On The Grounds Of Hell – Episode 15

On The Grounds Of Hell – Episode 15

  {•𝑩𝒍𝒖𝒆𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑯𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒔•}

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

ʙʏ ʙᴀʀʙɪᴇʟʟᴇ 

  -ʟᴜᴄᴋ ɪs ᴀɴ ɪʟʟᴜsɪᴏɴ-

♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤

★𝐇𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞★ 2PM

Bluey walked back into the suite after training, muscles sore and uniform clinging faintly to her skin. The suite was quiet—too quiet. 

The faint hum of the air conditioner was the only sound. She looked around; Hades wasn’t there. 

She dropped her bag by the couch and stretched slightly before moving toward the bedroom. 

Without giving it much thought, she began to undress, peeling off the damp training shirt and tossing it into the laundry basket.

 The faint ache in her shoulders reminded her how long the day had been. She unzipped her pants, stepped out of them, and padded into the bathroom.

Warm steam filled the space as soon as she turned on the shower. The water cascaded over her skin, tracing along the small bruises she’d earned from sparring.

 She tilted her head back, letting the heat ease the tension from her muscles.

She closed her eyes and sighed softly, the day finally melting away beneath the shower’s steady rhythm.

She came out and slipped into one of her gowns, the soft fabric brushing against her skin. The room was quiet, still carrying the faint trace of his cologne. 

As she sat before the mirror, brushing her hair, her thoughts drifted.

She wondered if Hades was still mad at her. She knew she’d crossed the line earlier asking him about those things he didn’t like to talk about, the kind of questions that pissed him off. 

Maybe it was better to avoid it from now on.

The door opened.

Hades walked in, eyes glued to his phone, his expression unreadable. He looked up, and their eyes met through the mirror.

“Hi,” Bluey said softly.

 

“Hey,” he replied casually, setting his phone on the bed.

He shrugged off his jacket, then pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it carelessly into the closet. 

His movements were calm, practiced. Opening the drawer, he took out a pack of cigarettes, slid one out, and lit it.

He drew in a slow breath, eyes closing briefly as the smoke curled around him.

Then the cigarette was gone.

His eyes snapped open, confusion flashing across his face as he realized it had been taken from between his lips.

He raised his brows, smoke still faintly curling in the air between them.

“Are you still mad at me?” Bluey asked quietly.

“No. I’m not mad,” Hades said, taking the cigarette back from her fingers.

“You were avoiding me just now,” she murmured, studying his face.

“I’m not avoiding you, I’m just tired,” he replied flatly, though his tone had softened.

“You sure?” she pressed.

“Mm.” He nodded once.

He reached for her waist, pulling her gently onto his lap. His hand lingered against her side, his thumb tracing slow circles against her gown.

“Sorry about this morning,” he said, his voice lower now. “I didn’t mean to raise my voice at you. You’re not mad at me, right?”

“Of course not. I can’t be mad at you,” Bluey said, smiling faintly.

“I’ll make it up to you,” Hades murmured, brushing a strand of her damp hair behind her ear. “Where do you want us to go?”

“Let’s go to Disneyland!” she said suddenly, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

“Disney what?” Hades frowned, the cigarette still between his fingers. “Those are for kids. Can’t you pick something better for us—like a restaurant or something?”

“But I want to go to Disneyland,” Bluey said, her tone softening. “I didn’t really get to go there as a child because I lived with my grandma in a rural village.”

Hades said nothing, just stared at her, smoke curling slowly between them.

“Please?” she whispered, pouting as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “You’d do anything for me, right?”

He sighed, a small smirk tugging at his lips. “Sure. We’ll go.”

“Yaaay!” she squealed, hugging him tighter.

He chuckled, shaking his head as he took a drag from his cigarette and exhaled.

“Let me try it,” Bluey said suddenly, reaching for it.

Hades moved his hand away immediately. “No.”

“Why not? Let me just try it,” she whined, stretching toward his hand, but he lowered it out of her reach.

“No. I better not see you smoking, Bluey. It ain’t funny. Smoking isn’t for kids.”

“Kids? I’m eighteen,” she said, frowning.

“And?” He scoffed lightly. “Don’t tell me you actually consider yourself an adult.”

“You’re so mean,” she huffed, trying to get off his lap, but his grip around her waist tightened.

“You’re my baby,” he murmured, his voice dropping as he buried his face into her neck, his breath warm against her skin.

Bluey puffed her cheeks and crossed her arms like a child. “I’m not a baby,” she said in a small voice.

Hades chuckled, flicking the half-burned cigarette into the ashtray. “You kinda are,” he teased, leaning back on the bed.

“I’m not!” she said, crawling after him until he fell flat against the sheets. She ended up on top of him, straddling his waist.

“Oh really?” he smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement.

 “Then what’s this?” He suddenly grabbed her sides and tickled her, making her squeal and laugh uncontrollably.

