ICE’S POV:
At five o'clock in the morning, my mind was wide awake so I decided to exercise first. I have to maintain my body health because I am still planning to retaliate.
I know that revenge is not the answer but this is my only way to make those people pay for their debt. If I asked some authorities for this, they would not be a big help since Bernards is the biggest scam and a big fish in the water.
It takes many years to solve the case and it is not certain that it will be successful or not. Maybe my identity will be out accidentally as well once I seek their help.
Oh well, I don't care about their lives anyway. In the first place, they also didn't value the lives of my parents.
"Empress!" I turned my attention to the direction of the voice and just looked at him emotionlessly.
"What do you want Jensen?" I asked coldly. I also took the towel I was carrying and wiped it with my sweat.
"T-the b-breakfast is r-ready." He stuttered in response while still bowing.
I nod my head, "All right, I'll be next." I replied. He left immediately after saying that, why does it feel like I was some kind of a monster and he is a rabbit who is scared of his damn life?
I just shook my head at that thought and even stayed half an hour at the gym at home before I got out.
When I entered the house, they were both sitting on the sofa and obviously waiting for me. They were already wearing uniforms and it was obvious that I was the only one who didn't. Aren't they excited?
When they saw me, they immediately stood up and paid their respects.
"Just wait for me here first. It's still 7:30 so we can still catch up." I told them.
"Y-yes E-empress." Kiana stammered in response to me.
What's going on with these two? Are they just that scared of me? Well, I can't blame them but this is too much, I will not kill people without basis.
I sighed and left to go straight to my room. When I entered, I immediately went to the bathroom and took a shower.
After taking a relaxing bath, I entered my walk-in closet and put on the uniform that Jensen gave me yesterday. When I put it on, I immediately looked at my picture from the mirror in front of me.
I sneered when I realized that the uniform I was wearing right now was just right for me. Well, this thing came from the enemy. I just combed my long hair then made a messy bun.
I also bought a new wig yesterday and contacts so I wouldn't be recognized right away.
Then I immediately left the room. I know those two are just as impatient. But I didn't care because first of all, I didn't tell them to join me here at home.
I went straight to the kitchen and ate breakfast, then put the dishes on the sink and went to the living room. I caught them both staring intently at their tablets. What are these two doing again?.
"Let's go," I said in a cold tone to get their attention.
I shook my head and walked out of the house first. I even went to the garage to get my car and then I got in it and drove away.
I fish out my phone from my pocket and call Jensen's number while using my other hand in driving and using the other to dial.
"W-why Empress?" He stuttered after a few minutes from the other line.
"Act normally when we reach the school." I coldly remind him and remember something. "One more thing, don't you dare call me Empress."
"Yes, Empre-- I mean I-ice." He replied politely. I didn't dare to speak again and just turned off the call.
When I arrived at the school, a large building with high walls immediately appeared in front of me. I just parked my car and zipped my bag on my right arm then went straight inside the school.
Everything I pass is staring at me. Tsk, I just ignored them because all those people knew were pure insults. They just feel better when others are hurt.
So I don't want to trust, because everything is deceptive. When there is a benefit available, they will do everything to get closer to that person like parasites. When there is no use for them anymore, they just leave them like garbage. Well, that's the life I guess. This world is so cruel. So if you are weak, you are always one of the victims. Whether you are rich or poor. How ironic!
I just went to the principal’s office to get my schedule. Before I forget, all the artists, users, fraudsters, scammers, mafia heiresses, delinquents, and gangsters are here. In short, this place is already littered with exiles. Tsk!
Anyway, it's nice to throw out the owners too. Well, I will really bring down all the Bernards who killed my parents, that's a promise!
When I arrived at Zia Mendez's office, I immediately entered. Knocking is no longer needed, don't be surprised. I think a woman in her mid-30's appeared in front of me. I'm not in the mood to describe her yet so just shut up!
She smiled at me before standing up. "What is your name?" She asked. I just looked at her without emotion.
"Ice Angel Velez," I answered in a cold tone. I have no intention of plasticizing my opponents.
"Oh, here's your schedule Ms. Velez." She said as she handed me a folder. "And your section is 4-A."
I just accepted that and then simply went out. Call me rude or whatever, I don’t care. After all, they didn't even deserve my respect!
