finger on the table.

 “A camp in MIA? That’s a first.”

Miss Dora’s smile didn’t fade. “That’s the point,” she said, before turning to leave. “I’ll be expecting your plans by morning. Don’t disappoint me.”

The door shut behind her.

For a long moment, no one spoke. Then Hugo muttered, “This smells off.”

Sergio crossed his arms, eyes narrowing toward the door. 

“Yeah,” Hyce said quietly. “But at least, we’re gonna have fun.”

The camp!! Perfect place for the plan, Sergio thought.

——

Bluey went to get the last of her things from her room and was now on her way to Hades’ suite. The hallways were mostly quiet, echoing faintly with the distant hum of voices and footsteps. 

She took a turn toward the east wing when she spotted someone sitting on the staircase at the corner.

It was Morgan. Her eyes were swollen, her face streaked with tears. She looked small—broken in a way Bluey had never seen before.

Bluey hesitated, glancing around before walking closer.

 “Hey…” she said softly, pulling out a handkerchief from her pocket and extending it.

Morgan lifted her gaze, red and glassy, and the moment she recognized Bluey, her expression hardened.

 “Go away.”

Bluey froze for a moment, hand still outstretched. “I was just trying to—”

“I said leave!” Morgan’s voice cracked mid-yell, but there was more pain than anger in it.

Bluey exhaled quietly and turned to leave.

Morgan laughed bitterly, shaking her head.

 “How would you feel… if you found out that the guy you loved so much and dedicated everything to… can never be yours?” Her voice trembled, breaking on the last word.

Bluey blinked, thrown off. She slowly crouched down until she was at Morgan’s eye level.

 Bluey shifted uncomfortably, unsure how to begin.

 “Did you and Trevor have… um… a fight?” she asked gently.

Morgan gave a broken laugh through her tears.

 “A fight? We rarely fight. He’s such a sweet guy.” Her voice softened, trembling as she spoke.

 “We had plans, you know? After MIA… we were going to travel around the world, live our best life. Just us.”

 “Then… what’s stopping you?”Bluey asked.

Morgan looked up at her, eyes glistening, and whispered hoarsely, “He’s my brother. Half-brother, to be exact.”

Bluey froze, staring at her in disbelief.

 “What…?” she managed to say, voice barely above a whisper.

Morgan gave a weak, humorless laugh, shaking her head. 

“I feel so ashamed,” she choked out. “I actually called your mom a slut… when mine’s the bigger slut. I hate her, Bluey. I hate her so much.”

“So..”

“My mom had an affair with his dad and it hurts me so much. I feel so betrayed.”

Her words broke into sobs, raw and unrestrained. She covered her face with her hands, her shoulders trembling as the weight of it all poured out.

Bluey hesitated, her heart twisting at the sight. She wanted to comfort her but didn’t know how—what could she possibly say?

 She reached out, paused halfway, then instead gave Morgan’s back a few awkward pats. 

“Hey… it’s okay,” she murmured quietly, even though both of them knew it wasn’t.

Morgan sniffled, wiping her tears with the back of her hand before slowly standing up. Her eyes were still red and glassy, her voice trembling as she muttered.

“I… shouldn’t be talking to you. We’re not even friends.”

Bluey looked up at her, calm and soft-spoken. 

“We’re not enemies either,” she said simply.

Morgan froze for a moment, then exhaled shakily. The tension in her shoulders eased a little as she managed a faint, tired smile.

 “Thanks… for… not letting Hades hurt me,” she said, her tone filled with quiet sincerity. “I’ll pay you back someday.”

Before Bluey could respond, Morgan turned and walked away down the corridor, her steps unsteady but determined. 

Bluey watched her go, a faint ache tugging at her chest, unsure if Morgan’s words were a promise or a warning.

——

Hyce was walking briskly down the marble hallway toward Sergio’s suite when he spotted Gomez coming from the opposite direction.

 Their eyes met for a brief second, and Hyce quickly looked away, ready to pass without a word.

“Do you really love him?” Gomez’s voice stopped him in his tracks.

Hyce froze, then slowly turned around with a frown. “What are you talking about?”

“Your new boyfriend,” Gomez said calmly, his tone unreadable. “Do you really love him?”

“Of course I do. What kind of question is that?” Hyce replied sharply.

