Chapter 7: "Ally or Enemy?"───── ❝ K I L L I A N W I L D E' S P O V ❞ ────Standing outside the school's infirmary with its walls painted a dreary gray, and the lighting is muted and dull, I watched in heightened sense and horror as the new girl that I just saved from her near death drowning experience coughed violently, trying to get the excess water out of her lungs.In the center of the room, she sat atop the infirmary bed, quivering even under its white thick sheets that was a sharp contrast to the stark gray walls. An array of peculiar and outlandish machines were linked to her bed, resembling the gadgets of a science-fiction film. "You'll be coughing up your organs if you keep that up, woman." I warned her, trying to break the uncomfortable silence.Unfortunately, instead of responding with a normal reply, she simply glared at me with an expression of intense terror. Her breathing was becoming more and more strained and I could sense the dread brewing in the air. "Easy. That
Chapter 8: "The Stonemasker's Hall,"───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ────A hazy fog blanketed the darkness, its mysterious tendrils whisp-ing past me as I stood in the doorway of the infirmary. Yet, as my mind was dancing in it's own reverie, the nurse's voice seemed to cut through the thick air, signaling the next step of my journey. "Keep that path straight ahead, and you'll soon reach your destination," she said, her words both ominous and inviting.My thoughts were scattered as she spoke so it took me a good damn moment to comprehend her directions. As I digested her words, it quickly became clear that she was referring to the Stonemaskers Hall — the place that would be my lodgings for the remainder of my stay here to the academy. Squinting my eyes through the tinted doorframe of the room I am in, I was able to see what she was pointing at. The path that she cautions for me was a way of darkness and cold haze, lined with shadows and tall trees that seemed to creaked and
Chapter 9: "New Era of Malevolence,"───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ────As I lay in my dorm room, my mind slowly drifts into a realm of darkness. The unfamiliar walls surrounding me create a sense of uncertainty, leaving me lost in thought. I ponder the mysteries that linger around the shadows of the night, searching for answers to the questions that haunt my mind.The still air of my new room is filled with a feeling of unease, creating a palpable tension. I feel as though I am being watched, though I am alone in my room, as my odd dormmate has flew to hers too. For the record, I am acutely aware of my solitude as I take in the pitch black walls, yet I remain undeterred in my pursuit for the answers that I so desperately seek. "You'll be damned in here, Ruby. Without a doubt..." With a heavy sigh for how many times today, I monologued to my consciousness as I lie still, turbulent thoughts swirl beneath the surface of my dark and mysterious mind. It was as if though I try to
Chapter 10: "Chair of Fate,"───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ──── ║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 01 - 01 - 2027 ║ Friday ║ 1st Midnight ║ "Strange to say, but our uniform seemed to suit you better." Staring myself in front of the mirror, I heard Serene voiced out beside me with a feminine smile etched on her face. With her words, I unconsciously touched the midnight-lavender fabric cautiously and observed my reflection. Cocking my head side to side, I sighed as I realize she was right. The fabrics of this Institution's uniform, from its long sleeves, skirts, and vests, draped around my frame in a way that the clothing I normally chose could not — or would not — match. I ran my fingers along the embroidered insignia, tracing the intricate patterns and stitching of what I now wore. The uniform felt and fit me perfectly, like a second skin, as it's raggedly stitched seams and unbearably heavy fabric became the sign of where I now stand in this place, a sign of my new home. These cl
Chapter 11: "Strictly Just A Dare," ───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ──── ║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 01 - 01 - 2027 ║ Friday ║ 1st Midnight ║ The darkness of the circus tent hung like a shroud over my head, an oppressive presence threatening to smother us like a deep-rooted fear. Shivers of dread ran down my spine as I nervously surveyed the scene for a damn second, my eyes slowly adjusting to the horror that was to come later on. Unbeknownst to many, my gazes stay rooted to the Headmistress moments after, as I thoroughly observed her as she stands guard on us, her gaze stern and unyielding as she intones her words, "Let us forgo the formalities, for I am no longer in the mood for them, my dear students. Once again, as per our tradition, you'll enter through the glass cage by your student numbers arranged in numerical order, from first to last. I know you're all giddy to play the games like me, so let's get rolling now before I got bored out and set this tent on fire, shall we?"
