ICE' POV

Two months have passed, but she still hasn't woken up.

I took a deep breath before turning the door knob to her room and entering. The cold wind greeted me as I stepped inside. Who last visited here and forgot to close the window? Didn’t they know that Hyra could get cold? I was about to replace the flower in the vase when I noticed something on it that looked new.

It's impossible one of the Elite brought a flower here; this flower is Hyra’s favorite.

"Aren't you tired of visiting here every day before you go to school?"

I smirked and turned to see Nathan standing in the doorway.

"I could ask you the same thing, Nathan. Aren't you tired?" He shrugged and handed me three pieces of paper.

I looked at them and saw three photos of women. "What is this?" I asked.

"Transfer students. They're joining the Elite," he replied casually.

"What? Why didn't I know about this?" I examined their information closely; they were all far from ordinary.

"My father and your father have a plan. Your father said these three women have significant roles to play, so you need to protect them, especially Claire Marasigan. She's the only daughter of the Marasigan family."

                CLAIRE MARASIGAN

                       HILARY SMITH

                      HYERIN LIM

"Why didn't they discuss this with me?" Lord Vladimir and my father were close friends and seemed to have the same mindset.

"It seems they've been planning this for a long time. If I were you, I’d just follow what they want."

"Why would I do that?" I felt irritation bubbling up inside me.

"Because otherwise, Hyra will become their focus. They'll do anything to get her out of the Caribbean."

I bit my lip hard and massaged my head. No one knows that Lord Vladimir has another child, so they plan to hide Hyra's identity for life to keep it that way.

"Aren't you leaving yet? We'll be late for class." Nathan's voice brought my attention back to him. He was on Hyra's side, adjusting her blanket. "She looks like an angel when she sleeps, doesn't she?" He smiled, but it was a bitter smile. "But now she's the opposite of an angel."

I didn’t catch the last part he said because he spoke so softly.

"Aren't you two done yet?"

Jarvis entered the room, his polo shirt wrinkled and his hair messy, with a lipstick mark on his neck.

"It's because of you that I hear noises in the other room," Nathan said, lightly slapping Jarvis on the head.

"I didn't expect the nurses to be noisy in bed here," Jarvis muttered, scratching the back of his head.

"Fix yourself, Jarvis. We're leaving," I ordered, walking out first.

I didn't say goodbye to Hyra because I would be back later before going home. For now, I needed to talk to my father.

I would not allow him to decide my life.

LORRAINE'S POV

"Excuse me, you're blocking my way."

I looked up and saw Christopher's frowning face.

"You can go around the other side. Why are you still trying to come through here?" I asked him, irritation lacing my tone.

I was surprised when he brought his mouth close to my ear and whispered, "Your role here is to observe, so just step aside."

Boogsh~

He bumped my shoulder with his own, then sat straight in his chair and crossed his legs. I glared at him, and he raised his hand, folding down two fingers and mouthing, "Girls."

Girls? Three girls?

What’s up with the three women?

"Sit down, everyone. I have a big announcement," Mr. Fonancier said as he entered the room and went straight to his desk, looking at each of us in turn.

Announcement? Does it have anything to do with Chris’s message?

"You'll have new classmates from now on," he began. "I hope you treat them well."

After he spoke, he signaled outside, and three women entered. This must be what Chris was referring to in his message.

"Hi, I'm Claire Marasigan. Nice to meet you," said the girl with the gentlest face.

"I'm Hilary Smith. Please take care of me."

"Does she have an eye problem? She's been blinking non-stop," Krystal whispered from behind me, tapping my shoulder and pointing to the last one.

"I'm Hyerin Lim," she simply introduced herself and then stood behind her two companions.

"The three of them are part of the Hayena group," Mr. Fonancier announced.

I raised an eyebrow. I don't have a good feeling about this.

"Sit wherever you want," Mr. Fonancier instructed.

The three of them immediately walked and chose their seats. Hyerin Lim sat at the far end while Hilary and Claire sat next to Jared and Master.

"Um, I'm sorry, but someone already sits here," Jared said, a little shyly.

"Is that so? Where is she?" Hilary asked.

"She's in the hospital, recovering—"

"Tell her to move when she comes back. I'll sit here."

Everyone stopped and looked in their direction. I could see the shock on Jared's face at Hilary's response.

Hilary was about to sit down, but the next moment happened so quickly that no one noticed. Sky stood up and pulled the chair out from under Hilary, causing her to fall to the floor.

"SKYLER!" Mr. Fonancier got up from his seat and approached the ongoing tension. "Hyra is no longer part of the Elite, have you forgotten?" he reminded, then helped Hilary stand up.

