๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐
{โข๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฏ๐๐ ๐๐โข}
๐๐ก๐๐ฆ๐: ๐ฐ’๐๐ ๐ณ๐๐ ๐ป๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐ ๐ญ๐๐ ๐ฏ๐๐.
สส สแดสสษชแดสสแด
-สแดแดแด ษชs แดษด ษชสสแดsษชแดษด-
โคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโค
โThat damn woman!โ Corazon groaned, sweeping a hand through her hair and straightening her skirt.
โCorazon, is there a problem?โ Anthony asked, appearing at her side with a quiet, practiced concern.
โShe knows?โ Corazon snapped. โIโm talking about Iris.โ
โKnows what?โ Anthony asked, folding his arms as if about to settle an argument.
โThat Morgan is your daughter?โ Corazonโs voice dropped to a dangerous whisper.
Anthonyโs expression didnโt change.
โIt happened long ago. It was Estelle who told her. You know how close my wife was with Iris before she died.โ
โAnd?โ Corazon pushed, searching his face for a reaction.
โEstelle told Iris during the time we had an argument. Iris confronted me. Itโs been years and she didnโt say a word. Let it remain that way.โ Anthony squeezed Corazonโs hand.
Corazonโs jaw tightened. โAnd youโre okay with that?โ
Anthonyโs eyes went cold for a beat, then steadied.
โYes. Besides, Iโm not planning on letting Morgan think Gael is her father forever. The timing will come. Maybe by thenโโ He paused, voice low.
โWe can get rid of Gael and claim whatโs left of his wealth that you and Morgan will benefit.โ
Corazon rolled her eyes but didnโt look surprised. Anthony stepped closer and nudged her playfully,.
โCโmon, donโt be mad.โ
โFine,โ she said, the edge not quite gone.
โSmile. Cโmonโsmile for me.โ He reached forward and tickled her ribs.
Corazonโs lips twitched, then a real, small smile broke through.
—–
โ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐จ๐ฌ’๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ง โ
The room smelled of old leather and expensive cologne.
Behind the table, Marco lounged in a high-backed chair, a crystal glass turning slowly in his fingers.
โBoss.โ Banjo stepped inside and closed the door, voice respectful but quick.
โHow did the transaction go?โ Marco asked without looking up.
โIt went well,โ Banjo replied crisply. โThe clients paid in cash and we delivered the goods.โ
Marcoโs mouth curved into a pleased, almost predatory smile.
โGood, Banjo. Thatโs why youโre my favorite , you always get the job done.โ
โThank you so much, boss.โ Banjo inclined his head.
Marco set his glass down and steepled his fingers.
โI called Iris today,โ He said, voice softening into something that could almost be mistaken for tenderness. โShe didnโt sound happy.โ
โSo weโre seriously pushing on with the plan?โ Banjo asked, watching him carefully.
โOf course we are,โ Marco said, rising to pace a slow circuit. โIโve waited too long for this moment.โ
Banjo hesitated. โBut are you sure…she was tooโฆ fond of you once. Are you certain she doesnโt feel anything for you?โ
Marco laughed, a dry, dangerous sound.
โIt doesnโt matter if she feels anything for me or not. Iโm going to get her back. She wonโt be able to do anything about it.โ
He swirled the drink in his glass as if the motion steadied him.
โOur plan remains the same. We start by ruining Robertโs legacy as president โ shake his government, make his life miserable until he begs for me to kill hi.โ His eyes glittered at the thought.
โSo when do we execute phase one?โ Banjo asked.
โThe annual conference,โ Marco said. โForeign guests, high visibility โ the perfect stage. More than that, itโs my chance to meet him.โ
โYou mean Robert and Irisโs son?โ Banjo confirmed.
โYes.โ Marcoโs jaw tightened.
โHades. MIA is surely going to send their Aces on an outside mission if the foreign guests go missing. My target is Hades.โ
โShould I kill him?โ Banjo asked bluntly.
โNo.โ Marcoโs voice snapped with cold amusement. โGive him a brutal injury , something that leaves a mark, something unforgettable. But do not kill him.โ
โWhy do you hate him so much? Heโs just a kid. He isnโt important to the plan.โBanjo tilted his head, puzzled.
Marcoโs gaze went hard, personal.