I learned everything about them, even at this school. I know almost every exit in this area so I don't need any map.
Where are those two scoundrels? I've been here for a while. Whatever! Why do I even think of them in the first place? It's time to leave.
I took a glance at my wristwatch and then saw that the class was about to start. Oh well, I don't care either.
As I walked, I realized that I was the only one walking in the hallway. It's good that I'm away from the judgmental gazes of worthless people.
When I reached the said section, I did not knock but immediately opened the door. What is their business if I don't want to knock?
When I opened the door, all the attention was immediately turned to me. Jeez! I still seem to be an attention seeker. I just looked at them coldly so the others were immediately looking away. By the way, the two who can't even look me in the eye were also here.
"Ahem, are you the new student?" The professor asked so I turned my cold gaze to her. She immediately avoided looking at me.
"Obviously," I answered in a matter-of-fact tone.
"C-come in a-and introduce yourself, please." She stuttered as she bowed her head. Is my presence that intimidating?
I entered the classroom then went to the front.
"Ice Angel Velez, 19." I briefly introduced myself and then looked at our professor who could hardly look at me.
I just rolled my eyes and then went straight to the back because no one was sitting there. The professor was about to speak when a man with messy hair suddenly entered the door.
I just ignored them because I wasn't interested at all. I just plugged my earphones into my ears. I'm sure the topic he's going to talk about is just as boring as he was, so it's better to listen to music than to listen to him.
I just closed my eyes but soon I felt something coming towards me so I just ignored raising my hand to catch that thing. I slowly opened my eyes and pulled down my hands only to see a silver shuriken in my hand.
I turn my attention coldly to the suspect who threw this thing at me. I rolled my eyes and threw the shuriken back at him.
He simply avoided it and the thing hit the door. At the same time, the three men who were about to enter the door widened their eyes together.
I took the earphones to my ears and looked at the men who still hadn’t gotten over the incident.
"Jezz! I'm fine and still alive."
"It would be a pity for my girlfriends if that thing hit me."
“Shit!”
They made various comments and one of them approached where the shuriken had been stabbed. He looked at it and frowned. He turned to the man who threw it at me earlier and whispered something.
The man who threw the shuriken immediately nodded. I roll my eyes because of it.
After that scene, they also sat down one by one, and unfortunately, I was next to the bastard who threw the shuriken at me.
When I look at Kiana and Jensen, their eyes widen as they stare at the man. My eyes furrowed in confusion, why do they react like that? I'll talk to them later.
The teacher proceeded to the discussion as if nothing happened and all I did was watch outside the window while putting on my earphones. When the boring class ended, I waited for the other students to stand before I also stood up.
I was about to walk when someone suddenly grabbed my hand which made me stop. I rolled my eyes and looked at the man earlier. So annoying!
"What do you need?" I asked him coldly.
"Who are you really? Why are you so strong? Knowing that you looked bored when you threw the shuriken back at me?" He asked continuously instead of answering my question.
I just raised an eyebrow. "Why do you ask? How about you, why did you throw it at me?" I asked him back coldly.
"I'm just interested in you. So, tell me who you are?" He asked again or more like a command. I frowned, who is he to command a Palace? He does not know what he is against.
"I'm Ice Angel Velez. Happy now?" I told him sarcastically.
He glared at me, "Whatever and whoever you are, I will definitely guard you. Whatever your secret is, I will know everything about it later." He responded coldly and released my hand violently.
The four of them left immediately while Kiana, Jensen, and I were left here standing and looking at their retreating backs.
"Emp--I mean Ice, why did you do that earlier?" Jensen asked me worriedly.
I turned my attention to him, "Why? And who was that man earlier?" I asked boringly.
Kiana sighed, "That's Grayson Bernards, Ice." She answered.
I immediately smirked and then turned my gaze back to the door.
So, luck is on my side this time huh? Then, I will definitely grab this fucking chance. Prepare yourself Grayson Bernards because you will be the first on my death list.