"Even so, I still won't let anyone sit here. Are you with me, Master?" Sky asked, looking defiantly at him.

We all turned to Master.

"Huh? I don't care. It's just a chair, and anyone can sit there," Master replied nonchalantly.

"WHAT?" Sky was about to approach Master, but Mr. Fonancier immediately intervened.

"You used to only quarrel with women, now you also quarrel with seats?" Jarvis said with a sly smile.

"I'm sorry, Miss Smith, but could you please move to another seat?" Mr. Fonancier asked politely.

I looked over at Hilary and was surprised to see her raise an eyebrow at me before picking up her stuff and moving to a seat next to Claire.

After the tension subsided, Mr. Fonancier returned to his lesson. He taught, but nothing registered in my brain. I couldn't focus.

I accidentally glanced at Master’s seat and my lips twitched when I saw Claire's arm wrapped around Master's arm. Do they know each other? The familiarity between them was unsettling.

THIRD PERSON'S POV

"KRINGGGGG!!"

Mr. Fonancier dropped his marker on the table and faced the class. "Have lunch, and we'll continue the topic later," he said, closing his book and exiting the room.

"Hey, Shawn, can you join us for lunch? We're not used to it yet," Hilary asked Ice.

Ice glanced at his watch, then at the other Elite. "I can't, I have something important to do," he said, standing up and leaving the room without saying goodbye.

"Looks like he's going there again," Stanley murmured, leaning back in his chair.

"He's really in love," Kevin commented, watching the three transferees follow Ice with a frown.

"Come on, Shawn, aren't you going to tour me around campus? Tito said you'd take care of me," Claire said, pulling on Ice's arm.

Ice closed his eyes tightly and violently pulled his arm away from Claire. "Okay, fine," he answered flatly.

Claire grinned and wrapped her arm around Ice's.

"What the fuck is that? What about Hyra?" Joshua asked in shock, watching Ice walk away.

"Jarvis, tell me what's going on," Airam demanded. "You're always with Master, so I'm sure you know something."

"Maybe he got tired of Hyra and looked for someone else. Hahaha!"

Four people reacted to Jarvis's comment, one of them being Nathan.

"Master has a mind of his own and knows right from wrong, so why are you worried?" Sky asked.

"Are you happy with what's happening? Because you think you'll have a chance with Hyra now that Master might let her go?" Cyrus taunted.

Everyone was shocked by Cyrus's words, but they were even more stunned when Cyrus ended up on the floor, blood dripping from his mouth.

"How dare you!" Sky's eyes blazed with fury.

"Why? I'm right, aren't I?" Cyrus asked teasingly, letting Agatha wipe the blood from his lips.

"We're different, Cyrus. I accept my defeat, but you know what's good about my defeat? She doesn't avoid me," Sky smiled foolishly. "Bastard."

Tension crackled in the air, the silence in the room heavy and oppressive. Stanley and Kevin exchanged worried glances, while Joshua clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. Airam's eyes darted between Sky and Cyrus, anticipating the next move.

"You're playing with fire, Sky," Cyrus sneered, pushing Agatha aside and struggling to his feet. "And you think that gives you some kind of moral high ground?"

Sky stepped closer, his voice low and menacing. "I don't need a high ground. I just know I'm not a coward hiding behind words."

"Enough!" Nathan's voice cut through the tension, silencing everyone. "This isn't the time or place. We're supposed to be better than this."

"Better?" Cyrus laughed bitterly, wiping the last of the blood from his lips. "We'll see about that."

Sky's eyes never left Cyrus, but he took a step back, acknowledging Nathan's authority. The room remained thick with unease, everyone silently wondering what would happen next.

Meanwhile, outside, Ice walked with Claire, his mind racing. He felt Claire's grip tighten on his arm and forced himself to focus.

"Shawn, what's wrong?" Claire asked, her eyes wide with feigned concern.

"Nothing," Ice replied curtly. "Let's just get this over with."

As they walked, Ice couldn't help but think of Hyra, lying unconscious in the hospital. His heart ached with guilt and confusion, torn between duty and his true feelings. But he knew he had to keep up the charade, at least for now.

–

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the campus, Sky made his way to the hospital. His steps were heavy, weighed down by the day's events and the tension that had filled the classroom. He entered the quiet hospital, nodding to the nurses who recognized him from his frequent visits, and made his way to Hyra's room.

Pushing the door open gently, Sky was greeted by the familiar sight of Hyra lying in her bed, her chest rising and falling steadily with each breath. He pulled up a chair beside her and sat down, taking a moment to collect his thoughts.