“H-Hades! Stop! I can’t—” she giggled between breaths, squirming against him.

He laughed, the sound low and rough. “You sure? You’re gonna admit you’re a baby?”

“Never!” she said, trying to fight him off, her laughter filling the room.

He finally stopped, and for a moment, all that could be heard was their breathing. She sat up slowly, still straddling him, her hair a soft mess as she looked down at him.

Her eyes drifted to his chest—the tattoos inked across his skin in dark, intricate lines. She traced her fingers along them, gentle and curious.

“It’s so pretty,” she whispered.

Hades watched her, his gaze softening as she ran her fingers over the patterns. “Pretty, huh?” he murmured. 

“You’re prettier, Mi Ruina,” his voice deep and warm.

“What’s Mi Ruina? I’ve been meaning to ask.”She blinked. 

“It means My Ruin,” he said, his accent curling around the words. “Because you’re going to be the end of me, Bluey.”

His hands rested on her thighs, his touch slow, deliberate. Her breath caught as she traced her fingers down his chest, feeling the steady rise and fall beneath her palm.

 Her hand brushed the edge of his belt before he caught her wrist, his grip gentle but firm.

“What are you trying to do?” he asked, one brow arched.

“Nothing,” she said, biting her lip, a playful glint in her eyes.

“You’re becoming a bad girl, huh?” he teased, flicking her forehead.

“Ouch!” she laughed, rubbing the spot.

Hades smirked, then rolled her over easily until she was lying flat against the sheets, his shadow falling over her.

 Their faces were close enough that she could feel the heat of his breath against her lips. 

He leaned down and kissed her slowly at first, deeply, a kiss that left her heart racing.

When she started to respond, melting into him, he drew back with a small, crooked smile.

“I need to shower,” he said with a wink, standing up and leaving her breathless on the bed.

—–

★𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐨’𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞★

Sergio’s suite was quiet except for the soft hum of the TV and the crunch of popcorn.

 Desiree sat cross-legged on the couch, wearing nothing but one of Sergio’s oversized shirts that barely reached mid-thigh. 

Her hair was tied in a messy bun, and her eyes were glued to the screen.She scoffed loudly.

 “Ugh, can this main guy be any dumber? If I ever decide to settle down, my man better not act like this fool. Imagine begging someone who clearly doesn’t want you—pathetic.” She tossed another popcorn into her mouth and shook her head dramatically.

The front door beeped and slid open. Hyce stepped in, his gym bag slung over his shoulder.

 He stopped dead in his tracks, frowning as his gaze landed on Desiree lounging comfortably on the couch.

“Hello,” Desiree greeted casually, not even looking away from the screen.

Hyce’s brows furrowed deeper. He dropped his bag and scanned her from head to toe.

 “What are you doing here… and why are you wearing my boyfriend’s shirt?”

Desiree glanced at him with a lazy smile. “Sergio is my friend.”

“I know that piece of information,” Hyce snapped. “But why are you here, wearing his shirt?”

“Ohh, don’t be jealous, relax.” She stretched, unbothered.

“Don’t tell me to relax,” Hyce warned, his tone sharp.

Desiree rolled her eyes, then turned toward the staircase leading upstairs.

 “Geez. Sergio!” she shouted dramatically. “Your boo is getting mad, come down here before I get strangled!”

She grinned mischievously at Hyce, clearly enjoying the irritation brewing on his face.

 “What’s going on?”Sergio’s voice echoed faintly from upstairs.

 “Nothing! Your boyfriend’s just about to have a heart attack because I borrowed your shirt.”Desiree smirked, tossing another popcorn into her mouth.

Hyce glared at her, his tone sharp. “Borrowed? That shirt barely covers you, Desiree.”

“Oh please, it’s not like I’m naked,” She teased, leaning back on the couch with her legs crossed. “You should try calming down a little. It’s not a good look for you.”

The sound of footsteps came from the stairs, and Sergio appeared, his hair damp, a towel hanging around his neck. 

He was dressed in a loose black tracksuit, his expression neutral but his eyes alert. He looked between Hyce, tense by the doorway, and Desiree, lounging like a cat on his couch.

“What’s happening here?” Sergio asked, voice low and cautious.

“Ask her,” Hyce said, pointing at Desiree. “Why is she wearing your shirt?”

Sergio blinked once, then sighed, running a hand through his wet hair.

 “Because she steals my shirt all the time. She does it with Dawn too. It’s a habit.” He said.

Hyce’s frown deepened. “You could’ve at least told me someone else was staying over.”

“I didn’t think it mattered,” Sergio said simply, walking toward Desiree. 

He reached for the popcorn bowl, took a handful, and sat beside her, ignoring the tension hanging in the air.

 “See? Your man’s all chill about it. You could learn from him.”Desiree grinned, shoving him playfully.