 “Do you trust he won’t hurt you?”Gomez took a step closer, his gaze dark and steady.

Hyce moved closer too, irritation flaring in his eyes. “What’s your problem, huh?”

“I’m just saying I don’t trust him,” Gomez said simply. “I don’t like him either.”

Hyce gave a humorless laugh. “You don’t need to like him. He’s none of your business. And stop assuming he’s like you, he’s better.”

Before Hyce could move away, Gomez grabbed his face and crushed his lips against his.

Hyce shoved him back instantly, his fist connecting with Gomez’s jaw. The impact echoed down the hallway.

“Your kisses don’t affect me anymore, Gomez,” Hyce said coldly, wiping his lips. “So stop trying. And stop talking trash about my boyfriend. I hate it.”

Gomez tilted his head, rubbing his jaw with a bitter smirk. “Don’t come crying to me when he breaks your heart.”

Hyce didn’t respond. He turned on his heel and walked away, the sound of his footsteps fading, leaving Gomez standing alone in the empty corridor.

****

Hyce walked into Sergio’s suite, the sound of his footsteps echoing faintly across the polished tiles. 

He stopped at the open glass door leading to the inner compound where Sergio was doing push-ups, shirtless, sweat running down the smooth planes of his back.

For a moment, Hyce simply stood there watching him, a soft smile tugging at his lips.

 He couldn’t help but giggle quietly. Sergio’s form was perfect, his arms flexing with each motion, muscles coiling and releasing in a rhythm that felt hypnotic.

 Hyce might be stronger himself, but his body never showed the same kind of definition. So, he didn’t even bother trying to compete.

Then, like a cruel whisper in the back of his mind, Gomez’s words echoed.

“Don’t come crying to me when he breaks your heart.”

His smile faltered for a split second. He shook his head, almost irritated with himself. Gomez was just being paranoid. Sergio wasn’t like that. He couldn’t be.

“Hyce!!!”

He blinked and looked up, startled out of his thoughts. Sergio was standing now, wiping sweat from his chest with a towel, staring at him with concern.

“Are you okay?” Sergio asked, his brows knitting slightly as he studied Hyce’s face.

Hyce forced a small smile. “Yes… I’m fine.”

But Sergio didn’t look convinced. He dropped the towel and walked toward him, his gaze never leaving Hyce’s.

Sergio frowned, studying Hyce’s face closely. 

“What’s the problem?” he asked, his tone soft but firm.

Instead of answering, Hyce stepped forward and wrapped his arms tightly around him.

Sergio froze. 

“I’m all sweaty,” he muttered, glancing down at Hyce pressed against his chest.

“I don’t mind,” Hyce mumbled, his voice low, almost trembling.

Sergio’s hand lingered firmly at Hyce’s waist.

 “What’s the matter?” he asked again, this time quieter.

“I love you,” Hyce said suddenly, his voice barely above a whisper. “So much.”

Sergio stiffened, then gently pulled him back to look at him. “What did that brainless jerk tell you this time?”

 “It’s okay. Don’t worry about him.”Hyce smiled faintly.

 “No. What did he say?”Sergio’s jaw tightened.

Hyce shook his head, refusing to answer.

Sergio cursed under his breath and turned, grabbing his towel.

 “I swear, if that idiot said something again or tries to badmouth me, I’ll—”

Hyce chuckled softly, tugging on his arm before he could storm off. 

“You’re not fighting anyone,” He said, amusement flickering in his tone.

Sergio looked down at him, still visibly annoyed, but Hyce’s smile disarmed him.

“You’re unbelievable,” Sergio muttered, brushing a strand of Hyce’s hair away from his forehead.

“And you’re too easy to provoke,” Hyce teased, leaning against him again.

Hyce smiled up at him, his earlier tension fading.

 “I came here to hang out with you,” he said softly. “Let’s not talk about Gomez, okay? I just want to be with you.”

Sergio’s frown melted into a grin. “Hang out, huh?”

Before Hyce could reply, Sergio bent down and in one smooth motion, lifted him upclean off the ground. Hands firm beneath his thighs, his body pressed against Sergio’s chest. 

Hyce gasped and clung to him, laughter spilling from his lips, instinctively wrapping his arms around Sergio’s neck and his legs around his waist.

