THIRD PERSON'S POV

"Tequila sunrise please"

Sky sat at the bar, waiting for his order. The dim lighting and quiet chatter of the patrons created a relaxed atmosphere. The bartender, busy with another customer, caught Sky's eye and nodded, acknowledging his presence.

"Vodka Midori Sour," Jared ordered, approaching the bar and leaning over Sky, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"I wanted to drink quietly. If I had known you were here, I wouldn't have come," Sky muttered, irritation clear in his voice.

Jared took a sip of his drink, unfazed. "Nathan isn't in his pub these days, you know that," he replied nonchalantly.

Sky clicked his tongue in annoyance, turning away from Jared as if he didn't exist. The bartender finally brought Sky's drink, and he took a long, calming sip.

"By the way, Sky," Jared continued, undeterred by the cold shoulder, "what did your dad say about what's going on at the university?"

"He didn't say anything," Sky replied, his voice tinged with frustration. "He just tapped my shoulder and left."

"Wow, your dad really loves you. He's so caring," Jared said sarcastically, playing with the glass in his hand.

"He's been even busier lately. Every time I ask him what he's doing, he just tells me he's helping someone," Sky admitted, staring into his drink.

"Who is that someone?" Jared asked, genuinely curious.

"I don't know. Why are you asking me?" Sky snapped back, his irritation growing.

Jared leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Sky, I noticed you started to be rude when you found out that Master and Hyra were officially dating. Are you jea-"

Before Jared could finish his sentence, Sky grabbed a piece of ice from his drink and shoved it into Jared's mouth, cutting him off. "Shut up, monkey!" he growled.

Jared spluttered, trying to dislodge the ice, while Sky turned back to his drink, a small, satisfied smile playing on his lips. The bartender, having witnessed the exchange, shook his head with a smirk and continued serving other customers.

Later, Jared finally managed to spit out the ice, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He laughed, the sound drawing a few curious glances from nearby patrons. "Touchy, aren't we?"

Sky glared at him but said nothing, focusing instead on his drink. Jared leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "Come on, Sky. Admit it. You're jealous of Master and Hyra."

Sky's grip tightened around his glass, his knuckles turning white. "What's your problem, Jared? Why do you always have to poke your nose into other people's business?"

Jared shrugged, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Because it's fun, and you're so easy to rile up. Besides, it's obvious to everyone but you. Why else would you be so upset?"

Sky set his glass down with a thud, the liquid inside sloshing dangerously close to the rim. "You don't know anything about it," he snapped. "And it's none of your business."

Jared leaned back, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. Just saying, it's written all over your face."

Sky took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. The last thing he needed was to make a scene. "Look, Jared, what's between Master and Hyra is their business. I'm not involved."

"Sure, if you say so," Jared replied, his tone still light and teasing. "But maybe you should talk to someone about it. Bottling it up isn't going to help."

Sky sighed, some of the tension draining from his shoulders. "Maybe you're right," he admitted reluctantly. "But not with you."

Jared laughed again, this time more genuinely. "Fair enough. But seriously, Sky, you should consider it."

Sky nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I'll think about it. Now, can we just drink in peace?"

Jared raised his glass in a mock toast. "To peace, then."

Sky clinked his glass against Jared's, the sound ringing out in the noisy bar. As they drank, the tension between them eased, replaced by a more comfortable silence. For now, at least, the teasing was over, and they could enjoy their drinks without any further interruptions.

HYRA'S POV

It's Saturday today, which means no elite students around and thankfully no Perez staring at me all day. I can't help but wonder if he's attracted to me or something.

After the car explosion incident, I decided to put on a show just to annoy him even more. It's not like I'm the only one annoyed here. To showcase my acting skills, I helped the Elites surprise Carl when he returned.

His expression was priceless.

I yawned and glanced at the clock. When I realized it was lunchtime, I stretched and reached for my phone, already knowing who the message was from. I read it immediately.

"He's been in the study room all night and hasn't even come out to eat."

The message was from Cris.

"Should I talk to Conan?" I texted back.

*Beep*

Cris replied in less than ten seconds.

"You probably should. You're responsible for all of this," he responded.

Conan sulks all day and won't say why. My head suddenly ached as I remembered what Conan might do to himself.

"Thanks for the support," I replied before shutting off my phone. I was about to head for a shower when I smelled food coming from the kitchen. Did a burglar break into my place just to cook?

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled my nostrils.

"Who are you? How did you get into my place?" I demanded, gripping a pan ready to strike.