"Hey, Hyra," he began softly, his voice breaking the silence. "It's me, Sky."

He reached out and gently took her hand, feeling the warmth of her skin against his. "I had a rough day today," he continued, sighing deeply. "Mr. Fonancier made an announcement about some new students joining our class. Three girls. Claire Marasigan, Hilary Smith, and Hyerin Lim."

Sky paused, searching Hyra's peaceful face for any sign of response. "They seem to be causing quite a stir already. Claire, especially. She's been clinging to Ice all day, and it's driving everyone crazy."

He chuckled bitterly, shaking his head. "Cyrus, that idiot, had to open his mouth and say something stupid about you. I couldn't stand it, so I punched him. Got blood all over the place. I know you wouldn't approve of violence, but I couldn't help myself. He deserved it."

Sky leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. "I feel like everything is falling apart, Hyra. Ice is acting strange, and the new girls... I don't trust them. I can't shake this feeling that something bad is going to happen."

Opening his eyes, Sky looked at Hyra again, his expression softening. "I miss you. I miss hearing your voice, seeing your smile. Everyone does. It's hard to keep going without you around."

He sat in silence for a while, just holding her hand, drawing comfort from her presence even though she was unconscious. "I hope you wake up soon, Hyra. We need you. I need you."

Sky stayed by her side until visiting hours were over. Reluctantly, he stood up, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Goodnight, Hyra. I'll see you tomorrow."

As he left the room, he felt a glimmer of hope. Despite the chaos and uncertainty, he knew he would keep fighting, if not for himself, then for Hyra.

STANLEY'S POV

"Bastard."

My eyes followed Sky until he disappeared from view. The tension in the classroom had been thick, and I was relieved when he left voluntarily.

I never expected things to escalate like that. It all revolves around Hyra. She's the reason behind the masks' conflict.

I sighed heavily.

Leaving the classroom to get some fresh air, I found myself in the courtyard, where Takashi stood with his baseball teammates, holding a rose.

"Takashi, I've noticed every time you buy a rose, you keep a stem for yourself. Is there someone special you give them to?" I asked, curious.

"I keep one for myself to put in a vase. When it withers, it's my cue to buy her a new one," Takashi replied with a smile.

If I didn't know him better, I might have believed his smiles were genuine.

"Who's the lucky girl? I hope you'll introduce her to us soon," I said.

"Lucky? No, you've got it wrong. Between us, I'm the lucky one because of her," Takashi said, smiling awkwardly.

"You're too sweet, Takashi."

"Am I?" He chuckled softly.

But the personality he displayed now was far from the real Takashi I knew.

I had a strong feeling that something sinister was brewing. With Hyra hospitalized and still unconscious, she was the linchpin of their group. I couldn't imagine they were just sitting idly by after what happened.

"Why are you following me? Are you spying on me?" Takashi suddenly grabbed me by the neck, a creepy smile on his face. "Did someone order you to watch me?" He squeezed, making it hard to breathe.

Was it that obvious that I was watching him?

"What are you planning?" I blurted out, then cursed inwardly. Why did I ask that? Who would reveal their plans to their enemy?

His face contorted before he released me abruptly.

"My plan? I plan to eliminate you as soon as the truth about Demon's identity comes out," he said casually.

"That's not what I meant. Why are you so calm and collected? Aren't you seeking revenge against those who harmed her?" I pressed on.

"Huh? Why does everyone keep asking me that?" Takashi looked at me incredulously. "Are you afraid of what I might do?"

Afraid? Me? Of what he could do?

"I won't let you succeed—"

"I haven't killed you yet because you've been useful to me. But from the looks of it now, you seem to be asking for your own death," Takashi interrupted, his tone devoid of emotion. "Tell me, Stanley, why haven't you revealed Demon's true identity, even though you know it would benefit you?"

Why indeed? I asked myself the same question.

"Master has fallen deeply for Hyra. He won't believe me without solid evidence," I explained.

"So you want him to fall even further? To hurt even more?" Takashi retorted.

"He can move on easily," I argued.

"You have a lot of faith in him, it seems," Takashi observed.

"Just like the faith you have in Hyra," I shot back.

"No one trusted her then. Everyone important to her abandoned her. Now that I'm here, I'll fulfill all her wishes, including reclaiming the thirteen masks," Takashi declared.

"But you won't win her heart. She's in love with Master," I pointed out.

"Huh? Who said I wanted to win her heart? As long as she's happy, that's all that matters," Takashi said with a smile.