ICE’S POV:I was here early for school because I needed to look around and observe things that might be helpful for my investigation. Even though I know that it might be impossible since I know that Bernards weren’t that stupid enough to leave some evidence that can be used against them but I am still hoping.I was walking around when I noticed that I was already at the back of this school. Seriously? I looked around and noticed that this place looks like a forest.It was so quiet and stayed silent as well as I rolled my eyes in irritation, not until my eyes landed on the post saying ‘No Trespassing’ and they even put up various barriers in the area. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. What are they hiding here?I just stood in front of it while still looking around the place. I don't want to make any moves now because I'm sure that Grayson is also watching me. That guy is always a pain in the ass.Eventual
ICE’S POV:I was just looking out the window here in our classroom boringly. I inhale every air that touches my cheeks since I'm not listening to our professor’s discussion. I glanced at the blackboard and saw that Science is our current subject. I rolled my eyes and looked back at the window since I already know all of these lessons so I don't need to listen to them anymore.I was in the middle of contemplation when Kiana tapped me softly. I immediately looked at her coldly so she averted her eyes a bit and pointed something ahead.I slowly looked in the direction she was pointing, only to find that our professor was looking at me while glaring her eyes at me and his face was already red in anger. I raised my eyebrows at him coldly and he gritted his teeth. What is the problem with this person?
ICE’S POV:Since I wasn't that hungry, I just continued walking to the music room and slowly opened the door with a creaking sound. I look around the empty room and don't see anyone around. Good thing that the music room was open to all people every Wednesday so I decided to come here today. Fortunately, I was alone.This music room is big enough to accommodate many people. It was painted with a combination of maroon and white with paintings of music notes on the walls. The instruments were put in their usual place and were covered by clean clothes.I chose what I could play and then decided to just play the piano. I sighed and walked slowly near it. I removed the cover and folded it neatly. After that, I put it at the top of the piano and sat on the chair in front of it, and then pressed its keys with my right hand.&nb
ICE'S POV:I woke up because of the sunlight coming from the window. I groaned and twitched my lips in annoyance. I slowly opened my eyes and sat up lazily on my bed and looked in the direction of the window. I rolled my eyes, who opened this again? So irritating!I stood up and walked into the bathroom. I look at the mirror and splash my face with water. I sighed and wiped my face with a towel. I stripped all my clothes and entered the shower room. I felt like shit while taking a bath because I was so tired. After showering, I wore a bathrobe lazily and went out. I walked and entered my walk-in closet just to get dressed even with my eyes closed.I didn’t comb my hair anymore and just put on my shoes, took the bag, and then walked out of my room.When I arrived at the living room, the
XERCEL'S POV:When the bell rang, we were quite surprised when our professor suddenly left without even saying goodbye to his students. He was running like his life depended on it.I chuckled, maybe we really scared the shit out of him. I looked around and saw that our classmates were already going out while the four of us were still there. I looked at them and saw that they were still silent. I looked in front of me, only to see that our Empress was still sleeping and it was quite obvious that she didn't have any plan to wake up.I shook my head helplessly. This is the biggest taboo in the Empire, no one likes to wake her up because no one can guarantee their lives if that happens. Suddenly the man sitting on her side stood up and we all turned our attention to him as he walked and stopped in front of the door.
ICE'S POV: "Empress, wake up! Damn, we might be late because of this!" Someone suddenly shouted outside my room which made me wake up in a daze and groan irritably. Based on the voice, it was that annoying Xercel. When I heard her shout again, I immediately took my gun under my bed. "Empress! What's your plan?" She complains outside again. I stood up expressionlessly. I looked at the K13 Pistol in my hand that I invented myself and walked near the door. I immediately opened the itthen glared at her coldly. What I don't want at all is that someone wants to ruin my sleep! She smiled when she saw my face and was about to sigh a breath of relief when she noticed my gun was already pointing at her head. "Ahhh!" She shouted in horror and moved backward as I cock the hammer back while staring coldly at her. "Shit!" She mumbled and immediately ran down the stairs like her butt was burning. When I can’t see her anymore, I close t