โHe is important. Every time I remember him, I see the fruit of my enemyโs love โ the man who took everything from me. Heโs the reminder of that betrayal. Hades doesnโt deserve to exist. One day I will kill him.โ
Banjo nodded slowly, the questions suppressed for now. Marco sat back, that soft smile returning, the calm of a man with a long game in motion.
โI will make Robert pay.โ
—–
โ ๐๐๐- ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ- ๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ’๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ฆโ
The door shut with a soft click behind them, muffling the distant hum of the dorm.
Bluey lay on the bed in a tangle of sheets and bruises, her knees and palms bandaged but still bleeding through in thin, dark threads.
Tears kept coming, hot and useless. After making her kneel on glass, she had to run errands for them, with her knees.
Nia sat on the floor beside her, careful and steady, dabbing at a scrape on Blueyโs palm with antiseptic.
Her face was a mask of worry; the gentle way she worked made the room feel less like a cell.
โHold still,โ Nia murmured, pressing gauze in place. โYou should have gone to the nurse.โ
โTheyโd just lecture me and send me back. Itโs their school. They make the rules.โ She tried to sit up and winced, hissing as pain flared in her knees.
โHow did it even get this bad? I obeyed them. I stayed away from Hades like Morgan told me to. I did everything they asked.โ
Niaโs fingers trembled, but she kept steady. โYou did what you could, Don’t blame yourself..โ
โWhat did I do to deserve this?โ Her voice rose, raw.
โI get it, Iโm the maidโs daughter. My dad drives for them, my mum cleans for them and now I get dragged on the floor like trash so their titled little princess can get a laugh. I obeyed! I stayed away from him, I kept my head downโฆ and stillโโ She broke off, shoulders shaking.
โYou didnโt do anything,โ Natalie said softly from the doorway. She came in quietly, eyes rimmed with fatigue. Loci stood behind her.
Bluey pressed her face into the pillow.
โ Iโm supposed to be grateful my tuition is paid, like that makes up for everything. Like I should kneel and say thank you for being spared.โ She spat the words.
“I hate her so much.”
Zayne sat on the edge of the bed, his voice low and soft as he spoke.
โSorry I couldnโt do anything.โ He reached out, his hand brushing gently over Blueyโs hair, his thumb smoothing down a loose strand that stuck to her damp cheek.
She shifted slightly on the bed, wincing when her knee grazed the sheets.
โItโs not your fault,โ She murmured, her voice cracked from crying. โYou couldnโt have done anything. It justโฆ hurts.โ
He looked at her like the world had stopped moving. The way his eyes lingered, dark with guilt, heavy with something that looked too much like tendernessโmade the air thick.
โDo you want anything?โ He asked quietly. โFood? Water? Iโll get you whatever you need.โ
She reached for his hand before he could stand. Her fingers trembled when they wrapped around his, small and cold.
โIโm fine. Thanks, okay? For taking care of me andโฆ always worrying about me.โ
His throat bobbed. For a moment, he didnโt answer, just looked at their joined hands like he wasnโt sure whether to pull away or hold on tighter.
Then, gently, he turned his palm and held hers properly, his thumb brushing over her knuckles in slow, absent circles.
โItโs no big deal,โ He said, smiling faintly, but the softness in his eyes betrayed the words. โIโll do my best in any way I can.โ
He tucked the blanket higher over her shoulders, adjusted the pillow behind her head, even fixed the corner of her bandage where it had come loose.
And when she finally drifted off to sleep, Zayne didnโt move. He just sat there, watching the rise and fall of her chest in the dim light, his hand still resting over hers.
“Let’s go, she needs to rest.”Loci said walking out first before they all followed.
—–
โ ๐๐๐ซ๐ ๐ข๐จ’๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ฆโ
Sergio heard his doorbell beep and opened it, surprised to see Hyce standing there.
โHyce?โ Sergio asked.
โAre you busy?โ Hyceโs voice was low, almost hesitant.
โNoโฆ Iโโ
Before Sergio could finish, Hyce barged past him, slipping into the room as Sergio shut the door behind him.
โYouโre here. Iโm surprised,โ Sergio said, leaning against the doorframe.
โI just needed company. My friends are being dickheads right now,โ Hyce muttered, slumping onto Sergioโs bed and kicking off his sneakers.
โSoโฆ what do you want to do? Movie?โ Sergio shrugged, peeling off his shirt.
Hyceโs eyes flicked up, his throat tight as he took in Sergioโs bare chest and defined muscles. It never failed to make him weak in the knees.