Lies. Everything he said reeked of deceit.

He turned to leave, but before he could go, I spoke up defiantly.

"I'll oppose you every step of the way," I declared.

Takashi smirked, not saying a word as he walked away.

He underestimated me.

"Remember this, Conan Takashi. You will not succeed," I muttered to his retreating figure.

I watched him leave, my mind racing with plans to protect Hyra and thwart Takashi's schemes, whatever they might be.

ZEUS POV

"Why are you late?" I asked Viper as he got into the car. He leaned over, smiling.

"Nothing, just caught up with an old friend," he replied casually.

"Shall we head straight to the mansion or to the hospital?" I inquired, eyeing the rose petals he twirled absentmindedly.

Viper glanced at me before focusing on the rose. "Let's go to the hospital. I want to check on her."

We arrived at the hospital, where a line of staff greeted us with bows, but Viper paid them no heed. "Good job," I nodded to them, following Viper inside.

–

As we walked toward Hyra's room, I observed Viper closely. His plans were often opaque to me, and they rarely boded well for his adversaries.

"You know, I feel your eyes on me," he remarked without looking back.

I averted my gaze, opening the door for him. Inside, I watched as he replaced the flowers in Hyra's room with fresh ones.

"Undress her," he ordered abruptly.

Without hesitation, I complied, focusing on the ceiling. Bathing Hyra was routine, but I respected her privacy and Viper's wishes.

"That's enough," Viper interrupted, approaching Hyra's bedside with evident concern. Her body bore numerous scars and wounds.

I clenched my fists, blaming myself for not protecting her better.

"It's a shame she won't be able to wear a bikini with these scars," Viper murmured, gently treating Hyra's wounds. "I don't trust Elizalde Hospital. If I move her, things could get messy when she wakes."

I hadn't realized he was contemplating so deeply.

"It's been seven years. Aren't you confident in their abilities?" I asked, watching him continue his examination.

"I trust no one but myself. These wounds are fresh despite a month passing. Elizalde Hospital ranks among the best—how can they not heal properly?"

So, he suspected foul play at Elizalde Hospital.

"Do you plan to change their administration?"

"No need. I benefit greatly from the Elizaldes, especially their daughter in the Elite class," he remarked, referring to Lorraine Elizalde, the sole heir.

"Our adversaries are already moving. Hayena has been sent to the Elite class," I informed him. "Hyra needs to wake up."

"Zues, have you heard of the elixir of life? They say it accelerates healing—"

"Wait, Viper. The elixir of life is an Alliance mafia experiment. Are you planning to pursue this alone?"

"Exactly."

"You can't, Viper."

He smiled mischievously.

I sighed, knowing his resolve was unshakable. Viper operated best alone—a lone wolf capable of significant damage.

"Don't worry. Obtaining the elixir is my sole objective," he reassured with a smile.

Damn his smile.

Resigned, I knew arguing further was futile. Viper would proceed as planned, regardless of my concerns.

"When do you intend to do this?"

"Soon. Hyra shouldn't miss out on any opportunities."

"Then I'll prepare what you need—"

"No need."

"What do you mean? You're going unarmed?"

He didn't respond, his smile widening.

I watched as he dressed Hyra, his touch surprisingly gentle. Witnessing their intimacy, even in sleep, was unsettling yet somehow tender. This was a side of Viper I rarely saw.

He kissed Hyra's hand softly.

"Zeus, could you wait outside?" Viper requested quietly.

I nodded silently, bowing before exiting. He had business to attend to, and my presence wasn't required.

JARVIS'S POV

"Make sure you swallow all of it, don't leave anything," I instructed the woman, who complied eagerly.

*Moans*

*Thrusts*

*Thrusts*

*Knock knock*

"Jarvis, it's me, Jared."

I froze, pulling the woman away from me and hastily wrapping a towel around myself.

Exiting the room, I found Jared deep in thought, hugging his knees.

"What's the problem? Can't you see I'm in the middle of something?" I grumbled.

"I... What if someone you care about has changed for the worse? What would you do?" Jared asked, his expression serious.

"Is this about Hyra?" I questioned, noting his flinch.

"No!" he denied, but I knew better.

Since returning from Japan, Jared couldn't stop talking about Hyra—how she used to be, at least. The girl he described was kind, cheerful, and everyone's friend.

But the Hyra now is rude, combative, and alienates everyone.

"It's clear you care for her," I pointed out.

He looked up, a mix of emotions crossing his face. "I don't have romantic feelings for her. I just want her to be happy."

"Conscience," I stated knowingly.