“W–what are you doing?” Hyce laughed, cheeks burning.

Sergio smirked. “You’re quite heavy,” he teased, “but I’m strong enough.”

“Sergio!”

“You said you came to hang out, so I’m taking you upstairs. I’ve got nasty stuff to do to you.” Sergio said, walking toward the stairs.

Hyce hid his flushed face in Sergio’s neck, laughing. “You’re so dramatic.”

“Romantic..” Sergio corrected with a grin. “Speaking of romance, what should I get you for our first month anniversary?”

 “You actually want to celebrate that?”Hyce blinked, looking at him in disbelief.

“Of course I do. I’ve been counting,” Sergio said, climbing the last few steps. “So, what’ll it be? A trip? Jewelry? A matching tattoo?”

 “Geez, Sergio. Stop. You’re so corny.”Hyce rolled his eyes, smiling despite himself.

Sergio chuckled, laying Hyce gently on the bed before leaning over him. “Corny? Or hopelessly in love?”

Hyce gave him a playful shove. 

 “You know, sometimes I think about it.”He brushed a thumb over Hyce’s cheek.

“About what?” Hyce asked, voice barely above a whisper.

“About marrying you someday.”

Hyce laughed, shaking his head.

 “What? You gonna get married to a girl?” Sergio frowned. 

“Never.”

“Good boy.”Sergio smirked, leaning closer until their noses almost touched. 

Hyce’s smile softened as Sergio’s hand slid into his hair, the warmth in his eyes saying more than words ever could.

“Then I guess I’m stuck with you,” Hyce murmured.

“Forever sounds about right,” Sergio replied quietly.

——-

 ★𝐇𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐆𝐲𝐦 ★

Bluey stepped into the gym, the faint hum of machines filling the air. Her gaze landed on Hades—shirtless, headphones in, his body moving in perfect rhythm on the treadmill. 

Sweat glistened on his skin, tracing down his chest and the curve of his abs before disappearing beneath the low hang of his sweatpants.

For a second, she forgot how to breathe. How can someone be this unfairly hot? His tattoos flexed with every stride, dark ink against muscle and heat.

Hades slowed to a stop, sensing her before he even looked. He pulled out one earbud, his lips curving in a smirk.

“I’m practically yours,” He said, voice rough and teasing. “No need to drool.”

Bluey blinked, cheeks instantly flushed. “Hey, I wasn’t drooling!”

“Yeah,” he murmured, stepping off the treadmill, “I know.”

He reached for a water bottle, never breaking eye contact as he tipped it back. .

Bluey shifted her weight, her heart thudding.

“You done moving your stuff?” he asked, voice lower now.

“Y–Yes,” she managed, nodding.

“In my room specifically?”

Another nod. Her pulse was out of control.

“You hungry? I can make something for you.”

 “You can cook?”Her brows rose.

 “Yes. Why? Don’t tell me you can’t cook.”

He smiled, the kind that carried danger.

“Me? Of course I can,” she stammered.

He took a slow step closer, until the air between them tightened.

 “Really?” he murmured. “Show me, then.”

“Huh?… okay.” she whispered, already feeling heat crawl up her neck.

He tilted his head, smirk deepening. Then his hand found her waist, his touch firm but unhurried, grounding her in place.

“If I find out you lied,” he said quietly, his breath brushing her ear, “I’m going to punish you real bad, Mi ruina.”

His voice was a low growl that crawled under her skin, sending a shiver that she couldn’t hide.

“Of course I can cook, very perfectly.”

Bluey nodded—once, twice, then a third time, her thoughts scrambled.

Hades chuckled softly, pulling back just enough to meet her eyes again.

 “Good girl.”

***

Hades sat on a stool by the counter, elbows resting on the marble surface as he watched Bluey from across the kitchen. 

The counter was a mess of ingredients, vegetables, spices, raw meat, and an open recipe book she hadn’t even bothered to read yet.

Bluey picked up the kitchen knife like it was some foreign weapon and stared at the onion sitting on the chopping board.

You can do this, she thought. It’s just an onion.

The knife came down awkwardly, far too hard, slicing the onion unevenly in half.

“Ow! My eyes… why am I crying?” She winced, blinking rapidly as tears started streaming down her cheeks. 