 “I’m not mad she’s here. I’m mad she’s sitting half-n+ked in your shirt like it’s a pajama party.”Hyce crossed his arms, unimpressed.

Desiree gasped mockingly.

 “Half-n+ked? Honey, you’re dramatic. I’ve got shorts under.” She lifted a bit of the hem, revealing the edge of denim fabric.

 “See?”

 “Hyce, relax. She’s harmless.”Sergio hid a small smirk.

Hyce’s eyes narrowed. 

“That’s what Gomez used to say before….” He stopped abruptly, biting down the rest of his words.

Sergio’s brows furrowed as his gaze sharpened. “Before what?”

The tension thickened in the room. Desiree’s playful expression faded, her eyes darting between the two men.

“Uh…maybe I should—” she said lightly, sensing the shift.

“Desiree,” Sergio said without taking his eyes off Hyce, his tone calm but firm. “Can you go? I’ll see you later.”

“Sure,” she murmured, grabbing her phone and slipping her feet into her slippers. 

The air felt too heavy for jokes now. She offered Hyce a tight smile before leaving the suite quietly, the door clicking shut behind her.

Sergio exhaled slowly, then turned his full attention to Hyce. He took a step closer, closing the space between them. 

His height and calm composure only made the moment more intense.

“I’m sorry,” Sergio began, voice steady. 

“I didn’t mean to upset you. I get that you’re not comfortable with me hanging out with female friends, but there’s no reason for you to be insecure.”

Hyce’s jaw tightened, eyes dropping to the floor, but Sergio continued.

“I’m not going to have an affair with anyone,” he said firmly. “And certainly not a girl.”

The words hung there, quiet but certain.

Hyce finally looked up, his expression conflicted, guilt flickering behind his irritation.

 “I know you wouldn’t,” He muttered, his tone softer now. “It’s not about that. It’s just… seeing her there, in your shirt…it messed with my head for a second.”

 “Then next time, talk to me first. Don’t let your mind go somewhere it doesn’t need to.”Sergio’s features softened.

 “Yeah… you’re right.”Hyce nodded slowly, the tension easing from his shoulders.

 “I always am.”Sergio reached out, brushing his thumb against Hyce’s wrist in quiet reassurance.

That earned him the faintest smile from Hyce, who shook his head. 

“Cocky bastard.”

 “Only for you.”Sergio smirked faintly.

—–

★ 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐥★

Iris stopped at the entrance of the luxurious mall, slipping her sunglasses over the cap that already shadowed her face. The mask hid her identity perfectly,no one would ever guess the President’s wife was strolling casually through the boutiques like an ordinary woman. 

She hated being trailed by guards or cameras; sometimes she just wanted to breathe without the weight of security and politics.

She adjusted her purse on her shoulder and walked in, her heels clicking lightly against the marble floor. The air smelled of expensive perfume and polished leather.

 She made her way into a designer store, her eyes skimming through racks of silk dresses, handbags, and jewelry that glimmered under the golden lights.

A soft smile curved her lips beneath the mask as she picked up a pair of diamond earrings—elegant, minimal, her style. 

She moved on, selecting a few accessories and a designer clutch. Shopping had always been her small escape, a moment where she wasn’t the First Lady, but just Iris.

But as she exited the store, she felt it, a prickle at the back of her neck. That quiet, familiar sense of being watched.

She walked calmly toward the next boutique, pretending to browse through a collection of heels.

 The mirrored display reflected two men several paces behind her, one pretending to check his phone, the other pretending to admire watches from a distance.

 She continued walking, her movements graceful and unbothered, but her fists were clenched beneath the soft folds of her coat.

Every turn she took, they followed. Every stop, every pause.

Her patience thinned like glass under heat.

She tilted her head slightly, murmuring under her breath, “Marco.”

***

She reached the underground parking and the lights hummed low. Two men stepped out from behind a pillar like they’d rehearsed the scene a hundred times—one with a gun leveled at her, the other moving to block her path.

“Follow us if you don’t wanna get hurt,” The gunman barked, finger twitching on the trigger.

Iris didn’t blink. The mask and cap hid her face, but the cold in her eyes was all warning. 

When the blocker lunged, she moved fast, clean and practiced. Her forearm slammed into his jaw, the second man staggered, and she twisted his arm behind him in one motion so precise it might’ve looked effortless. 

The gunman fired once in anger. Iris used the muzzle-flash to close the distance, kicked the gun from his hand and sent it skittering across the concrete.

She finished them quickly: a hard palm to the throat, a hip toss that left one man cursing on the floor and the other doubled over against a concrete column.

 He tried to scramble to his feet; she stomped down on hid chest, pinning him there. Neither of them moved.

She leaned in close to the gunman, voice low and icicle-thin. 

“Tell your pea-sized brain boss that he should better stay away from me or I’m gonna kill him.” The words landed like a verdict.