"Don't I have the right to cook for my girlfriend?" It was Maniego.

Girlfriend? Last I knew, we were just dating. Tomorrow I might wake up to find out we're married.

"Good morning, gorgeous," he greeted, handing me a plate.

I couldn't do anything but accept the plate and taste what he had cooked. He was quite the chef.

As I ate, he stared at me. I couldn't fully enjoy my meal with him staring like that. Wasn't he leaving soon so I could savor this food in peace?

"It looks like you're heading out, all dressed up," I observed while sipping hot milk.

"I have to meet with the Masks, and you can't come," he said casually. "You attract too much attention. I don't want anyone else staring at you."

Thump, thump!

My face warmed up.

What's wrong with me? Do I have a fever?

He raised an eyebrow suggestively and leaned closer. "Stay put," he added, planting a soft kiss on my forehead.

Stay put? Am I a dog now?

As Maniego left, I couldn't help but think of Conan. His brooding silence worried me. Was he upset about something I did? I bit my lip, feeling a pang of guilt. Maybe I should reach out to him, check if he's okay. But would he even want to talk to me right now?

Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I stared at the empty plate in my hands, still trying to process Maniego's unexpected affection and possessiveness. Was this a new side of him, or had I missed the signs before?

T

HIRD PERSON'S POV

"Where's the other one?" Ice asked Brizon, noticing his glowing face.

"Did something good happen to Master before he came here?" Brizon wondered silently.

"Where's Jarvis?"

"Hey, Master, I'm here," Jarvis emerged from a room, adjusting his zipper. "I thought you weren't coming, so I played king and slave first."

"Make sure you don't leave any traces in the room you used if you don't want Nathan to kick you out," Stanley reminded Jarvis, pouring wine into his glass.

"Don't worry, the room is clean. I can go nine rounds," Jarvis winked, causing Stanley to choke.

"Jarvis, come with me. I need to discuss something with Nathan."

"Okay!"

-

It was 7 pm, and almost everyone in the pub was already drunk.

"HOY MGA GAGOOOOO!" A man who looked like a sumo wrestler shouted in front of Jared.

Jared narrowed his eyes and approached the burly man, hiccuping as he walked.

The other Masks stayed alert but passive, watching the scene unfold.

"Are you kidding me?" The sumo wrestler-like man grabbed Jared's collar and lifted him effortlessly.

"It's been a while since I've seen a good brawl," Brizon rubbed his hands together, his eyes gleaming.

"Same here," Cyrus commented, crossing his legs. "I almost feel sorry for Jared's opponent. No matter how big he is, he still hasn't won against a drunk."

*CLING!*

*CLANG!*

*WHOOSH!*

*BLAG!*

*BOOGSH!*

Jared exchanged blows with not just his initial opponent but five others who joined in. Undeterred, he called out challengingly.

"You coward! You dared to call your buddies while I'm alone? Do you even know who I am?"

"Hey, Jared, don't provoke him," Kevin was about to intervene when someone grabbed his shoulder, forcing him back into his seat.

"Don't jump into someone else's fight. Why don't you face me instead?" Another burly man confronted Kevin, who promptly kicked him in the face without hesitation.

"What a troublemaker," Brizon sighed, lighting a cigarette and delivering a swift kick to another obstructing man.

*CLASH!*

The glass table shattered, and its shards flew toward Joshua.

"Watch it! You almost got my face," Joshua growled, sidestepping the glass fragments.

Zeke approached a waitress and whispered to her. "Lock all the exits. Make sure no one leaves." He handed her some money, and she nodded, promptly obeying his command.

*BOOGSH!*

A body landed in front of Zeke, bloody and unconscious. Zeke kicked it back toward its thrower, none other than Carl.

"You need to learn to throw your trash in the right place," Zeke said dismissively, though he was taken aback by Carl's appearance. Carl hadn't been himself lately; he'd felt constantly watched and slept poorly all week.

"I shouldn't have come here," Carl muttered to himself, ascending to the second floor to observe from above.

-

"It's been a while since I've shuffled my cards," Kevin remarked, beginning to shuffle them. He recalled the last time he'd used them, defending himself and Hyra.

"Four aces," he kissed the cards before tossing them, piercing the throats of four men. "Whoa!" He marveled at his own skill, retrieving the cards from their victims.

"Hey, Kevin, watch the mess," Cyrus snapped angrily, wiping blood splatter from his face.

"I'm sorry, I thought the place was empty," Kevin apologized sheepishly.