She shut her eyes tight, waving her hands in the air as if she could fan away the sting.

When she opened them again, Hades was still staring at her blankly, a faint smirk threatening the corner of his lips.

“Don’t. Say. Anything,” she warned, pointing the knife at him with one watery eye open.

He raised his hands in mock surrender, silently amused.

Bluey groaned, sniffed, and continued with her hopeless attempt. 

The onion pieces were uneven, the tomato rolled off the counter, and when she tried to light the stove, she somehow turned on the wrong burner.

After five minutes of chaos, she dropped the knife with a sigh of pure defeat.

“Fine… I can’t cook. I lived with my grandma, and she never let me do anything,” Bluey admitted, her voice soft.

Hades took slow strides toward her. She instinctively moved back until her spine met the cold counter. Her breath hitched as he leaned in close.

“I told you I was going to punish you, didn’t I?” His voice dropped to a low, commanding growl.

She bit her lip and pressed her thighs together, overwhelmed by everything about him—his face, his voice, the way his breath brushed her ear. 

The way he looked at her like she was the only thing that mattered. Those eyes, they ignited something deep inside her.

Without warning, he grabbed her and flipped her against the counter.

“I hate lies, Bluey.” His hand came down in a sharp spank on her ass.

“F+k,” she moaned, instantly bringing her palm to her mouth.

 “Did you just cuss and moan at the same time?”Hades smirked, stepping back.

“Silly girl.” He chuckled.

He’s always stopping halfway, why can’t he just finish what he started, Bluey thought inwardly and pouted.

***

Hades stirred the pot in silence, the scent of garlic and spices filling the air. Bluey leaned against the counter, watching him with a mixture of curiosity and hesitation.

“My friends said something about you,” she began quietly. “That you had an affair with a girl named Jocelyn. And that you… humiliated her.”

 “Wow. You already know a lot about me. Impressive.”He let out a soft, humorless chuckle.

“What really happened?” she pressed. “Why’d you do it?”

He turned down the heat and wiped his hands on a towel, his expression unreadable. 

“Bi+ch thought she could control me. We had s+x one night. Then she tried to blackmail me with it. Threatened to expose and leak my nude if I didn’t make us ‘official.’”

 “And what did you do?”Bluey frowned.

“I leaked her nude instead, trust me it was bad. Her p+sy was wide as f+k and I never really enjoyed her and-“He paused and looked at Bluey.

She stared at him, a quiet unease growing in her chest. “You ruined her?”

He finally looked at her, his eyes dark and unflinching. “She ruined herself. I just gave her the spotlight she wanted.”

Bluey looked away, the sound of sizzling oil filling the silence that followed.

“I would never do that to you, if that’s what you’re thinking,” Hades said, turning her gently to face him.

His gaze burned into hers. 

“I love you. I love you so much. You’re the first girl I’ve ever treated this way. The first I’ve had to hold myself back for because, heaven knows, I want to f+k you more than  anything.” 

Bluey swallowed hard.

“You’re the first girl I’ve called mine. The first I’ve ever killed for. The first…” He hesitated, his jaw tightening as if the next words were hard to say. 

“You’re the first girl I’ve ever fallen in love with, and I swear, I’ll never break your heart.”

Bluey’s breath hitched. “But… you’re always saying things about punishing me.”

“That’s only if you piss me off,” he said without missing a beat, his tone low, controlled. 

“I have anger issues. I hate it when people disobey me. I hate it when they lie. And I hate sharing especially when it comes to you. If I ever see you clinging to another guy, he’s dead, and you’ll answer for it.”

He turned back to the stove, stirring the pan like nothing had happened.

She swallowed hard, trying to steady her breathing. He has to be joking… right?

“But…” she finally said, voice small, “did you kill her? You didn’t answer me.”

The sound of sizzling oil was the only thing between them for a few seconds before he stopped. 

He turned his head slightly, meeting her eyes in a gaze that made her heart pound.

“I didn’t kill her,” He said quietly. “She was expelled.”

 “Was Bryan the first person you’ve ever killed? In general?”Bluey’s voice came out softer this time.

Hades froze. The knife he’d been holding clinked against the counter as he dropped it.

“What’s with all the questions, huh?” His tone hardened, eyes narrowing.