Unable to resist, Hyce slid off the bed and walked up behind Sergio, wrapping his arms around him in a tight hug.
Sergio froze for a heartbeatโand then realized that Hyce was bare-chested too.
โHyceโฆ what are you up to?โ Sergio asked, voice low, a mixture of amusement and caution.
Hyceโs lips brushed the side of Sergioโs neck.
โWe didnโt get to finish last timeโฆ letโs continue from where we stopped,โ He murmured.
Sergio smirked, leaning back slightly, eyes darkening with desire.
โNo.โ He gently twisted out of Hyceโs arms and stepped away, trying to maintain control.
โCโmon,โ Hyce said, his voice pleading now, every inch of his body pressed with need. โI thought you liked meโฆ why are you acting this way?โ
Sergioโs grin widened, a teasing glint in his eyes. โI doโฆ I like this version of you. I’m not the one begging you now.โ
Hyce groaned, frustration and longing mingling, his hands clenching at his sides. โStop playing games. I need you. I canโt keep waiting.โ
Sergioโs gaze softened for a fraction, but his pride and playfulness held him back.
โThen prove it,โ He said.
Hyce stepped closer, so close that Sergio could feel his warmth, his chest brushing lightly against his own.
Hyceโs hands trailed over Sergioโs arms, lingering just long enough to make him shiver.
Without warning, Hyce pushed Sergio lightly onto the bed, his body pressing against him for a heartbeat too long.
“I’m going crazy right now. I can’t believe I’m the one chasing after you,” Hyce muttered, his voice low and desperate.
He leaned in, lips hovering, trying to claim a kiss, but Sergioโs hands gripped the back of his neck, holding him just enough to stop him.
“Not so fast,” Sergio said, eyes dark with a mixture of warning and desire.
Hyce pressed just a little closer again, letting his forehead brush against Sergioโs, breath mingling, his hands still tracing lightly along his arms.
“You canโt make this easy for me, can you?” Hyce whispered, voice thick with need.
In one swift move, Sergio flipped them over, and now Hyce was pinned gently on the bed, his bare chest exposed under the dim light.
Sergioโs lips trailed over Hyceโs collarbone, down his chest, and Hyceโs eyes squeezed shut, a soft moan escaping him.
โGodโฆSergioโฆโ Hyce murmured, dipping a hand into Sergioโs hair, holding him close.
Sergio looked up, his gaze locking with Hyceโs. Hyce bit his lips, his chest rising with every shaky breath.
โGet dressed, let’s go out.โ Sergio said, his voice husky.
He leaned off the bed heading to his bathroom. Hyce heaved a sigh of relief and buried his face in the pillow.
“What have I done? Did I just…. Tell him I want him?”Hyce groaned.
“I really need to calm down.โ
—–
โ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ญ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐โ
The door clicked shut behind her. Iris let out a deep sigh, the kind that came from wearing heels, smiles, and diplomacy all day.
She kicked her shoes aside, unbuttoned her blouse, and loosened the zipper of her skirt before walking toward the bathroom barefoot.
The mirror caught her reflection and for a moment, she almost didnโt recognize the woman staring back.
Forty-one, yet she still looked like the kind of woman men couldnโt forget. Her body had kept its shape, soft in the right places, firm where it mattered.
She tied her hair up and let the shower run. Steam filled the room as water hit her bare shoulders, tracing down her back in tiny rivers.
**
Iris stepped out of the bathroom, steam still clinging to her skin, a towel wrapped neatly around her chest.
Her hair was damp, the ends brushing against her shoulders.
โDarling,โ Robert said, his grin instant and familiar as he crossed the room in a few strides.
Before she could react, his arms were already around her. He smelled faintly of cologne.
โYouโre drenched,โ she whispered, half laughing as he held her tighter.
โI donโt care.โ His voice dropped low, rough with emotion. โIโve missed you all day.โ
โYou saw me this morning,โ she teased softly.
โThat wasnโt enough.โ He tilted his head, his eyes tracing her face like he was memorizing it for the thousandth time. โItโs never enough with you, Iris.โ
โYou sound like a man still freshly in love.โ
She smiled, a little flustered, a little moved.
โI am.โ His thumb brushed her jaw, his gaze steady, possessive but tender. โI always will be.โ
โMarco called me today,โ Iris said, voice casual as she dried her hair with the towel.