Cyrus swiftly approached Stanley, leaping into the air and landing on a man attempting to attack him. Blood filled the man's mouth.

"That's impressive, Cyrus. I want to try that," Joshua's eyes gleamed as he grabbed Cyrus's hand.

"Josh, over here!"

Brizon tossed an opponent towards Joshua, who leaped high into the air, spinning and landing gracefully on his adversary.

"Cool!" Stanley complimented Joshua.

Meanwhile, on the balcony of the second floor, Carl and Sky sat comfortably, observing the chaos below.

"Aren't you going to join them?" Carl asked Sky, taking a sip of his wine.

"I've been pondering. I don't think I should add to it," Sky replied, crossing his legs and observing the ongoing commotion.

"Sky?"

"Hmmm?"

"Do you like Hyra?"

Sky nearly choked on his drink at Carl's question, frowning before turning to face him.

"Where did that come from?" Sky asked, intrigued.

"Just answer me."

"Yes, I like her as a friend, but not romantically. She's the first woman who's made me experience things I've never felt before," He smiled, reminiscing.

"What if she's Demon or have connections with the White Monarchy?"

*Clash!*

Sky's mug slipped from his hand, shattering as it hit the floor.

"What are you talking about? When Demon attacked me, Hyra was with me, and she was ill."

"What if she planned-"

"Carl, you need a long rest. Your imagination is running wild," Sky interrupted firmly, shaking his head. He knew no one would believe him if he shared the truth. Leaning back in his chair, he covered his face with his hands.

Meanwhile, the Masks continued their brawl. Nathan's pub suffered considerable damage, with broken bottles and shattered furniture strewn about.

"SASAGEYOOOOO!" Jared shouted, pounding his chest.

*CLASH!*

*BLAG!*

*BOOGSH!*

*WHOOSH!*

*KASHING!*

*SLAM!*

*AIR BREATHING TECHNIQUE!*

*WHOOSH!*

"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON NOW?" Jared, Brizon, Cyrus, Joshua, Kevin, Zeke, and Stanley turned towards the voice that had yelled from upstairs.

Nathan's glare seared into them as they all froze, feeling the intensity of his gaze.

"Why did you get into a fight without me?" Jarvis complained, jealous that he had missed out.

"Nathan still hasn't repaired the rest of the pub from your last escapade, and now this?" Ice snapped his fingers, and everyone in the room, masked or not, straightened up. Ice descended the stairs, followed by Nathan and Jarvis. "Who's responsible for this mess?"

Joshua, Kevin, Zeke, Cyrus, Brizon, and Stanley simultaneously pointed at Jared.

Jared's eyes widened.

"Why are you blaming me? Joshua broke most of the wine bottles, Cyrus and Brizon destroyed the chairs and tables."

Jared clutched his chest, feigning pain.

"If you hadn't joined the fight, we wouldn't be in trouble," Stanley muttered.

"Enough nonsense. Clean up your mess," Nathan's cold voice cut through the room as he seated himself in a solitary chair.

CARL'S POV

"Did you notice when Master and the others came out of that room? They were surrounded by a dark aura. I wonder what they were discussing," Joshua said, curiosity evident in his voice.

"Probably Demon again," Kevin replied nonchalantly.

"Kevin, who was with you when you received those cards?" I asked, joining the conversation with a question of my own.

"I was alone, but prior to that, Hyra and I were attacked by men in black," Kevin answered.

I turned my gaze to Cyrus. "Before you got the White Card, what happened first?"

"Are you some kind of investigator?" Cyrus snapped, but he still answered my question. "I was following Hyra and Cris because I saw them together. Afterward, I went straight to my district."

Hyra again?

"And you, Brizon? How are you going to explain your car that Hyra used? You loved that car so much, and in an instant, it turned to ashes. We didn't even see you react."

"I received a White Card when I went to the Pub without Nathan's consent," he answered calmly.

No. That's not what I want to hear.

"I saw your car in trouble last time. Do you know about this?" I asked, staring at him intently. I could see him flinching.

"Is that the mess you were involved in last time, Carl?" Jared suddenly jumped in. I wasn't talking to him.

"Yeah," I replied coldly.

Why did he lose his intoxication so quickly?

"If there's nothing more to talk about, I'll go home," Brizon said, turning to leave.

Fuck, wait Brizon, I'm not done with you yet.

*Swoosh!*

A fast wind touched my cheek, and when I looked behind me, there was an arrow stuck in the tree. That arrow had grazed my cheek.

Tch! It's true what he says-he'll watch me.