Chapter 12: "A Divulge Vow,"───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ────║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 01 - 01 - 2027 ║ Friday ║ 1st Midnight ║My heart raced as I watched Killian stride away from me, my mind spinning in both haywire of desire for I don't have any reason why, and for anticipation for my next turn — I knew that it would come soon, and I didn't know if I was ready for what might come. I had already taken the risk of a daring kiss, and the rush of adrenaline I had felt had been both thrilling and overwhelming. But how much more could I handle? I had already faced the challenge of Killian's dare, and I still felt my face flush at the thought. What more was stored for my own tasked game later on? To be honest, all of this shits was a challenge I had never even faced before, and I couldn't help myself from feeling high as I held my breath trying so hard to situate myself from both the dream and reality of the clouds I am floating in. But the moment passed, and I was stuck waiti
Chapter 13: "The Coven's Invitation," ───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ──── ║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 01 - 02 - 2027 ║ ║ Saturday ║ Free Day ║ The first weekend of my stay here at the academy had finally arrived, and the first night of the malevolent games of "Truth or Dare," was temporarily over. Though, it has ended, I know, it was far from indeed over. Actually, according to Ms. Rose, we were just getting started. As Saturday dawned, the academy returned to its typical routine, but the feeling of mystery in the air lingered like a dark and sinister fog. Still, the challenge of last night's had been swirling around my hazy consciousness, as for the first time ever, I had seen the teens around me and oddly myself too, who mustered the courage to take on the most daring tasks and uncover the most hidden secrets. It was like, I couldn't help myself but to reflect on the events that had taken place the hours ago. One minute, we had gotten together to play a game of truth or
Chapter 14: "Lost,"───── ❝ K I L L I A N W I L D E' S P O V ❞ ────║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 01 - 03 - 2027 ║║ Sunday║ Free Day ║The morning sun sneaks through the trees, casting an eerie shade over the school grounds. The air is chill, the grass and trees standing like proud sentinels was hovering above me as I traversed the school grounds with my friends. The few trees on the grounds swayed in the cold breeze, their rustling leaves seeming to imitate the conversations taking place around me.Since it was our traditional free day, and even though the sun hadn't quite emerged to bring the warmth of day yet, the students were already out, their chatter and laughter ringing through the dreary morning.The hallway filled up quickly with my fellow schoolmates, their conversations and gossips filling every inch of space, as if it was a damn life-giving energy that was absent from the previously still and silent grounds.The sun slowly rose and the chill began to dissipate, bringing warmth t
Chapter 72: Hold On Tight───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ────║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 02 - 28 - 2027 ║║ Sunday║ Third Day of Olympia's Cup║— Lap 1 —The first obstacle looms ahead - Doom of Spikes. I grip the steering wheel tightly, narrowing my focus to the treacherous track unfurling before me. I swerve to avoid the first jagged metal spikes jutting from the dirt course, feeling the tires scrape perilously close.I weave through the forest of twisting spikes, adrenaline pumping with each near miss. The other racers are struggling, tires bursting and cars crunching against the metal teeth. I push my vehicle faster, racing ahead of the pack. A huge pit of spikes suddenly rises in my path and I hold my breath, yanking the steering wheel hard to the left. My car spins out, tires squealing as I drift barely an inch from the deadly obstacle.The course hammers my vehicle as I barrel through the lap, more spikes emerging from the dirt without warning. My concentration is razor-sha
Chapter 71: Midday Mile───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ────║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 02 - 28 - 2027 ║║ Sunday║ Third Day of Olympia's Cup║I glanced at the others, and there I saw that their faces were grim and set with determination, but behind their eyes I saw the same fear that filled my own heart. We had come so far already, completing challenges that had broken stronger teams. But this latest obstacle had extracted a terrible cost. The forest path seemed to stretch on forever, winding through the dense woods. No one spoke as we marched along the narrow dirt trail. The horror of losing Olivia to the pit of fire and snakes still weighed heavy on our minds. I could feel it pressing down on my shoulders, making each step harder than the last.Yet, I keep my eyes on the path, not wanting to see the faces of my remaining teammates anymore, as their eyes would show the same dread I feel inside — the guilt of surviving when Haley did not. We should have tried harder to save her,
Chapter 70: Frigid Waters───── ❝ K I L L I A N W I L D E ' S P O V ❞ ────║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 02 - 28 - 2027 ║║ Sunday║ Third Day of Olympia's Cup║The metal door towered over us, rising high into the gloom of the cavernous chamber that had lain undisturbed for centuries. It stretched the width of the cave, bolted firmly shut with bands of rusted iron fasteners that had long since seized in place. Not a single handle or keyhole marred its face, nothing that would suggest a normal means of opening. The only object attached was a strange rotating mechanism made of interlocking brass gears and iron rods, fixed to the door at head height. It appeared to be some kind of puzzle lock, the solution to which would allow the door to slide open on ancient mechanisms within the stone walls.As we studied the puzzle, I could almost feel unseen eyes watching from the darkness, hungry for those who would dare disturb this place. This lock was our only way forward, but it may also be our doom.