Iris walked to her car, threw the door open, slid into the driver’s seat and locked the doors. 

By the time the two thugs had clawed themselves upright and staggered toward the exit, her taillights were already disappearing down the ramp. 

She drove off as if nothing had happened—because for her, that was exactly how it had to look.

——

★𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐲’𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞★

Anthony was standing beside his car, checking his watch every few seconds, waiting patiently for Corazon who was still inside getting ready. 

A moment later, the heavy iron gates swung open. A black car rolled in smoothly and came to a stop in front of the house.

 Gael stepped out, his expression sharp, his movements quick with purpose. 

He shut the car door a little too hard and started walking toward Anthony, who stood at the entrance with his hands tucked into his pockets, calm and composed.

“Gael,” Anthony greeted, his voice cool.

“Where’s my wife?” Gael demanded, stopping a few feet away, his jaw set tight.

 “Your wife or my woman?”Anthony’s lips curled into a smirk.

 “Stop all this bull crap. Where is Corazon?”

Gael’s eyes darkened.

“For your information,” Anthony said, straightening slightly, “Corazon and I are in an official relationship now. You don’t have any right to her anymore.”

 “Don’t have any right to her? I’m her husband!”Gael’s tone snapped, low and burning.

Anthony opened his mouth to reply, but a soft, firm voice cut through the tension.

“Unless that’s something I don’t actually consider you anymore,” Corazon said as she stepped out of the house, her heels clicking lightly on the pavement.

Both men turned toward her. 

Gael’s voice softened immediately when he saw her. 

“Corazon,” He said, taking a cautious step forward. 

“Please, just come home with me. We can talk about this, settle whatever it is that’s wrong between us.”

 “Gael, you really don’t know when to stop, do you?”She stood still, her gaze steady but weary.

“I’m not stopping because I still love you,” He said, his voice cracking slightly. “Whatever happened, whatever mistake I made, we can fix it. I’ll fix it.”

 “You can’t fix something that’s already dead. I don’t love you anymore, Gael.” Corazon shook her head slowly.

He blinked, almost as if her words didn’t register. Then, suddenly, he reached out, grabbing her wrist and pulling her closer.

 “You don’t mean that,” He muttered, his grip tightening. “You can’t just walk away like this.”

Anthony immediately moved, shoving Gael back hard.

 “Let her go,” he snapped.

Gael stumbled a step but came right back, his face flushed with anger. 

“Stay out of this, Anthony. This is between me and my wife!”

Anthony’s fist connected with his jaw before he could say another word. Gael staggered, then swung back, and within seconds the quiet driveway turned into chaos. 

They fought brutally, throwing punches fueled by pride and heartbreak.

“Stop it! Stop!” Corazon cried, rushing between them. 

She pushed Gael back with all her strength and, when he reached for her again, her hand struck across his face. The sharp sound cut through the air.

Her eyes glistened as she looked at him, trembling but resolute.

 “Leave, Gael,” she said quietly. “I don’t love you. Respect my decision, if you ever truly loved me. Just let me be happy.”

Gael stood frozen for a moment, breathing hard, his chest heaving with anger and disbelief. Then, without a word, he turned and walked away, each step slower than the last until he disappeared beyond the gate.

Corazon exhaled shakily, her hands trembling as Anthony gently pulled her into his arms.

 “He’s gone,” He whispered, more to himself than to her.

—–

★𝐌𝐈𝐀★

 

Dawn’s steps echoed softly along the empty hallway, the laundry basket balanced in her arms.

 The scent of detergent and fabric softener floated faintly in the air. She was halfway to the laundry room when a pair of warm hands suddenly covered her eyes.

She froze.

“Hugo… I’m busy,” she said flatly, but a small smile tugged at her lips.

“How’d you know it’s me?” His voice carried that teasing tone she knew too well.

“Because you’re the only one shameless enough to do this,” she sighed, and he chuckled, stepping around to face her.

He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, eyes sparkling. “Busy doing what? Laundry? That’s not very romantic, Dawn. You should be out with me instead.”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. You say that like you’re offering something worthwhile.”

“I am,” he said, moving closer until she had to tilt her chin up to meet his gaze. “Dinner. Tonight. I promise not to talk too much about how irresistible you are.”

“Wow,” she deadpanned. “That’s supposed to make me say yes?”

“Usually does,” Hugo grinned. “I’m told my charm has a ninety-nine percent success rate.”

“Guess I’m the one percent,” she said, shifting her basket. “Now move, my clothes won’t wash themselves.”

He stepped in front of her, blocking her path completely. “Come on, just one date. I’ll even let you pick the place.”

“Tempting,” she said dryly, “but no.”

“Then name your price.” His grin softened into something genuine, almost boyish. “Anything you want, and I’ll do it.”

Dawn looked him up and down, clearly debating. Then a slow smile crept onto her face. “Anything?”

