THIRD PERSON'S POV

"Hummm! Hmmmmm!"

At midnight in Elizalde Hospital, a haunting voice echoed through the quiet halls.

The voice emanated from a room where a girl dressed in white sat on her bed, gazing into a mirror she held in her hands.

Her lips stretched into a sinister smile.

"Heeeeh! Why is my skin so smooth? I wonder who bathed me while I was unconscious," she muttered, her grin widening. "I hope it was Viper."

She couldn't help but smile as she studied her reflection, admiring what she saw.

"Who's the most beautiful girl in the world?"

"You are," a man's voice replied from the bedroom doorway.

The girl turned to him, smiling sweetly.

"Welcome back, Demon."

The man knelt and kissed Demon's foot.

"Good to be back," Demon replied, watching Brizon kiss her foot.

---

"Viper, where are you? Tres reported that Demon woke up," Zeus announced urgently over the phone.

"That's good news then," Viper replied calmly.

"AHHHHHHH!"

"HELP!"

"PLEASE, I'M BEGGING YOU - AHH!"

"NOOOOO!"

Zeus frowned, hearing screams and pleas for help in the background.

"Where are you really? I'll come pick you up—"

"There's no need. I'm just venting some stress, don't worry," Viper interrupted.

"No, that's what worries me the most. Every time you 'vent stress', innocent people end up dead."

Zeus was concerned due to past incidents where Viper, in his stress-relief episodes, had gone on killing sprees.

"I'm physically and mentally sound right now. Just keep an eye on Hyra for me; she's awake but still weak," Viper reassured him.

Zeus paused, then sighed heavily.

"You said the same thing last time—"

*Click! Click! Click!*

Zeus tightened his grip on the phone when Viper abruptly hung up. He immediately turned to his laptop, attempting to trace Viper's location, but his efforts yielded no clues.

"DAMN!" Zeus slammed his fist on the table, frustration evident.

---

*KRINGGGG!*

His phone rang suddenly, and he answered without checking the caller ID.

"Zeus, Hyra is driving to Caribbean University," Brizon's voice came through in a panic.

Zeus sighed, massaging his temples.

"Just follow her and keep her safe."

"But—"

"Viper isn't in the best mood right now, so don't add to the problem." Without waiting for Brizon's reply, Zeus hung up and returned to his laptop, urgently trying to track Hyra's movements.

---

"Demon, what are we doing here?" Brizon asked as Hyra parked the car outside Caribbean University.

Brizon got out first and opened Hyra's door.

"Tell Zeus to delete all footage of me," Hyra instructed as she gracefully leapt onto the top of a nearby lamppost. "There are too many guards at the main gate. Let's meet inside. Bye!"

BRIZON'S POV

"FUCK!"

Looking away for a split second was all it took; she vanished from sight.

"Mr. Torres!" The guards bowed respectfully upon seeing me. "Why are you still here?"

"I forgot something in the classroom."

"Shall we retrieve it for you?"

"Don't worry; I'll take care of it."

I continued down the corridor, ensuring they didn't follow, before quickly turning left. I needed to reach the principal's office without delay.

As I approached, I noticed a figure with an axe in hand. Before I could fully reach her, I donned the mask of a White Monarchy member.

Drawing closer, I saw bodies strewn across the floor, many missing limbs.

My God, mere moments apart, and this is what I find?

"I want tonight to be bloody," she muttered, grinning malevolently.

The dimly lit surroundings allowed the moonlight to highlight her long hair, smooth complexion, and crimson lips.

"You? I killed you. How are you still alive?"

The voice belonged to Mr. Morgan Maurer, the school principal and an Elder.

"What did you expect? I'm Demon. You can't kill me."

Mr. Morgan Maurer's eyes widened in shock as Hyra revealed her true identity.

"You tried to kill me. Who ordered it?"

I clenched my fists, realizing he was the mastermind behind Hyra's hospitalization.