Robertโs smile slid off his face like someone had pulled a curtain.
โWhat does he want?โ he asked, the calm in his voice suddenly thin.
โApparently,โ Iris said, a small, amused curl at the corner of her mouth, โ…the jerk is still in love with me.โ
Robertโs jaw tightened. He shrugged his shirt off and stalked to the mirror, the movement all coiled intensity. Iris watched him, warmth and mischief in her eyes.
โYou look pissed. Are you jealous?โ she teased, voice soft.
Robert didnโt turn from the glass.
โIโm not,โ he said clippedly. Then, quieter, more dangerous: โI just donโt want him near you.โ
โThat sounds like jealousy,โ Iris said, amused and gentle. She pulled off her towel and set the towel over the back of a chair and stepped close, fingers finding his hip.
โDonโt worry. You know I love you.โ
He turned at that, the steel in his face easing into something like relief.
He reached up, fingers finding the nape of her neck, thumb brushing her cheek.
โI know,โ He said, but there was a promise underneath it โ low, absolute. โItโs him I donโt trust. I donโt care what his goal is. If he touches you, I will kill him.โ
Iris let out a soft laugh and folded her arms around his waist, hugging him from behind.
โHmm. I know. And I love you so much,โ she whispered against his back.
Robertโs hands went over hers, squeezing once.
“Are you trying to tease me right now? What are you doing?”Robert asked and she chuckled.
“Nothing, just trying to run a strip show for my husband. Is that wrong?”Iris winked st him and he grabbed her waist, setting her on the dresser table.
“Really? You’re tryyto awake the beast in me right? You know I always score when I play a game.”He teased her and kissed her lips.
“Then you should know when to pull out, your son doesn’t want a sibling.”Iris teased him back.
“Do we still have to listen to him?”Robert asked.
“I want a girl.”Iris said.
“Me too, should we make one?”Robert asked, kissing her neck. His hand found her boobs and he cupped it.
“Robert….!!”Iris m0@ned out.
—–
โ ๐๐๐โ
Hyce and Sergio stepped through the massive iron gates of MIA, the crisp evening air brushing against their faces as the heavy clang of the gate closing echoed behind them.
Studentsโ cars were parked in neat rows outside the academy walls, headlights occasionally flickering as a few others left for their allotted hour of freedom.
They approached the security booth where two guards sat watching monitors. Hyce removed his sleek black bracelet and placed it on the counter, followed by Sergio.
The small scanner beeped twice.
โTwo hour max,โ One of the guards reminded.
โOkay,โ Hyce replied with a small smile.
The moment they were cleared, Hyce reached for Sergioโs hand โ fingers intertwining naturally.
It made Sergio glance down with a faint smirk tugging at his lips. Hyce just gave him that soft side glance that meant donโt tease me about it.
They crossed the gravel path toward Sergioโs black car. The low hum of the city beyond the walls was a strange reminder that life existed outside MIAโs chaos.
From a distance, someone watched.
Leaning against a lamppost by the far corner of the parking lot, Gomez stood with his hands shoved deep in his pockets.
His eyes locked on their joined hands, jaw tightening until his teeth ached. When Sergio opened the passenger door for Hyce.
Under his breath, he muttered, โSo thatโs how it is now, huh?โ
He turned away, eyes dark, fury simmering just below the surface.
*****
The late afternoon sun bathed Lakeside Garden in warm gold, the water rippling softly as a breeze brushed past the field of white tulips bordering the lake.
Sergio parked the car beneath a large willow tree, the air scented with honeysuckle and fresh grass.
Hyce stepped out, eyes wide with quiet awe.
โItโs beautiful here,โ He said, his tone softer than usual.
The lake reflected the orange-pink sky like melted glass, and the garden stretched endlessly around them.
Sergio smirked as he pulled a folded picnic blanket from the backseat.
โOf course it is. I’m glad you love it here.โ
They set up beneath the willow, the blanket spread across the grass, a basket between them.
Hyce sat cross-legged, still gazing out at the lake. The sunlight caught his blonde hair, and a few loose strands fell over his forehead.
Sergio reached over instinctively, brushing them back with a gentleness that made Hyce freeze.
โDonโt hide your face,โ Sergio murmured. โI like seeing it.โ
Hyceโs lips parted slightly. For a second, neither spoke, just the soft sounds of water and the rustle of leaves.