“Anything,” he repeated confidently.

“Fine,” she said, pushing the basket into his arms. “You can start by carrying that all the way to the laundry room for me and you’re going to wash them.”

Hugo blinked. “You’re kidding.”

“Do I look like I’m kidding?”

He sighed dramatically but took the basket anyway. “This feels like manipulation.”

“Consider it character development.”

He followed her down the hall, muttering under his breath, but when she turned back, he was smiling.

“You know,” he said, balancing the basket with one arm, “..for someone who keeps saying no, you sure like giving me reasons to hang around you.”

Dawn shot him a sideways look, trying not to smile. “Keep talking, and I’ll make you fold everything too.”

 “Worth it.”He grinned.

By the time they reached the laundry room, she could feel his gaze still lingering, soft and warm, as if the simple act of carrying her laundry was the best bargain he’d ever made.

—–

 ★𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞★

Morgan bent forward, touching her toes as soft music played from the Bluetooth speaker. 

The two were mid-stretch, mats spread across the hotel room floor, sunlight filtering through half-closed blinds.

“So what’s the deal with you and Gomez now?” Morgan asked, glancing over with a teasing smirk.

Juniper groaned, stretching her arms over her head. “Complicated. I swear, I’m trying to figure out how to get Hyce out of the way. He’s still so damn obsessed with him. It’s pathetic.”

Morgan raised a brow. “You’re kidding. After all this time?”

“I wish I was.” Juniper dropped onto her mat and hugged her knees. “We were literally in bed the other night—like actually in the middle of it and he moaned his name.”

Morgan froze mid-stretch before bursting out laughing. “Oh my God, Juniper, no way!”

Juniper’s eyes narrowed. “It’s not funny!”

“It’s a little funny,” Morgan said between laughs. “He called out Hyce while you were right there? That’s brutal.”

Juniper huffed, running a hand through her hair. “I don’t care. I want him, Morgan. I’ve wanted him for years. I’m not just going to let Hyce win.”

Morgan sat back and gave her a long look. “You really need to let that man go. He’s gone, June. There are other guys, guys who would actually look at you when they’re with you.”

Juniper shook her head stubbornly. “No. I want him. Gomez belongs with me. He just doesn’t see it yet.”

Morgan sighed, flopping back on her mat. “Girl, you’re setting yourself up for heartbreak. You can’t fight a Hyce.”

Juniper leaned against the wall, towel draped around her shoulders as she caught her breath.

 The light from the window washed over the room, soft and hazy. Morgan sat cross-legged on her yoga mat, head lowered, twisting the band around her wrist.

“Enough about me,” Juniper said, breaking the silence. “How are you and Trevor?”

Morgan’s hands stilled. “We’re not talking.”

Juniper blinked. “Really? It got to that?”

Morgan exhaled slowly, eyes drifting toward the ceiling.

 “It’s… difficult. But as long as we keep seeing each other and all we think about is being together, it’s not safe. It’s best we stay apart until we’re ready to accept and face the consequences of what our parents did.”

Juniper frowned, taking a step closer. “Girl, how are you holding up?”

Morgan gave a faint, bitter laugh. 

“I’m fine. I’ll be fine.” She pulled her knees to her chest and stared ahead blankly. “I mean, I can’t just accept that he’s my brother but what choice do I have?”

The room fell quiet except for the low hum of the AC. Juniper sat beside her, their shoulders brushing. 

For once, she didn’t have a snarky comeback or a plan to distract her friend.

“Morgan…” she said softly.

Morgan gave a weak smile, eyes glistening but steady. “It’s okay. I just have to learn to unlove him somehow.”

A sharp knock echoed through the room. Juniper glanced toward the door, tossing her towel aside as she walked over to open it.

Standing there was Trevor, holding a small brown bag and wearing that hesitant, boyish smile that used to make Morgan’s heart skip.

“Trevor?” Juniper blinked in surprise.

“Hey,” he said, eyes darting past her toward Morgan. “I, uh… brought her favorite food.”

Juniper stepped aside, and he walked in. Morgan stood, her expression unreadable, brushing invisible dust from her shorts.

“Hi,” she said quietly.

“Hi,” Trevor replied, lifting the bag slightly. “You didn’t come to the dining hall this morning, so I thought I’d bring breakfast instead.”

Morgan folded her arms. “I’m not hungry, but… thanks.” She took the bag from him, turning toward the table.

But before she could set it down, Trevor wrapped his arms around her from behind, burying his face against her shoulder as if the simple act might erase the distance between them.

Morgan froze. “Trevor,” she said flatly, pulling his hands off her. “Don’t.”

He frowned, eyes dark with hurt. “Morgan, please. “You are reading from www.mhiztaemy.com.ng” We already talked about this,” she continued, voice firm but trembling slightly. “We can’t keep doing this. We can’t be together.”