ICIEST’S POV:I just shook my head and managed to enter the canteen without saying anything. As I step inside, everyone’s attention immediately turns to me while their looks are full of admiration and respect.I keep my face still and roam my eyes around the area until it stops to the person who caught my attention. She was just eating motionlessly while bowing her head and looking at her food. Her friends look at me and turn their eyes away as if they were afraid of something.I just glance at her one more time before walking to the counter. The Auntie immediately smiled when she saw me coming and before I knew it, she was already handing me a tray with food with a drink on it.I nodded gently at her, “Thank you, Auntie.” I told her and she just smiled back at me.I turned my body and glanced again at their table and walked there silently until I stopped beside her which made them look at me in astonishment
ICE'S POV:It's already eight o'clock in the evening and I still can't sleep. Even a little drowsiness still doesn’t visit me at all. I closed my eyes for I don’t know how many times anymore but after a few minutes I found myself wide awake again.I just tweaked my hair and stood up irritatingly. I decided to go to the nearest 7/11 to buy a cup of noodles and a soda instead. So, I grabbed my jacket and put it on before opening the door of my room. Looking around the house with only the light of the moon outside was the only thing that made me see everything around me.I observe my surroundings and I realize that this is also one of my training before when I was still a child so even though I can’t see and hear anything, I can still feel my surroundings and walk like I can see everything. When I was already out of our gate, I walked aimlessly in the middle of the road with only me, myself, and I was the person here.The s
ICE’S POV:"Mommy!" I heard History's excited voice echoing through the house, and I couldn't help but smile. I knew he, along with his dad, Iciest, and his brother, Chronicles, were eagerly waiting for me and our little angel, Legend. With a fond shake of my head, I anticipated History's imminent arrival in the room that Iciest and I shared.I glanced at my 2-year-old daughter, her vibrant violet and green eyes meeting mine. She had inherited those striking eyes from me. Gently, I dressed her in a beautiful blue dress, carefully placing a delicate white flower tiara on her head before braiding her hair. It was a marvel to think about the journey that had led to this point—after everything that had transpired, the unexpected gift of another baby had caught Iciest and me by surprise. Recollecting a past conversation with my two older children about their desire for a third sibling once their parents reunited (which, unbeknownst to me at the time, referred to me and Iciest), I had decid
ICE’S POV:As my arms encircled him, I could feel his body tremble beneath my touch. It was clear that his façade was cracking and that the tough exterior he tried to project was giving way to the pain he held within. I gently turned him to face me, his tear-streaked face a testament to the battle raging inside him."It's going to be alright, brother," I murmured, my voice a steady anchor amidst the storm of his emotions. I held his gaze, willing him to believe my words. "Your sister will not leave you again." His eyes, usually so guarded, seemed to soften with a glimmer of hope as our connection deepened.Yet, as we stood there locked in our embrace, something shifted in Grayson. His defenses crumbled, and the floodgates he had erected against his feelings began to open. The sound of his sobs, raw and heartbreaking, reached my ears, and I felt a pang in my chest. This was his pain, his vulnerability laid bare, and I was honored that he chose to share it with me.Tears welled up in my
ICE’S POV:Guns were drawn, tension hung thick in the air, and it seemed like a standoff was about to erupt, but amidst the pointed weapons, only Zia and I stood without weapons, locked in a chilling gaze. With a wry smile, Zia's voice slithered forth, her words carrying a mocking tone: "Well, isn't this a cozy gathering? Traitors' offspring all grown up. What a delight."My response wasn't as amusing as hers. I fixed her with a cold stare, my voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Why drag me, my brother, and those who matter to me into this? What's the point of involving us in the tangled mess our parents made that wasn’t our problems in the first place?"Zia's laughter rippled, a bitter melody in the midst of the charged atmosphere. She fired back, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "Oh, come on. Did you really expect me to roll out the red carpet for you just because your parents are the culprits and it doesn’t include you?"I didn't grace her question with an immediate ans
THIRD PERSON’S POV:On the other side, "Calvin, Travor, and Kiana reached the main entrance, spotting guards converging on the control room."Calvin whispered, "We're not too late. Let's go."They engaged the guards in a swift and calculated skirmish, taking them down one by one with a combination of martial prowess and precision.Travor took down a guard as he whispered, "Marcus and Jerry must be in trouble. We have to hurry."Kiana knocked out a guard as she mumbled, "Agreed. Let's clear the way."On the other side, Alfer, John, and Daryl pressed forward, their movements fluid as they navigated the dimly lit corridor.Alfer checked the corners as he mumbled, "Keep pushing. We're almost there."Suddenly, a group of guards rounded the corner, spotting the infiltrators.John smirked as he mumbled, "Looks like we've got a welcoming committee."Daryl cracked his knuckles as he muttered, "Let's give them a taste of our skills."A fierce battle ensued as the infiltrators clashed with the g