Then, impulsively, Hyce leaned forward. His eyes flicked down to Sergioโs lips as he moved closer only for Sergio to shift back, rising to his feet with an easy laugh.
โDid you justโฆ turn my kiss down?โHyce blinked.
Sergio glanced over his shoulder with a teasing grin, hands tucked into his pockets. โMaybe I did.โ
โAre you serious right now?โ Hyce stood up, half-annoyed, half-flustered.
โIโm serious.โ Sergio said, nodding toward the lake.
Sergio dropped his shirt carelessly onto the blanket, the fabric landing beside the basket.
His body glistened slightly in the sunlight โ lean muscle and sun-bronzed skin that flexed naturally as he moved.
He kicked off his trousers next, leaving only his dark swim shorts.
โLetโs swim,โ He said, grinning, the kind of grin that dared you to say no.
Hyceโs eyes widened slightly.
โUmโฆ no. Iโll just watch you.โ His voice faltered, betraying his nerves.
โWatch me? Thatโs boring.โSergio arched a brow.
โI donโt mind boring,โ Hyce replied, crossing his arms. โBoringโs safe.โ
โSafe,โ Sergio repeated with a laugh, stepping into the lake.
The cool water reached his calves, then his waist. โYou know, you donโt strike me as the type who likes โsafe.โโ
โIโm full of surprises,โ Hyce shot back.
Sergio dove under, his body slicing through the water, and resurfaced with a playful shake of his hair, droplets catching the light like diamonds.
โCome on, Hyce! The waterโs perfect.โ
โNo way,โ Hyce said, scooting back a little. โIโll drown.โ
โYou wonโt,โ Sergio teased, splashing water in his direction. โIโll save you.โ
โThatโs not funny!โ Hyce yelped, dodging the spray.
Sergio chuckled and waded toward the shore. As he stepped out, the water rolled down his chest in shimmering lines, his hair slicked back,.
Hyce swallowed hard, gaze flicking away.
Sergio stopped in front of him, so close that Hyce could smell the faint scent of lake water and his skin.
He reached out, brushing Hyceโs cheek gently with his wet palm, his thumb grazing the corner of Hyceโs jaw.
โAre you scared of water,โ Sergio murmured. โ…..or you canโt swim?โ
Hyceโs breath hitched. He bit his lower lip, eyes darting to the ground
โBoth,โ he mumbled quietly.
Sergioโs fingers find the buttons at Hyceโs collar with a casual, practiced motion and he peels the shirt open, the fabric falling away to reveal pale shoulders.
โCโmon,Iโll teach you.โ He says, voice soft but insistent.
โNo, Sergio, donโt….โHyceโs protest is fast and high, a flurry of nerves.
Sergio laughs, low and warm, and before Hyce can step back he scoops him up in a single, easy motion jerking him up to his waist.
Hyceโs arms wind around Sergioโs neck, legs bumping against the his hip.
Up close, he can feel the steady cadence of Sergioโs heartbeat.
โPut me down!โ Hyce huffs. โIโll kill you, put me down!โ
โOkay,โ Sergio says, amused and utterly unruffled.
He doesnโt set Hyce down, he carries him toward the water and then, with a fluid, confident motion, dives in.
Cold hits them both; Hyce yelps, the sound muffled by the splash. For a second the world narrows to the slap of water and the rush of air.
Sergio rights them both quickly, holding Hyce close so his face is above water. He steadies them with a hand pressed to Hyceโs back and the other under his knees.
Hyce clings to him, breath quick, eyes wide.
โDonโt let go of me, please,โ He says, voice small and urgent.
โI wonโt.โ Sergio answers, voice a private promise.
His grip is firm but careful, fingers warm and sure against Hyceโs spine. He guides Hyce to float, supports his weight so Hyce can feel the water carry him without sinking.
Hyce blinked water from his lashes, a small smile tugging at his lips.
โThe water isnโt so bad,โ He admitted softly, though he didnโt loosen his arms from around Sergioโs neck.
His body still sought the warmth and safety pressed against him.
โSee?โ Sergio murmured, his tone threaded with quiet satisfaction. โNot so bad.โ
The lake rippled around them, sunlight glinting off its surface. Everything else, wind, sound, time, seemed to still.
Hyce looked up, and their eyes locked.
There was something electric in the air, something unspoken but heavy between them.