“Why not?” His voice cracked, desperate. “We didn’t ask for this, Morgan. It’s not our fault. Can’t we just… be happy, for once?”

She met his gaze, torn, furious, and heartbroken all at once. 

“You think happiness is that simple?” she whispered. “It’s not. Not for us.”

Trevor’s jaw tightened, his eyes searching hers like he was trying to find a reason not to break.

“I can’t just stop loving you, Morgan,” he said quietly, voice trembling.

 “You can tell me it’s wrong, you can keep pushing me away—but I can’t turn it off like a switch. I’ve tried. Every damn day, I’ve tried.”

“Trevor—”

“No, listen to me!” He cut in, stepping closer. “You think this is easy for me? Watching you pretend you don’t feel anything? Acting like all that time between us never happened?”

Tears burned her eyes. “Don’t do this.”

He laughed bitterly. “You want me to forget you? To just wake up one morning and decide you’re my…”

“Stop!” she shouted, her voice breaking. “You have to stop!”

He froze, his chest heaving, and then she whispered, almost choking on the words,

“I’m your sister, Trevor… your sister.”

The word hung in the air like a blade.

Trevor’s face crumpled, confusion and anger twisting together. “I don’t care what they say. Blood doesn’t erase what we were. What we felt.”

Her tears finally fell. “But it does. It changes everything.”

He stepped closer again, voice rising, desperate. “So what? you’ll just pretend none of it meant anything? That I didn’t mean anything?”

“Please don’t make this harder,” she whispered. “I’m already breaking inside.”

His fists clenched, his voice cracked under the weight of it all. “I can’t lose you, Morgan!”

“Then don’t love me like that,” she pleaded. “Just… love me enough to let me go.”

The air turned heavy, suffocating. Trevor’s breathing grew uneven; frustration flickered in his eyes and he slammed his hand against the wall beside her, the sound echoing like thunder.

 Morgan flinched, tears spilling freely now.

“Trevor!” Juniper rushed forward, stepping between them, her voice firm but calm. “That’s enough! Stop.”

Trevor blinked, realizing what he’d done. His body trembled as he took a shaky step back, guilt washing over him.

“I—I didn’t mean to…” he stammered, his voice hollow. “I’m sorry, Morgan.”

He turned away, his hand brushing over his face, and left the room without looking back.

The door clicked shut. The silence that followed was unbearable.

Morgan dropped to her knees, sobbing quietly, her hands covering her face. Juniper knelt beside her, pulling her into a tight embrace.

“Shh… it’s okay,” Juniper whispered, stroking her hair. “Let it out.”

Morgan’s voice was a broken whisper against her shoulder. “Why does it have to hurt this much?”

Juniper held her tighter. “

—–

 ★𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬 – 9𝐏𝐌★

The night breeze carried the faint scent of food from the dining hall as the students gathered at the assembly grounds, murmurs rising and falling in uneasy waves.

 The courtyard lights cast long shadows over the line of faces—some curious, some bored, and others, quietly nervous.

Hyce stood on the small podium in front, hands behind his back, eyes scanning the crowd. 

Bluey walked in with her friends, her tray from dinner still in her hand.

“I wonder what’s happening this time?” Nia mumbled, adjusting her sweater.

“It better not be something nasty cause right now I’m not in the mood,” Loci said with a sigh, crossing her arms.

Bluey looked up at Hyce, a faint smile creasing her forehead. 

“He looks serious,” she whispered.

Zayne was standing a few feet away, his eyes locked on Bluey instead of the podium. He wasn’t even pretending to listen.

 Every small tilt of her head, every flicker of confusion in her eyes drew him in more. The thought of talking to her after this announcement burned at the back of his mind.

Hyce stepped closer to the microphone, his voice calm but firm enough to carry across the courtyard.

“Good evening, everyone,” he began, his tone immediately silencing the restless chatter. 

“I won’t take much of your time. I just have a short announcement from Miss Dora and the Aces.”

A ripple of whispers moved through the students. Hyce waited a beat before continuing, a small, almost teasing smile curving on his lips.

“In two days, we’ll be going on a three-day camp trip outside the academy.”

The moment the words left his mouth, the crowd reacted instantly. A few gasps, then excited murmurs, and before long, laughter and giggles broke out.

“A camp trip?” Nia’s eyes widened. “Finally!”

“Wait, are we actually allowed to leave campus? Asides the Aces?” Loci asked, half in disbelief, half in joy.

Hyce raised his hand, bringing the noise down.

 “Yes, you heard me right. It’s a fun camp, no games or official competitions, just… something different for once. There’ll be team activities, bonfires, scavenger hunts, night events, and more. Everything will be well organized and coordinated, so no one gets left out.”

The students clapped and cheered, their earlier tension replaced by excitement. Someone even yelled, “About time we got a break!”