“Just answer me, it shouldn’t be that difficult—”

“I’ve killed a lot of people, okay?” His voice rose suddenly, sharp and bitter. “It’s not my fault! We go on missions, dangerous ones. And a lot of people have tried to hurt me here.”

She swallowed. “Oh.”

He scoffed, a harsh laugh escaping him.

 “I don’t like it when you start asking me questions like I’m some kind of monster. I’m not good, Bluey, but I’m not what you think I am either.” His voice lowered, thick with venom.

 “If you want your answer….yes, I’ve killed a lot . That’s what you wanted to hear, right?”

“No, I just—”

He slammed his hand against the counter, making her flinch. The air cracked between them.

“Stop!” His breathing was heavy, For a second, his hand lifted like he was about to hit her but he caught himself.

 His fist tightened, trembling with the effort to hold back.

Bluey’s eyes widened, heart thudding. The silence between them turned feral and cold.

Hades turned away, grabbing his phone with shaking fingers. 

“I’ll order food for you,” He muttered, voice low and rough.

 “Where are you going?”She blinked, still frozen.

“Anywhere. As long as you’re not there.” His voice cracked with restrained fury as he headed for the door.

“Hades—”

“You’re seriously pissing me off, Bluey.” He didn’t look back. 

The door slammed hard enough to make her flinch again.

She stood there in the quiet kitchen, staring at the space he’d left behind, her chest rising and falling fast. 

For a long second, she couldn’t tell if she wanted to cry or chase after him.

——-

★𝐇𝐮𝐠𝐨’𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞★

Hades literally barged into Hugo’s suite without knocking. The door slammed against the wall, making Hugo flinch where he sat sprawled on the couch watching a movie. 

Hades didn’t even look at him. He stalked straight to the fridge, yanked it open, and grabbed a bottle of water.

Hugo’s brows furrowed as he watched his friend unscrew the cap and down half the bottle in one go like he was trying to drown his anger. 

Hades’s throat worked with every gulp, his jaw tight, his movements tense.

When he finally finished, he tossed the empty bottle across the room, missing the trash bin entirely, and dropped heavily onto the couch beside Hugo.

 “Did someone piss you off? You look like you could kill someone.”Hugo blinked, remote still in hand.

“Nothing,” Hades muttered, leaning back with his arms crossed.

“Nothing? And your face is like that?” Hugo quirked a brow.

Hades exhaled through his nose, long and sharp, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s… Bluey.”

 “Bluey? You two had an LQ?”Hugo sat up a little.

Hades turned his head, eyes narrowing. “What’s LQ?”

“Lovers Quarrel,” Hugo said, grinning.

Hades groaned. “Don’t ever say that again.”

“Whatever, man. Just tell me what happened.”

Hades tilted his head back against the couch, staring at the ceiling for a long moment. 

His fingers clenched on his knee, knuckles cracking from the pressure. Finally, he muttered, “She asked me questions. Stupid ones.”

“What kind of stupid ones?”

“She asked if Bryan was the first person I killed. If I’ve killed others. Like I’m some damn monster.” His voice rose with every word, rough and sharp around the edges. “And I almost—” He stopped himself, jaw locking.

Hugo’s expression softened. “Almost what?”

“I almost hit her.” The words came out like venom. 

Hades rubbed his face with both hands, his breathing uneven. “I didn’t. But I wanted to. And the worst part? She looked at me like she was scared.”

Hugo leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “You know you’ve got to get a grip on that temper of yours, right? She’s not your enemy.”

“I know that,” Hades snapped. “You think I don’t know that? It just….she gets under my skin. Every word, every look. I can’t explain it.”

“Sounds like love to me. Toxic, messed-up love, but love all the same.” Hugo said lightly.

 “She’s the first person who makes me feel… something. But every time she looks at me like that….like she sees the monster. I just…” He clenched his fists. “I don’t want her to be scared of me.”

Hugo sighed. 

“Believe it or not, it’s bound to happen. Honestly, if she asks you, just tell her. You can’t hide things from her for far too long, it’ll come out eventually. And can you be a little patient? It’s just one argument and you’re already loosing it.”Hugo scoffed. 

Hades was quiet for a long moment before standing up, running a hand through his hair. “I need air.”