Unaware of Demon and Hyra's connection, and ignorant of Nathan and Hyra being twins, why would he want her dead?

There's only one person who could...

Master?

The Elders aimed to eliminate anything hindering Master. They sought to strengthen Master's position as the underground's supreme ruler.

"Did Lord Fukushima order my death? Or was it your own desire?"

Hyra's voice remained calm, but her eyes burned with intensity. Her hand itched to end the man before her.

"Let me go, and I promise not to divulge what I've discovered."

As Hyra hesitated, seemingly on the verge of collapse, I rushed to support her. Damn it! She hadn't fully recovered.

---

While Brizon assisted Demon, Mr. Morgan seized the opportunity to flee. He sprinted, but an axe buried into his shoulder sent him sprawling.

"Who said you could run?" Brizon's voice was cold.

The Elder trembled as Brizon drew nearer.

"As you're about to die, I'll reveal my true identity to you." Brizon slowly removed his mask, revealing himself as one of the district leaders.

"How... How could you?"

The Elder's body quivered, fear coursing through him as Brizon closed in.

The Elders commanded respect in the Underground, revered by many, yet they lacked the means to defend themselves.

"You're a traitor!"

The Elder attempted to call for aid, but Brizon's firm grip kept him restrained. The power disparity between them was overwhelming.

"Demon didn't specify your fate, but you can't be allowed to spread what you've learned."

Brizon muttered to himself, a conflicted expression on his face.

"Should I kill you to erase all evidence?"

*Cough! Cough!*

He choked him.

Brizon strangled Mr. Morgan until life fled his body. What Brizon despised most was anyone who accused Demon.

"What are you doing?" Hyra's sudden arrival startled Brizon, who pushed away from Mr. Morgan. She placed her hand over his chest, attempting to revive him.

"He mustn't die. If he does, he'll escape his sins."

Hyra pried open Mr. Morgan's mouth, preparing to administer CPR. Brizon blocked her hand, preventing Hyra's lips from touching him.

"I'll handle it," Brizon said flatly. It wasn't chivalry; he simply didn't want Hyra's lips tainted by Mr. Morgan.

Brizon began performing CPR, having learned the basics from Lorraine, the hospital owner's daughter. She'd offered to teach Brizon some emergency techniques.

*Cough! Cough!*

Brizon grinned. He hadn't expected to employ Lorraine's teachings.

"You did well. Move aside."

*Vroom! Vroom! Vroom!*

Brizon's eyes widened, spinning to face Hyra, who wielded a chainsaw.

"What are you doing? I thought you wanted him alive?"

"I want him alive, but not happy. He'll live, but he won't be content." Hyra's smile sent chills down Brizon's spine.

She'd been wearing that smile since waking from her lengthy slumber.

It was a smile that unnerved Brizon.

Stepping back, Brizon allowed Hyra to act. She activated the chainsaw, closing in on Mr. Morgan's right arm.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

*Crack! Crackkkkkkk!*

Mr. Morgan's screams reverberated, mingling with the sound of snapping bones.

After severing Mr. Morgan's right arm, Hyra continued, removing his left arm and both legs. A menacing aura enveloped her as she watched blood spill.

Tres recoiled as Hyra turned to him, her gaze chilling him to the core. His heart raced with nervous tension. Hyra was drenched in blood, her crimson eyes a sight that seemed to draw souls into hell.

"Hey, Tres. He saw your face. What should we do to ensure his silence, other than kill him?"

Brizon suppressed his emotions, sighing deeply with each step he took.

"Let me handle it," Tres said quietly, approaching Mr. Morgan's unconscious form.

With a shard of broken vase, Tres reached for Mr. Morgan, pinning down his tongue before slicing it.

"It's brutal," Demon murmured, seeming to relish the scene.

*Swish!*

DEMON'S POV

A shadow? No, it smells like blood. Pungent blood.

"Hey Tres, when you're done with that, take him to the hospital and ensure he stays alive."