Hyce smiled faintly, letting them enjoy the moment. He walked down the podium and walked out immediately.

Students began to scatter in all directions, laughter and chatter filling the evening air.

 Bluey walked alongside Natalie, Loci, and Nia, their conversation light and teasing—until she suddenly felt a hand close gently but firmly around her wrist.

She turned, startled, and found herself staring into Zayne’s eyes.

“Hey,” he said softly. “Can we talk?”

Bluey blinked, her friends slowing down ahead of her. “Uh… sure.”

He didn’t wait for her to protest, just laced his fingers around hers and guided her toward a quieter corner beside one of the courtyard walls, away from the noise and prying eyes.

When they stopped, she crossed her arms. “What’s wrong?”

Zayne hesitated, searching her face before speaking. “I just wanted to know how you’ve been. You’ve been… distant lately.”

“I’m fine,” she said, offering a small smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

He nodded slowly, then his tone shifted—quieter, edged with concern. “Is it really necessary for you to stay at Hades’ suite?”

 “That’s what he wants.”Bluey tensed.

 “And what about you? Is that what you want? Or is he controlling you and making you do things you don’t like?”Zayne’s brows furrowed.

Her lips parted, caught off guard by the question.

 “It’s nothing like that,” she said quickly.

“Bluey…” he stepped closer, lowering his voice. “You know what kind of person he is.”

She looked away, her pulse skipping. 

“I know,” She whispered. “But still… I’m the one who chose to be with him.”

“Is it by choice,” Zayne pressed, his tone low and steady, “…or because you’re afraid to disobey him? Because he’s an Ace?”

Bluey frowned slightly, stepping back just a little. “It’s not like that, Zayne. I was the one who went back to him.”

 “After he treated you like trash?”Zayne’s jaw tightened.

 “Do you have a problem with Hades?”Her eyes flickered with discomfort.

He gave a short, humorless laugh. 

“No,” he said quietly, shaking his head. “I have a problem with you.”

“With me? Why?” she asked, confused, her brows knitting together.

He took a slow breath, his gaze softening as he looked at her. “Because I like you, Bluey.”

Her heart skipped a beat.

“I’m just… sad,” he continued, voice rough around the edges. “And annoyed that he got you first before I did.”

His hand moved hesitantly toward hers, and when his fingers brushed her skin, he held on, gentle, deliberate, almost pleading.

“You deserve better than him,” He whispered. “You always have.”

Bluey looked at him for a long moment, her expression soft but firm. 

“Zayne… I’m sorry,” She said quietly. “I can only be friends with you.”

His lips parted, as if he wanted to argue, but the way she looked at him, gentle and resolute stopped him. He nodded faintly, swallowing the words he couldn’t say.

“Then,” he murmured, trying to smile, “….can I at least get a hug?”

Bluey hesitated, then nodded. 

“Of course.”

He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, longer than he probably should have. 

She could feel the quiet ache in the way he held her, the heaviness of what he wasn’t saying.

“I’m gonna have you , Bluey.”He said inwardly.

When they finally pulled apart, she gave him a small smile. “You’ll be okay, right?”

“Yeah,” he said softly, his voice breaking just slightly. 

He reached up and brushed his thumb against her cheek, tracing the outline of her face like he was memorizing it.

“Take care of yourself, Bluey. I’ll see you later.” he whispered, then let his hand fall away and turned to leave, walking off without looking back.

Bluey froze when she turned and saw him—Hades, standing just a few feet away.

Her breath caught. 

The look in his eyes made her stomach twist. It wasn’t anger, not exactly… but it was something darker. Something that made her pulse quicken in fear.

They’d just made up that morning. She thought things were finally peaceful again, that the tension between them had eased.

 But now, his silence, his gaze, it all screamed otherwise.

“Hades…” she whispered carefully. “I can explain—”

Before she could finish, he was already moving. His hand gripped her waist, the other slipping behind her knees, and before she could react, she was hoisted over his shoulder.

“Hades!” she gasped, pounding her hands against his back. “Put me down! What are you—”

He didn’t answer. His steps were steady, silent, and controlled, every movement deliberate as he carried her through the hall toward his suite. 

The air felt colder there, heavier, like even the walls knew better than to make a sound.

★𝐇𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞★

When he finally pushed open the door, she was still thrashing in confusion. But instead of the familiar bedroom she expected, he turned and stepped into another space, a room she hadn’t seen before.

Bluey stilled, her eyes darting around the dimly lit room, her voice barely a whisper.

“Hades… what is this place?”

The room wasn’t anything like the rest of Hades’ suite.

It was darker, colder, almost suffocating in its atmosphere. The lights were dim, tinted a muted red that gave everything a shadowy glow. 

The walls weren’t painted but paneled in sleek black, with deep red undertones that caught the light when she moved.