THIRD PERSON’S POV:The group wasted no time, moving with calculated precision. Zee sat hunched over a bank of monitors, fingers dancing across the keyboard as lines of code scrolled across screens along with Taylor.Arthur leaned against the wall, his gaze fixed on the surveillance feed showing the imposing structure of Zia's base across the street. Luke tinkered with a small device on the table, his earbuds plugged in as he kept an ear on the team's communication while Jaycel was just on the side watching them.Zee muttered to herself, "Alright, I've patched into their security network. I can see the guards patrolling the perimeter."Arthur replied, "Keep an eye on the guards' patterns. We don't want any surprises."Luke nodded his head with a sighed as he mumbled, "I've got the signal jammers set up. Their comms won't be working."Meanwhile, outside the hotel, Zian smiled as he happily said it into his earpiece as he lured the guards. "Hey, have you guys heard about that new virtua
ICE’S POV:Inside, an ensemble of guards stationed throughout offered their respectful greetings. It was a familiar routine, and their commitment to our children's protection never wavered.Venturing deeper, we were met with a heartwarming sight. On the couch, our two children were engrossed in their tablets, undoubtedly lost in the world of their game company—an endeavor they had taken upon themselves.My throat gave a subtle cough as we entered their line of sight. In response, their heads snapped up in a mixture of surprise and sheer delight.The room was alive with a sort of controlled chaos. I watched as History hopped off the sofa with a reckless enthusiasm that sent a pang of worry through me. His father's voice, laced with pure concern, rumbled like a soothing undertone, "Be careful, baby!"Chronicles, his older brother, didn't hold back either. His words came out in a stern, almost icy tone, but beneath that frostiness, concern flickered like a hidden flame: "Slow down, Histo
CALVIN’S POV:Meanwhile, Grayson sat alongside Zee, the enigmatic figure responsible for the intricate hacking that fortified Ice's group. Learning that Zee led the faction known as Antares stunned everyone, even Arthur and Luke, cyber experts themselves, who had worked under her leadership for so long. I made a mental note to uncover the backstory behind Grayson and Zee's connection when the timing was right.Other than Ysabelle, Taylor, and Arthur, who were already acquainted, the rest of the newcomers had just arrived this morning. The dynamics in the room were captivating—a mix of camaraderie and curiosity, like a puzzle waiting to be solved.Amidst the hum of conversations, what puzzled me was the trio from Jaycel's team; their gaze was locked onto Travor. He remained unfazed by their judgmental stares, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. He seemed impervious to their scrutiny as he goaded the mother of his child, her simmering anger evident yet contained.Within this intrica
ICIEST’S POV:Her response carried a scoff, her voice tinged with humor despite the situation: "I'm keeping it in check. You know me, I've got this. We're nearly at your location, so sit tight."A frown creased my brow, her words stirring a different kind of unease. Swiftly, I retorted, "Don't play it down too much. I'll be waiting right here, wife. Just get back safely."The tension in the air was thick as I clenched my fist, waiting for her response. The seconds felt like an eternity until her voice finally broke through the silence."I will," she replied, her words hanging in the air like a promise. The call ended, leaving me with a mixture of relief and uncertainty.As the call ended, I turned my gaze to Grayson, who seemed to release a breath he had been holding. There was a tension in the air that still lingered, but some of it seemed to ease with his reaction.Calmly, I advised, "Let's give them a few minutes. They should be arriving soon."My prediction wasn't off, as mere mom
GRAYSON’S POV:I nodded, my exhale carrying the weight of my anxiety. Just when it seemed like the call would go unanswered once more, I glanced at my sister, her expression unwaveringly frosty.My hope was fading, and desperation clawed at me, but then, miraculously, someone picked up the call. It took every ounce of restraint not to burst into a jubilant shout—a reaction completely out of character for me.I had never been one to wear my emotions on my sleeve, nor did I usually indulge in sentimentality. My demeanor was typically as chilly as a winter breeze, and my interactions with others were marked by detached professionalism.But in the face of recent events, my perspective has shifted. I had come to realize that I was no longer an island, no longer alone. Their well-being had become paramount to me, and I would do anything to keep them safe from harm.As soon as Calvin answered the call, I hit the loudspeaker button, ensuring Ice and Iciest could listen in on our conversation.