Suddenly, I felt uneasy.

"Where are you—"

"I need to get back to the hospital before they realize I woke up."

I didn't wait for Tres to respond; I immediately followed the scent. It was a mixture of blood and men's cologne. I knew this scent; it had been a long time since he appeared.

"I'm alone, you can come out—woah! Easy now—ack! I just escaped from the hospital; don't break my bones."

I struggled in his grip, but his hold was too tight.

"Five minutes." He sighed deeply.

Huh? What was with the deep sigh?

"Relax a little." He loosened his embrace slightly and began sniffing my hair and neck.

It had been a while; I enjoyed this sensation.

A smirk played on his lips. "Demon, it's a pleasure to see you." His hand roamed over my body, his palm warm and large against my skin. Slowly, he lifted his right hand to my neck, gently squeezing as he pressed me against the wall and chained my wrist.

I watched this unfold in movies; I never expected to experience it.

"I'm glad to see you too, but I didn't expect you to greet me like this."

"Why not? Don't you want this? Or perhaps you prefer someone else—"

I cut him off by pressing my lips against his.

"Open your mouth," he commanded, and I obliged immediately.

"Conan Takashi," I whispered his name before pressing my body against his.

"Should I comfort you?" he teased.

"Yes, I'm vulnerable, so take care of me."

He chuckled at my response, swiftly lifting me and seating me on the teacher's desk. Drawing closer, he embraced me again, my face buried in his chest, soaking in my favorite scent: the smell of blood mixed with his cologne.

Despite the bloodstained clothes and disheveled hair, he remained strikingly handsome.

Breaking away from the hug, his gaze settled on my lips. I swallowed hard, realizing I wanted to kiss him.

He teased me, prompting me to hook my hand behind his head, drawing him nearer, claiming his lips. I could taste alcohol, cigarettes, and a hint of mint. Our tongues danced together once more.

He kissed me passionately, with a tenderness that made me forget everything else. His bright eyes, long eyelashes, sharp nose, and those lips—everything else faded away.

"Ah," I moaned as his hand ventured downwards. I loved his kisses and caresses, no, I loved him.

Seizing the moment, I began caressing his muscles, slowly lifting his clothes until he stood before me completely naked.

"Wow," I couldn't help but admire his muscular physique, even though I saw it every day.

Suddenly, electricity coursed through me as he touched his palm against my stomach, lifting my clothes and baring my naked body to him. His eyes seemed to gleam as, without a word, he took my right breast into his mouth.

"Ah," I raised my body so he could suckle more eagerly. "Please, Conan, I want you."

"You're so beautiful, it makes me lose control, Demon," he murmured while parting my thighs.

"Conan, it's so wet and hot down there," I arched my hips, signaling my readiness.

"Spread your legs wider for me. I want to bring you pleasure, my Demon," he whispered into my ear, applying pressure with his fingers at my entrance.

I felt him start to massage my folds.

"I want you right now," I commanded, prompting him to position himself before me, rubbing his hardness against me.

He unbuckled his belt, releasing his erection.

He embraced me, and I moaned as I felt him slide deep inside me.

Thrust!

Thrust!

Thrust!

Thrust!

"Huh? Are you dreaming lewd things about me?"

"Hold me tight, don't stop."

"This is obscene. Should I wake her up?"

I frowned. That was Venom's voice.

"Stop thinking dirty thoughts about me."

What?

I opened my eyes to find Conan standing before me in a navy blue polo shirt. Wait... wasn't he just naked and making love to me—

"Don't be confused; you were just dreaming earlier." My shoulders slumped upon realizing the truth. "You passed out in the heat of your vengeance, and Torres brought you here." Venom added before obscuring Conan behind him.

"Maybe it's a side effect of the medication, but I don't think it's bad. Did you enjoy that 'side effect'?" Conan grinned, reaching to tousle my hair.

"Ahhh, Viper, don't let him near her; she's a pervert!"