“Go talk to her, not the air,” Hugo called after him.

“Can you stop giving me love advice? I can’t believe I’m listening to you.” Hades rolled his eyes.

“Hey, I’m still better than you…you punk!” Hugo snapped with a grin as Hades walked out. 

When the door clicked shut behind him, Hugo turned back to the TV and muttered.

 “He’s right, I should be thinking of my own problem.”

——–

★ 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐫’𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞★

Trevor walked into his suite, the silence hitting him harder than he expected. Morgan’s scent still lingered faintly in the air, the sheets on his bed wrinkled, the small box of her things on the table gone. 

He ran a hand through his hair and sat down heavily, staring blankly at his phone.

He remembered her face and how she’d stopped him just before they could have sex. 

The tremble in her voice, the guilt in her eyes. He didn’t even try to stop her when she left. “You are reading from www.mhiztaemy.com.ng” Maybe part of him knew it was already over but he couldn’t accept it.

The only option is to stay away from each other for the meantime. 

The phone on the desk vibrated. The screen flashed with an unlisted number.

He hesitated, then picked up. “Yeah.”

A pause. Then, his expression shifted slightly. 

“Is it there already?”

He listened for a moment, eyes narrowing.

“Has it been properly arranged?”

Another pause.

“How about the containment? You did it right this time?”

He exhaled, jaw tightening.

“I’ll be there.”

He hung up, slipped his phone into his pocket, and walked out of the suite.

——-

 ★𝐌𝐈𝐀 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐛★

An MIA student walked into the underground facility, the sound of his footsteps echoing through the long, sterile hallway.

 The air smelled faintly of disinfectant and cold steel.

He stopped at the last door — a white lab, silent except for the hum of the cooling system.

Inside, Bryan’s body lay motionless on a metal table under the harsh fluorescent lights, pale and still.

The student pulled on his gloves, adjusted his mask, and zipped up his white overalls. For a moment, he just stood there, staring down at the body. 

Then he exhaled slowly, the sound muffled beneath his mask, and stepped closer to begin.

The hum of the overhead light was the only sound in the underground lab. The air was sterile, heavy with the scent of antiseptic and cold metal.

The student worked in silence, his movements precise, methodical — almost rehearsed.

 Under the white glare, the body on the table looked more like a specimen than a person.

He adjusted his gloves, the latex snapping faintly against his wrist, then leaned over the stainless table. 

Instruments clinked against the tray as he reached for each one in turn. Every motion was deliberate. 

When he finished, he began transferring the key anatomical parts, the heart, kindey, lungs, eyes…. one after another into separate jars filled with a pale, translucent solution. 

The liquid rippled faintly each time glass met steel. Labels were marked with black ink: Cardiac tissue. Renal sample. Hepatic lobe.

The smell of preservatives replaced the metallic tang in the air.

By the time he was done, the once-sterile table was streaked with dark stains and the jars lined neatly along the counter, each sealed, catalogued, and chillingly still.

He stripped off his gloves and stared at his hands for a long time, silent, before turning off the lights and left.

The steel door creaked open, and the student stepped out, tugging off his gloves one by one. 

The faint scent of disinfectant still clung to him. The hallway was dim, a single fluorescent light flickering above.

She was waiting for him.

Dressed in all black, her coat brushing the floor, dark shades hiding her eyes even in the half-light. 

The heels of her boots clicked against the concrete as she tilted her head slightly, studying him like a shadow that had come alive.

“Who wears shades in a basement, Rue?” He muttered, his voice low, tired.

 “Is that how you greet me? You didn’t miss me?”Rue smiled faintly, her crimson lips curving with unbothered amusement.

 “Didn’t think you’d come today.”He scoffed and leaned against the wall.

“Why not?” She took a slow step forward, her perfume faintly sweet but dangerous underneath.

 “I see there’s been a lot of dead victims lately… and it’s only three weeks to resumption. Weaklings.”

He bit his lips, eyes glinting beneath the sterile light.

Rue circled him, tapping her nails against the metal tray beside the door, glancing briefly toward the sealed room behind him.

 “Nice job, Joker. Nice job.”

Joker turned his head slightly, that same unsettling smile still on his lips. 

“Always a pleasure, Madam Rue.”

.

.

.

𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐝 ✰

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