I observe the unfolding scene through the CCTV cameras, my eyes glinting with a sinister curiosity. The flickering images reveal a decrepit hallway, its blood-stained walls and dusty tiles bearing witness to years of neglect. On one of the screens, I see Ethan, a trembling figure standing outside a room. His haunted eyes dart around nervously as if searching for an escape from the feelings that consume him. "How pathetic," I chuckle. The events have taken a psychological toll on the boy. His cousin's demise must be weighing on him more than he thought. He jumps at even the slightest noises, constantly looking over his shoulder in fear. Ethan seems to shiver in the decrepit hallway, his hands clamping tightly over his ears as he mutters apologies under his breath. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I never meant for this to happen. Please, I didn't want to cause any trouble!" Ethan whispers, his voice trembling. His shoulders shake, a few tears escaping his shut eyes. The guilt in
Ande, leaning against the wall, doing his best to ignore Ethan's body lying on the floor, suddenly jerks upright.Pawing at his pockets, he frowns and pulls out the blue communicator he had found in that dead girl. He narrows his eyes at the device.Since that day, he's always carried it on his person no matter where he was going, and today wasn't any different.The device buzzes again, static crackling, and he pauses his brow furrowing. The blinking starts."I have a special message for you, Ande," a voice suddenly echoes through the hallway, and I can see the realisation dawn on his face."Principal," he breathes, his grip tightening on the device."Ah, Ande, my dear boy," I purr, my voice resonating through the speakers. "I must admit, I'm impressed. I didn't think you had it in you to survive this long. I must congratulate you on your remarkable display of resilience. Unfortunately, I underestimated your will to survive."Ande's jaw tightens, and he glares defiantly at the blin
I tighten my grip on my phone, gazing across the room at the influential individuals gathered there. They regard me with curiosity and concern, sensing the shift in my demeanour."What is it?" one asks, his brow furrowed.I let out a heavy sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose as I collected my thoughts. "We have a... complication," I say, measured and deliberate. "It seems our plans have been compromised. We'll need to accelerate the timeline and initiate Operation Sting."The room erupts into a flurry of activity, the others exchanging worried glances and muttering to one another in hushed tones. I raise a hand, silencing them with a pointed look."There's no need for alarm," I say, my lips curving into a humourless smile. "We've been anticipating this eventuality. We'll need to move a bit more quickly than anticipated."The others nod, their expressions grim but resolute. They know the stakes as well as I do. Failure is not an option.I return to the CCTV feed, gaze locked on And
Just then, I hear the sound of clapping.Whipping my head back, I glare at the rapidly approaching figure of Mr. Blackwood. The new teacher strolls up to me, clapping enthusiastically, a manic glint in his eyes, "Bravo, Ande!" He smiles in an exaggerated display of approval."You've done so well to survive!" he exclaims. "So, what will you do now?"Without hesitation, I grab Everett by the arm and wrench it, dislocating it with a sickening crack. She howls in pain, her minions recoiling in terror. "Now, we're even," I say, glaring at the man. "You've wasted enough of my time."The man's eyes widen in surprise, but he quickly regains his composure. "Impressive, Ande. I can see why the principal has taken such an interest in you."I scoff, crossing my arms over my chest. "I'm not interested in your games or the principal's 'rewards.' Just my freedom."Levering him with a sneer, I place my hand against my pocket, where my knife sits in my pants, "Now," I drawl, "if you'll excuse us?"
With the collar safely in Miguel's hands, I turn my attention to the captives. I head over, my mind settled on what to do with the little traitors. Everett and her minions are still huddled in the room where I left them, their voices reduced to whimpers and fearful murmurs. I stride into the room, my expression impassive. "The rest of you," I say, addressing my classmates who are present, "are going to be moving these five to a different location. They'll be locked up, but they'll be safe – for now." The bound and bruised students exchange nervous glances, their faces etched with panic, a thrilling scene it was for me. I can't believe I decided to be under these people for ages. "They'll be taken to a private room and locked up," I continue instructing the students. They quickly spring into action, ignoring the protests and pleas of the captured individuals. Everett, her shoulder still dislocated, glares at me defiantly. "You can't do this, Ande," she spits. "The prin
As I close my eyes in despair, Mr. Blackwood speaks again, drawing my attention. "Ah, one more thing, students," he says, his voice saccharine-sweet. "I wanted to reiterate that your regular classes will resume as normal. Your teachers will return shortly, so I expect you to be on your best behaviour."The students around me erupt into nervous whispers, their faces etched with apprehension. I can practically feel the tension in the air as they wonder what the return of the teachers will mean for them.Mr. Blackwood, however, seems unfazed by their unease. He flashes us all a painfully fake smile, his eyes glinting with something akin to amusement. "Now, now, don't look so worried," he says, his tone dripping with false concern. "I'm sure your teachers are just as eager to see you all as you are to see them."I can't help but let out a bitter snort at his words. The school does seem to have it out for me. Why did they have to add the fucking teachers to the equation?!As if I don't
The previous day's events weigh heavily on my mind as I make my way to my first class. Try as I might, I can't stop thinking about the strange episode I experienced - the vivid dream, the haunting voice, the agonising sound that had sent me reeling. What is happening to me? As I enter the unfamiliar classroom, I am distracted, constantly drifting back to everything. I barely register the teacher's arrival, my gaze fixed on the desk's surface as I try to make sense of history. The teacher, a middle-aged man with a perpetually anxious expression, clears his throat and begins to speak. But his voice is shaky, and I can't help but notice how his eyes dart around the room as if expecting something to jump out at him. I snort bitterly. Zane's violent outburst against a teacher has left an impact, and the poor man seems too afraid even to begin the lesson. "Um, class," the teacher stammers, his fingers shaking nervously. "Today, we'll be discussing... the relationship between th
As Chris and I finish our kitchen duties, the weight of what I've figured out today hangs heavy on my mind. I have the clues, but everything is much to process.I find myself distracted and distant as we make our way to the cafeteria for dinner, my gaze constantly drifting, my thoughts consumed by the questions swirling in my head. I need answers, and I'm determined to get them, no matter the cost.As we sit, I barely muster enough strength to pick up my spoon. Chris shoots me a concerned glance, but I offer him a reassuring smile, not wanting to worry him further. But I can't stop thinking about it; I can't stop obsessing over it.The bustling noise and activity of the other students is a stark contrast to the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in my mind.I pick at my food, my appetite dulled by the weight of my growing suspicions and determination to uncover the truth.An hour into our meal, Chris glances at me again, a concerned expression on his face. "Hey, you alright? You've bar