"Soon, the masks will visit you," Conan whispered, and we both turned to Venom, who scowled outside the room.

"What?" He looked perplexed.

"Leave," Conan mouthed.

I chuckled softly as Venom's eyes rolled before he departed. It had been a while since I saw them; Venom had grown more manly, and Conan had become more playful.

"How are you feeling? I was surprised when I found out you'd fainted. Did you push yourself too hard?" Conan asked, his expression serious.

I hoped he was genuinely concerned.

"I'm fine; I feel like I could go to war—"

"Besides, one of the masks knows your identity now," he cut me off abruptly. Who cares?

I felt the bed dip, indicating he had sat down. "Here," he patted his lap, and I quickly moved to lie on it. He began stroking my hair, gently massaging my scalp. Sleepiness started to wash over me. "Act normal; I'll handle the rest."

"Are you leaving again?"

"No, I'll stay longer this time. Don't worry." He rested his forehead against mine. "I enjoy seeing the various reactions of the first mask," he smiled.

Had he and Maniego faced each other while I slept? Damn, they should've killed each other.

"You need to take your medicine." My eyes lit up, and I swiftly sat facing him. He poured water into a glass and held it to my lips. "You seem more excited now than before," he remarked, placing the medicine in his mouth and lifting me onto his lap. "Take this and then sleep."

I nodded eagerly, taking the medicine from his mouth with mine. I couldn't reach, so I used my tongue, feeling him draw my waist closer to his.

I swallowed the medicine but kept my lips locked with his. Hooking my hand around his neck, I pulled him closer, while his hand rested on my back to steady me and the other gently squeezed my thigh.

Our kiss deepened, his hand moving up and down my thigh.

"Mmm," I moaned as he nibbled my ear.

"Knock knock."

We stopped and looked at each other, then at the door.

"What the fuck!"

"Thirty minutes until one of the masks arrives," Venom announced from outside the room.

Conan lifted me off his lap, straightened my hair, and tied back the strands behind my ears, kissing my forehead again. He also mentioned how he kept my skin soft while I slept. Did he see my naked body?

He'd already seen all of me, so why couldn't I stop smiling?

"Weird," I muttered before sleep overtook me.

SKY'S POV

"You've done a great job. I didn't expect the construction to finish in just three months. Soon, they'll be ready to hand over management of the entire Caribbean to you," the Elder praised me, but I felt no joy. How could I be happy, having not slept for more than three days due to rushing the Caribbean construction?

My eyes were heavy with exhaustion, begging for rest.

"You look miserable. I'll take care of things; just go home and rest," Nathan said, taking the papers from my grasp.

I sighed in relief, allowing him to take over. I promised myself to thank him after I got some sleep.

As I drove towards home, my car seemed to have a mind of its own. Before I knew it, I found myself standing at the entrance of Elizalde Hospital.

"No, don't take me there. I know the way," I insisted.

I only intended to check on her condition and leave— that was the plan. But suddenly, dizziness overwhelmed me, and before I knew it, I had fallen asleep.

---

"Your ear is so soft. I just want to touch it," her gentle voice tickled my ear. Slowly, I opened my eyes to find her playfully tickling me.

"Hey, Sky!" she greeted warmly.

"Are you awake? Should I inform the masks—" I started, but she cut me off.

"I don't want visitors. Please don't tell them," she pleaded softly.

She didn't want any visitors?

"Should I leave too?" I asked hesitantly.

"No, please stay. You're enough," she reassured me.

Thump, thump. I sat on the chair beside her bed and took her hand, placing it gently on my cheek. Glancing at the clock on the wall, I realized it was already morning. Had I slept through the entire night?

"You look tired. You have dark circles under your eyes. I let you sleep soundly," she said, running her hand over my head, stroking my hair.

"Thank you," I whispered softly, leaning into her touch as she caressed my cheek.

"Are you tired of being a mask?" she asked gently.

"Hmm," I murmured in response.

"Why don't you just give it up?" she suggested.