 Every inch of the space felt calculated, designed not for comfort but for control.

A faint scent of leather and cedar hung in the air. The 

At the center of the room stood a wide four-poster bed, draped in deep scarlet sheets, the fabric so smooth it shimmered. Above it, black metal fixtures hung from the bed poles.

 There were cuffs, whips, chains, blindfolds and so many other things she couldn’t mention.

Hades moved Bluey closer to the table beside the bed. Without hesitation, he roughly stripped off her clothes. 

“Hades, just listen to me,” Bluey pleaded, her voice trembling with desperation, but he did not respond.

His hand reached out to a nearby shelf, grabbing a pair of handcuffs. As he stepped before her, fear flickered in Bluey’s eyes.

 She took a hesitant step back, uncertainty and vulnerability clear in her gaze, yet he held her firmly, steady and unyielding.

He secured the handcuffs around her wrists, then gently turned her and laid her chest down on the table.

 Standing behind her, her hips and ass turned toward him, he gripped her hair and lifted her head with a firm but controlled motion.

Hades’ voice was low and commanding as he said, “Didn’t I tell you not to interact with any guy in any ungodly way? Why do you enjoy disobeying me, huh?”

Bluey’s eyes welled with tears as she tried to explain, “I’m sorry. We were just talking. I didn’t mean to. I didn’t do anything wrong with him. He’s my friend.”

 “He asked for a hug, okay. You give him your permission and actually hug him? Now that’s what pissed me off.”He stepped closer, anger simmering in his tone.

Without warning, he drew a whip from the shelf and it landed sharply on her bare ass.

“Ahhhhh!” Bluey cried out, her chest arching instinctively, but his firm grip held her fast.

“Please, it hurts,” she pleaded softly.

“Hurts? Did you just say hurt? I’m just getting started, Bluey,” Hades growled.

He struck again, and again , six heavy times with the whip, and she cried out in pain. Then he threw the whip aside and rubbed her ass gently.

“Now, I’m going to spank you, while you spell out the name of the man who owns you. So you understand?” he whispered fiercely into her ear.

She nodded, trembling.

“I said, do you f+king understand?” he demanded sharply.

“Yes!” Bluey cried, voice shaking but clear.

He spanked her hard, the sharp sting echoing through the room.

“H,” she whispered.

Another spank followed.

“A.”

This time, heavier. Bluey cried out, the pain intense and biting, yet beneath it stirred a confusing warmth, a sensual wave she didn’t fully understand. 

Each strike left her feeling slick in between her legs and vulnerable in a way she couldn’t resist.

It hurt, but part of her wanted more.

“S,” she said softly as he finally released his grip on her hair.

“I can get damn scary when I’m jealous, Bluey. I hate it! The way he holds your waist, how you wrap your arms around his neck, that smile of yours,” he growled into her ear.

 “Bluey, they’re all mine! And I won’t watch you give that to another loser!” Another harsh spank landed.

“Stop already, you’re hurting me,” Bluey pleaded, her voice trembling.

He flipped her over, gripping her breasts firmly and tweaking her n+ples with rough urgency. A mix of cries and m0@ns escaped her lips, a confusing swirl of pain and pleasure. 

When his mouth latched onto her n+ples , warm and demanding. She screamed out, a mixture of shock and pleasure flooding her body. 

Her legs trembled uncontrollably, muscles quivering from the heat building within her.

Her legs trembled uncontrollably, her hands still cuffed above her head, as he devoured her br+asts with a fierce hunger, softly biting and leaving red marks on her skin.

“Master…” she m0@ned, her body vibrating with the intensity of the moment.

With her hands cuffed above her head, she was completely at his mercy as he bit softly, leaving red marks that pulsed with raw sensitivity. 

His hands slid down and wrapped tightly around her thighs, pulling her close as his hardness pressed against her receptive heat, slick with desire.

Her juices flowed freely, pooling beneath her as he sucked harder, alternating with rhythmic slaps that stung sharply yet ignited an electric fire beneath her skin.

 Each slap on her b👀bs left her flesh hot and tingling, every touch overwhelming her as her skin turned red.

“Are you going to disobey me again?” Hades demanded.

“No… Master,” Bluey whispered tearfully, surrendering.

Suddenly, he slapped her hard across the cheek, her head snapping to the side, hair falling across her face. 

Strangely, all she felt was pleasure beneath the sting.

“I said, are you going to disobey me again?” he growled close to her ear.

“No… Master!!” she moaned out loudly.

“Good girl,” he whispered fiercely.

Click.

The cuffs came off, and he stepped away.

“Wash up, and come eat,” was all he said before leaving the room.

Bluey lay there, breath ragged.

“I love him… I love… that monster in him,” she whispered through tears.

“But that hurt so bad.” she murmured softly, tears streaming down her eyes.

.

.

.

𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐝 ✰

Next Episode 

Previous Episode