Sergioโs gaze lingered on Hyceโs parted lips, then rose again to meet his eyes, as if silently asking for permission.
Hyce didnโt move away. He didnโt need to say anything. The look he gave back was answer enough.
Sergio leaned in slowly, closing the distance inch by inch until his breath mingled with Hyceโs.
The first touch of his lips was tentative, soft, testingโbut the moment Hyce responded, it deepened.
Sergioโs hand slid up the back of Hyceโs neck, fingers tangling gently in his wet hair, pulling him closer.
Hyceโs lips trembled, then moved with his, uncertain at first but soon melting into the kiss.
The taste of water, heat, and adrenaline filled the space between them. Sergio tilted his head, his mouth moving over Hyceโs with growing intensityโslow, savoring, almost reverent.
His other arm tightened around Hyceโs waist, drawing him flush against his chest until there was no space left between them.
When they finally broke apart, their breaths came unevenly. Hyceโs eyes fluttered open, meeting Sergioโs again, this time softer, dazed, and entirely undone.
Sergioโs thumb brushed against his cheek, voice barely above a whisper.
Hyce looked down, his heart pounding so loud it almost drowned out the sound of the waves.
โIโฆ like you,โ Hyce said quietly, voice trembling just enough to give him away.
Sergio smirked, eyes gleaming with mischief. โItโs obvious. I didnโt need you to tell me.โ
Hyce frowned, his lips curving into a pout. โProud jerk,โ he muttered, cheeks burning.
Sergio leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low, teasing murmur. โSo, will you be my baby?โ
โBaby?โHyce blinked.
โYes,โ Sergio said, brushing a damp strand of hair from Hyceโs forehead. โBecause you are my baby. Youโre so damn cute too.โ
โAre you trying to say I’m going to be the baby in the relationship?โ Hyce asked.
โYou are, there’s no negotiating. So, will you…. be my baby?โSergio asked again.
Hyce bit his lip, his face turning a deep shade of red as he buried it in Sergioโs neck, hiding his smile.
โโฆYes,โ He mumbled softly.
Sergio chuckled, the sound deep and warm. โBaby,โ He called again, his tone playful.
โYes, boo.โHyce looked up, shy but glowing.
โFuck, youโre so damn cute.โSergio grinned, biting his lip as he stared at him.
He leaned in, capturing Hyceโs lips in a slow kiss.
When they pulled apart, Hyceโs voice came out small but full of worry.
โYou wonโt be like Gomez, right? You wonโtโฆ you wonโt f+k girls, or cheat, or break my heart?โ
Sergioโs expression softened instantly. He cupped Hyceโs face with both hands, his thumb brushing his cheek.
โNever,โ he whispered. โI love you. So, so much.โ
“I love you too.”Hyce smiled faintly.
—–
โ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ- ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ง’๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ญ๐โ
โMorganโฆ you ready?โ Trevor called, standing in the middle of the living room.
They were supposed to head out soon to invigilate the Jacks and Pawnsโ training session with the other three Aces, but the suite was quiet.
No reply.
โBabe!โ he called again, louder this time.
The soft sound of heels echoed down the stairs. Trevor turned and froze, a slow grin spreading across his face.
Morgan descended gracefully, her hair flowing down her shoulders, skin glowing like sheโd stepped out of a commercial.
The sleeveless crop top she wore caught the light, showing just enough of her toned stomach to make his breath hitch.
She reached the last step and tilted her head, a small smirk forming. โHi.โ
โHeyโฆโ Trevorโs voice dropped an octave. โYouโre so pretty.โ
โI know,โ Morgan said, teasingly proud. โThank you.โ
He laughed, shaking his head.
Trevor caught her wrist gently, stopping her.
โWait. Before we goโฆโ He pulled something from his pocket โ a small black velvet box.
Morgan arched a brow, her lips curving in a knowing smirk. โA gift?โ
Trevor nodded eagerly, grinning as he pulled a small black box from his pocket.
โYeah. Youโve been stressed lately, and I thought you deserved something nice.โ
She folded her arms, watching him with teasing suspicion. โHmmโฆ what are you trying to bribe me for this time?โ
โNothing!โ he said quickly, opening the box to reveal a sleek silver bracelet with a single sapphire embedded in the center. โJust thought it would look good on you.โ
โItโs beautiful,โ She admitted, brushing her thumb over the stone before looking back up at him. โPut it on me.โ
Trevor stepped closer, his fingers brushing lightly against her skin as he clasped the bracelet around her wrist.