I flinched at her words.

"Heh, your expression is priceless," she chuckled, wiping away a tear as she playfully nudged my shoulder.

Her humor was infectious.

---

The room filled with laughter. She laughed freely, as if there were no worries, and every laugh she let out was like music to my ears.

I was relieved to see her in good spirits, even though she had a vein dislocation in her brain. She found joy in the smallest things, bursting into laughter unexpectedly.

"Are you sure you don't want to let the others know you're awake?" I asked gently, chewing on my concern.

She paused mid-laughter, shaking her head. I didn't understand why she refused visitors. Wouldn't it be more enjoyable with more company?

"Don't you want to be alone with me, just for now? Once I'm out of here, you'll avoid me again. It's quite vexing, you know. I enjoy our chats in your office," she teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

No, she enjoyed hanging out in my office because of the snacks.

"Alright, fine. I won't call them anymore," I relented.

She beamed broadly, pulling me closer and surprising me with a kiss.

I was taken aback.

"Sky, don't you want to kiss me back?" she murmured between kisses.

I clenched my fists, gently laying her back on the bed and meeting her lips.

"Quench my longing for Conan," she whispered, her words barely audible.

"Can I do this?" I hesitated.

"Why don't you start from the top and work your way down?" she suggested playfully.

Thump, thump. This wasn't right. She was Master's girlfriend. If I continued, it would be a betrayal to the masks.

But I loved Hyra. I had loved her first, long before Master entered the picture.

"Are you hesitating?" she asked softly.

"I'm sorry. I can't," I confessed, holding her close as she began to stroke my back.

"He's lucky to have a friend like you. I admire you," she said affectionately.

"He's indeed fortunate because he has you," I replied, smiling softly. At least I could make her laugh.

Thinking of Master, what would he do with Marasigan when Hyra returned to the Caribbean? I refrained from mentioning Marasigan; it would be disrespectful to Master. I trusted him to handle it, but if he couldn't, I wouldn't be the only one upset with him.

THIRD PERSON'S POV

"AHHHHH!"

Hyra and Sky turned towards the door, wide-eyed as Jared burst in, pointing accusingly at them.

"What's going on—"

"Don't overreact. Nothing happened," Hyra interrupted, straightening her disheveled clothes.

"Why were you on top of her?" Jared advanced towards Sky, grabbing him by the collar.

Jared was close to Sky among the masks; he wouldn't forgive him easily if Sky had wronged Hyra.

Sky sighed, about to speak, but Hyra intervened.

"I invited him to make love with me, but he declined. Satisfied?" she said with a disappointed look.

Jared stood dumbfounded, as if struggling to process everything that had just transpired.

Loading...

"AAAAHHH! You're awake!"

It took him a while to process everything.

"Yes, I'm awake. Sky was here when I woke up; the doctor said I shouldn't tire myself, so I asked Sky not to inform anyone," Hyra explained, though most of what she said was a fabrication. Jared, however, seemed to buy it.

Jared took a deep breath, pulling Hyra into a hug. He let out all the worry he had bottled up.

"I'm sorry for what happened to you. I should've been there, not you," he apologized sincerely.

"You know, I don't blame you," Hyra replied, forcing a smile, though she couldn't forget Conan's warning that some masks knew her true identity.

"Jared?" she called softly.

"Y-yes?"

"Do you love me?" Hyra asked, her expression serious.

"What? How can you say such things with a straight face?" Jared recoiled, pulling away and covering himself with a blanket.

A shiver ran through him at her question.

"If you don't like me, then why—"

"Hyra—"

"Never mind. I just can't believe you don't like me. You have no taste in women if I'm not your type."

"Sky, I think her brain is still recovering," Jared whispered to Sky, who nodded in agreement.

The two continued to murmur to each other.

"By the way, I was gone for three months. What happened in the Caribbean? And what about Maniego?"

"Oh, about that, Master already has a fiancée."

"You bastard, Jared."