"Huh?" He seemed confused.

"What you feel is guilt. You left her, and now seeing her like this, you feel responsible for her happiness," I explained.

"No, you don't understand," he rebutted, standing and shaking his head. "I can't..."

"Why not explain it to me then? I'm listening," I offered.

But Jared refused, apologizing and leaving abruptly.

Weird.

Hyra Demonise Fukushima, what are you doing? Why are you causing such turmoil?

JARED'S POV

Why did I ask that? What if Jarvis starts digging into Hyra's life? What will happen if my suspicions are true? I'm not ready for this.

Krystal knows something, but she's not talking. Is she being threatened, or does she have her reasons for silence?

Does Krystal know Hyra?

"You seem lost in thought," a voice startled me.

Krystal appeared, sitting down and patting my head gently. "Are you eating properly? You look tired. Maybe you should rest and clear your mind."

She smiled and left.

Maybe she's right. Maybe I just need rest. My worries about Hyra and Demon might just be stress-induced. These past days haven't been easy. Maybe I'm overthinking everything.

Maybe it's all in my head.

THIRD PERSON'S POV

"Watch him closely. You may have brainwashed him by now, but it might not hold next time."

"Leave it to me."

Krystal bowed to the person she was addressing before they went their separate ways, pretending nothing had been said.

---

VIXEN MAFIA HQ

"Young Master, you can't go in like this. You're drunk," ten suited men stopped Nathan.

"Who do you think you are to stop me?" Nathan snapped, flushed with anger.

Despite their attempts to block him, Nathan barged into the room where his father sat.

"Did you plan to remove Hyra from the Caribbean?" Nathan confronted his father, his voice laced with anger.

"I did. Why does it matter to you?" Vladimir retorted, brushing off Nathan's grip on his collar.

"She's still our sister, your daughter. Why won't you give her a chance?"

"But she doesn't see you as her brother, or me as her father. Why force it?" Vladimir reclined on his throne. "It's best you focus on the Hayena member."

Nathan remained defiant.

"Don't push yourself on her. She'll never accept you as her family," Vladimir stated coldly. "She's not the same Hyra who considered you her twin."

"How can you say that so easily?" Nathan clenched his fists, blood oozing from his palms. "It's your fault she doesn't see me as family anymore."

"One day, you'll understand why I did this."

"That's impossible—"

"Leave now." Armed guards entered and forcefully escorted Nathan out. "I won't tolerate a drunk in my presence. Remember, you're a mask. You inspire others. It'd be embarrassing to disown you as my son."

Wide-eyed, Nathan stepped outside. A woman waited by his car, greeting him warmly.

Softened, Nathan leaned into her embrace.

"You still came, knowing how it would end. I'm proud of you," Megumi whispered, stroking his hair.

Nathan held her tightly, unwilling to let go.

"Don't worry. I'm always on your side," Megumi assured him, planting a kiss on his forehead.

KEVIN'S POV

The atmosphere is unusually calm. I'm not used to it.

Scaling the school fence, I darted to class, wary of Mr. Fonancier's strictness towards tardiness.

"Hey!" I greeted Jared upon arrival, grateful Mr. Fonancier hadn't yet arrived.

"You smell like you ran all the way here," Jared teased, nudging me away playfully.

Smiling, I settled into my seat. The silence was unsettling. Without Hyra, no one seemed eager to start a fight.

Speaking of Hyra, how will she react when she sees Master with another woman hanging on his arm?

How can Master flirt while Hyra lies in the hospital? Something isn't right, but I shouldn't judge Master without knowing all the facts.

Still, Hyra's my friend. I should visit her at the hospital soon.

"Mr. Madrigal, deep in thought? Don't forget, I'm here, and where's your ID?" Mr. Fonancier's arrival jolted me.

"Sorry, it won't happen again," I apologized, knowing even a district leader like me needed to own up to mistakes.

"Focus," he advised, gesturing for me to take my seat just as armed guards stormed into the room.

"I apologize for the disturbance, but the Elders announce the Alliance Mafia has been eradicated."

"What?!" Master slammed the table, shocking us all.

The Alliance Mafia focused on experiments; why would they be destroyed?

"Who did this?" Carl demanded.

"Viper."

*Crack*

Carl's pencil snapped, fear etched on his face.

Is Carl afraid of Viper?

Mr. Fonancier wore an eerie smile, unnerving yet excited.

"A video from the scene is available," the guards announced, setting up the display.

Half a minute in, I vomited. The sight was too much.

With piercing eyes and a sweet smile, Viper was no mere human; he was a monster.