โPerfect,โ He murmured. โAlmost as shiny as you.โ
โI’m going to reward you tonight.โMorgan smirked.
โYou promise? Don’t play with me Morgan, I’m going to hold you to your word.โTrevor said, holding her waist.
โI promise.โ She tapped his chest with one manicured finger and turned toward the door.
โLetโs go. The others are waiting, and I donโt want to hear anyone whining about us being late again.โ
Trevor followed, his gaze lingering on her.
โYou know,โ He said under his breath, โIf you keep looking this good every day, Iโm going to forget how to focus.โ
Morgan glanced at him over her shoulder, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
—-
โ ๐๐๐๐ค๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฐ๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ โ
The jacks and pawns filed in single file. Each student stepped into a numbered room; the doors sealed behind them with a mechanical click.
The rooms were all the same โ metal walls, metal ceiling, a single table in the center. On each table sat something that made the air go thin: a compact device with three cables coiling from its side.
๐ โWelcome, players of different levels. Todayโs assessment: defuse a device specially made for this exam by the five Aces.โ
A timeโtriggered device sat in front of each player, its three visible conduits braided in red, blue, and yellow. โYou must neutralize the device before the timer runs out,โ the voice continued.
โAre these people crazy?โ Bluey muttered from her cell.
๐ โYour time starts now.โ
Immediately the devices in every room flickered to life.
Bluey edged forward on unsteady legs, the cold metal floor numbing through her thin soles.
She crouched over the device, fingers fumbling for the small scissorโlike tool on the table.
Her hands were slick with sweat; the bracelet at her wrist pulsed a frantic blue.
โWhich wire do I cut?โ She whispered, voice shaking. โHow come no one told us thisโฆโ Her breath came in quick, ragged pulls.
Her mouth went dry. The tool slid in her grip as her whole body trembled.
โI thought they said three wires? How come mine has five? Where did black and green come from?โ Her words tumbled out, panic threading them.
She rocked forward, knuckles white, jaw clenched. The trembling in her limbs turned into a violent shiver; the scissors rattled once in her hands as she tried to steady them.
—
In the control room above, the five Aces watched the bank of feeds, glassy screens throwing pale light over their faces.
Each monitor tracked a different room; each timer ticked down at a pace only the designer knew.
โThese students are really slow, to be honest,โ Hyce said, leaning back, an airy comment that hid irritation.
โYeah, right โ itโs obvious which one to cut. The red one in the middle,โ Hugo said with a sneer, casual and cruel.
Trevorโs eyes never left his own feed.
โI made mine deactivation blue,โ He said simply, like heโd announced the weather.
Morganโs lips curved.
โAs for me, Iโm just waiting for one person,โ She added.
Her gaze slid to a particular screen; her smile sharpened when the camera revealed Bluey, crouched and trembling under the task.
Hades stood apart from the banter, watching the grid with his usual, stoneโstill focus.
He noticed Morganโs attention flick to Bluey and the way her smile sharpened; for a tiny, almost invisible second his fist tightened.
—–
๐Player 041 Passed.
๐Player 077 Passed.
A loud sound echoed from an explosion.
๐Player 022 Eliminated.
Bluey flinched, tears welling in her eyes.
“Eliminated? What happened? What was that sound?” she whispered, shaking violently.
She cut the red wire, but the timer on her bomb kept ticking.
๐Player 054 Passed.
That was Zayne.
๐Player 051 Passed.
That was Loci.
๐Player 052 Passed.
That was Nia.
๐Player 053 Passed.
That was Natalie.
Bluey smiled briefly, then frowned as she cut the black wire, still nothing.
“I’m so dead,” she muttered, fear gripping her chest.
๐Player 030 Eliminated.
A violent explosion rocked the metal walls, sending a shockwave through the room.
๐Player 045 Eliminated.
A deafening boom rattled the arena, causing her to press herself against the table.
๐Player 059 Eliminated.
A sharp, metallic crack echoed, dust falling from the ceiling.
๐Player 073 Eliminated.
A blinding flash with a booming bang made her knees weaken.
๐Player 117 Eliminated.
A piercing detonation reverberated, the sound almost deafening.
Blueyโs timer flashed: 00:10.