"Carl, your cheek is bleeding," Kevin exclaimed.

When I touched my cheek, I felt the warm blood.

Viper, your time will come too.

The tension in the air was palpable. Kevin and Joshua exchanged worried glances, while Cyrus and Brizon remained stone-faced. Jared, on the other hand, seemed more interested in my bleeding cheek than the growing conflict.

"Let's get you patched up," Kevin suggested, pulling out a small first aid kit from his bag.

As Kevin tended to my wound, I couldn't shake the feeling that things were escalating. Demon's influence was spreading, and it was only a matter of time before everything came to a head.

-

Later that night, I found myself pacing back and forth in my room, the events of the day replaying in my mind. Brizon's suspicious behavior, the attack by Viper, and the mysterious aura surrounding Master and the others-it all pointed to something bigger. I needed answers, and I needed them fast.

I picked up my phone and dialed a number I knew well.

"Yeah, it's Carl. I need you to look into someone for me," I said as soon as the line connected. "Her name is Hyra. I want to know everything-who she meets, where she goes, and what she's up to."

The voice on the other end was professional and reassuring. "Consider it done. I'll get back to you in a minute."

-

A few minutes later, I received a call from my contact. I could feel the anticipation building as I answered.

"What did you find?" I asked, skipping the formalities.

"Nothing," the voice said, frustration evident. "Hyra's clean. No unusual activity, no suspicious contacts. It's like she's a ghost."

"Nothing?" I repeated, disbelief creeping into my voice. "That can't be right. She has to be involved in something."

"I'm telling you, Carl, there's nothing. Either she's extremely good at covering her tracks, or there's nothing to find."

I ended the call, feeling more frustrated than ever. I couldn't shake the feeling that Hyra was somehow connected to everything that was happening, but without any concrete evidence, I was stuck.

I couldn't help but feel that time was running out. The pieces of the puzzle were starting to come together, but there were still too many missing. And until I found them, we were all in danger.

THIRD PERSON'S POV

"Where is he?" Hyra asked the man waiting for her at the gate.

"I've been waiting for you for a while. He's in the study room and hasn't come out since yesterday," Zeus replied, leading the way as Hyra followed.

"What do you think happened?" she inquired, her voice tinged with concern.

"You know him, he's like a ticking bomb. He's just holding back his anger, but he really wants to blow up the whole university," Zeus answered.

Hyra blew out a breath and headed straight to the study room. Before she could enter, she raised an eyebrow at Cris, who was lighting a cigarette. Cris quickly hid the cigarette, then gave way to Hyra and Zeus.

"I'm only up to here," Zeus said, bowing and opening the library door.

-

"How many times have I told you not to come in until I tell you-" Viper stopped as he smelled a familiar scent. He knew this smell very well.

Hyra glanced at the side of Viper's study table, noting the untouched food. "Do you want me to feed you?"

"No. Don't come near me," Viper snapped, but Hyra grinned broadly and moved closer to him. She took the paper Viper was holding, then sat on his thigh. Viper held her by the waist to prevent her from falling.

Hyra took a cherry, put it in her mouth, and fed it to Viper using her mouth. "It's even tastier, isn't it?" she teased.

"You're taking advantage of me again," Viper whispered, but he couldn't help but enjoy the playful exchange. He hugged Hyra, who hugged him back.

"So, can you tell me the problem?" Hyra asked, planting small kisses on Viper's neck. She was indeed taking advantage of him, but there was a tenderness in her touch that belied her mischievous nature.

"Carl is looking for information about you and has already obtained some evidence," Viper replied, his eyes closed, relishing the sensation of Hyra's lips on his skin.

"Really? Haha, let him," Hyra giggled softly, her breath warm against Viper's neck. She didn't care about what Carl might find; right now, she only cared about Viper.

"But don't worry, Zeus is watching over him," Viper added, his hands moving to gently stroke Hyra's hair.

Hyra nodded, then leaned in closer, her fingers tracing patterns on Viper's chest. "So warm," she whispered, her voice filled with a mixture of affection and desire.

"What the hell are you doing?"

"Viper, kiss me!"

"What?"

"I SAID KISS ME!" Hyra's tone rose, a hint of urgency mingling with her playful insistence.

Viper sighed, unable to resist the magnetic pull of Hyra's presence. He cupped her cheeks gently, his touch tender yet possessive, and kissed her deeply. Hyra responded eagerly, her arms wrapping around Viper's neck as she pressed her body against his, their hearts beating in sync.