Her hands were trembling violently, palms slick with sweat. Tears streaked her cheeks as her heart thumped painfully against her ribs.
She had already cut four wires… red, black, blue, and yellow but the countdown showed no mercy. She possibly couldnโt cut them all, plus the wires are thick as hell.
Her breathing came in sharp, panicked gasps as she hovered the scissors over the remaining wires, eyes darting from one to the next.
Every second that ticked felt like an eternity, every tick of the timer a hammer to her chest.
—–
In the control room, Morgan leaned back in her chair, a slow, cruel smirk spreading across her face.
Her eyes flicked toward Bluey on the monitor, glinting with satisfaction.
๐ญ She still has no ideaโฆ Morgan thought, her mind replaying a memory.
FlashbackโAces Training Room:
While everyone was distracted, Morgan had tampered with Blueyโs assessment bomb.
She had modified the circuitry so that no matter which wire Bluey cut, the timer would continue to tick, and the bomb would eventually explode.
๐ญ Even if she cuts all the wires perfectly, it wonโt matter. Sheโll panic. Sheโll struggle. Sheโll failโฆ just like I want and then boom, she’s dead.
—–
Back in the present, Blueyโs fingers shook uncontrollably. 9โฆ 8โฆ 7โฆ Each second screamed closer to doom.
Her eyes filled with hopelessness as she stared down at the bomb that was no longer hers to control.
The metallic room seemed to shrink around her, the air thick and suffocating.
Her chest tightened, and her mind racedโWhy is this happening? Why me?
Morganโs smirk widened as she sipped her drink, completely confident that Blueyโs fear would reach its breaking point before the countdown hit zero.
Blueyโs chest heaved as she accepted her fate. The scissors hovered helplessly above the final wire. Her tears fell freely now, the metallic cold pressing in from all sides.
๐Time upโฆ
A loud buzzer echoed throughout the building.
๐Player 030 Eliminated
๐Player 045 Eliminated
๐Player 060 Eliminated
๐Player 075 Eliminated
๐Player 090 Passed
๐Player 095 Eliminated
๐Player 100 Eliminated
Blueyโs eyes widened as she stared at her timer. The screen blinked at her: 00:01.
She had passed.
Her body shook violently as she gasped, staring at the bomb that no longer posed a threat. Relief, disbelief, and exhaustion washed over her all at once.
—
In the control room, Morganโs smirk faltered, replaced with a sharp glare. She spun toward Hades, Hugo, and Hyce.
โWho tampered with the bomb?!โ she demanded, her voice slicing through the room.
Bluey had almost died perfectly. Morganโs accusation fell on Hades first, but he didnโt even glance back; he walked away as if it were nothing.
Hyce stepped forward, his voice calm but pointed. โIt was me.โ
โYou! How?!โMorgan whipped toward him.
โItโs a time bomb. If it doesn’t reached 00:00, it wouldnโt go off, right? I saw what you did back when we were making the bombs and seriously… You stooped too low.”Hyce scoffed.
Morganโs eyes widened in realization, fury boiling inside her.
She lunged toward him, but before she could act, he grabbed her shirt with one hand, shoving her aside effortlessly.
Without another word, he strode out of the control room, leaving Morgan fuming.
——
The masked guards marched through the hallway, the metallic thud of their boots echoing as they carried out the burnt, lifeless bodies of the eliminated students.
The scent of smoke and burnt metal lingered heavily in the air, a chilling reminder of what failure in MIA truly meant.
Inside her cell, Bluey sat frozen, her breaths coming in short, sharp gasps. Her hands trembled uncontrollably, her eyes fixed on the bomb that had nearly ended her life.
The metal doors slid open with a hiss, and Loci, Nia, Zayne, and Natalie burst inside, their faces pale with worry.
โBluey! Are you okay?โ Zayne rushed forward, his voice cracking slightly.
She looked up at them, her pupils dilated, her lips trembling.
โI… I want out,โ she whispered. โI canโt deal with MIA anymore…โ
Her body swayed as her strength gave out. Zayne caught her just in time, her weight sinking against his chest.
โBluey!โ Natalie gasped, kneeling beside them.
Blueyโs voice was faint, barely a murmur.
โI canโt do this anymore… This place really is… the grounds of hell.โ
Her eyes fluttered shut, and she went limp as she passed out in Zayne’s arms.
.
.
.
๐๐จ ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ฎ๐๐ โฐ