Chapter 69: Blazing Fire ───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ──── ║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 02 - 28 - 2027 ║ ║ Sunday║ Third Day of Olympia's Cup║ The rickety rope bridge swayed precariously, stretching across the chasm's gaping maw. The wooden slats were worn and weathered, barely wide enough for one person to stand upon. I spoke up first, my voice wavering as I warned cautiously onto the bridge, grasping the side ropes for support. My tone was anxious and unsettled. "This bridge is barely wide enough for one person. So, one of our tactics is that we must cross in single file," Beatrice responded nervously from the shore, peering at the dilapidated bridge with trepidation evident in her quavering voice. "How do we know it will hold our weight?" Serene replied grimly in a matter-of-fact yet ominous tone, her voice betraying no fear but rather cold resolve. "We don't," she stated plainly. "But we have no choice. Stay close behind each other and move quickly. That's all we can d
Chapter 68: The Lustro's Enigma───── ❝ K I L L I A N W I L D E ' S P O V ❞ ────║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 02 - 28 - 2027 ║║ Sunday║ Third Day of Olympia's Cup║The cold white walls felt like they were closing in as they greeted me first as I slowly opened my eyes. The blurry shapes in the room came into focus after what felt like an eternity, my eyes adjusting to the dim fluorescent lights that cast shadows in every corner."Ah, damn this," I cursed as my body ached from the hard metal slab this wicked school called a bed. Every joint protested as I forced myself to sit up, my muscles stiff and sore from the unrelenting discomfort. The thin blanket provided no warmth, only adding to the frigid atmosphere that seeped into my bones.The silence was deafening, only pierced by the buzz of the flickering lights above. No sound came from beyond these walls, no comforting noises of life or activity. It was as if I existed in a vacuum, isolated and alone. My stomach churned from the lack of fo
Chapter 67: Pit of Screams ───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ──── ║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 02 - 28 - 2027 ║ ║ Sunday║ Third Day of Olympia's Cup║ As the gong signaling the start of the third day of the games sounded, echoing off the damp stone walls and chilling us to our cores, I glanced at my teammates. Serene's jaw was set in grim determination, her voice low and gravelly as she muttered under her breath, "We can do this again, girls..." She stood rigid, feet planted firmly on the ground, hands balling into fists at her sides as she waited for the door to open. Olivia usually spoke softly and calmly, but now her brown eyes narrowed into slits as she surveyed the steel door before them, her tone sharp with warning as she said, "Stay close, we're going through hell again, much worse this time I fear." Her hand reached for the weapon at her belt in a practiced motion, fingers wrapping around the hilt with a sureness born from experience. Her eyes depicts that she had braved
Chapter 66: Eliminated───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ────║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 02 - 28 - 2027 ║║ Sunday║ Third Day of Olympia's Cup║Long awake from my slumber last night, I sit in the corner of the cold, empty white room me and my team are now staying, leaning against the frame of the wall. I do not know how long we've been here exactly, left with only my thoughts in this empty void. Minutes, hours? Nonetheless, time has no meaning in this place anyways.A chill ran down my spine as I stared out at the barren landscape from the window, thinking of the role we were forced to play in this gruesome game. Yet my reverie about our place was shortly cut when my wristband beeped as it glows in an eerie crimson red hue, displaying Spencer's name crossed out with lines of permanent ink — confirming his death in the game.◤━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◥A P L A Y E R H A S B E E N E L I M I N A T E D───※ · Student No. 5 - Spencer Sinclair · ※───⌧ Team : Scarlet Ravens⌧ Role : The A
Chapter 65: The Unescapable Soul───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ────║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 02 - 27 - 2027 ║║ Saturday║ Second Day of Olympia's Cup║Spencer stare each other down, the weight of history heavy between us. Spencer's eyes lock onto mine, filled with the same hunger and ambition that I know burns within my own. Our companions stand ready behind us, waiting to see who will make the first move."Just leave, boys. It's ours to begin with." After Olivia's words, I took a glance at my teammates, seeing my own fierce determination mirrored on their faces, I knew then that we have come too far to back down now. This amulet calls to us, begging to be claimed. It calls to us as if, promising knowledge, winning and glory to whoever dares take hold of it since, as now, it was not any other jewelry, but inside it bears a key, a key to any important thing that maybe our way to reach this game's goal and win."The amulet stays with us and nothing you say will change that," Beat
Chapter 64: The Amulet ───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ──── ║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 02 - 27 - 2027 ║ ║ Saturday║ Second Day of Olympia's Cup║ "Stay close," I ordered the others. Serene, Olivia and Beatrice huddled together behind me as we walked deeper into the crypt. "While we're here, let's also lookout for supplies," Serene whispered, "Food, water, medical kits, weapons. Anything we can carry as it may serve as a use for us later on. We cannot know what challenges awaits us further in," Nodding, we searched from crypt to crypt, finding only cobwebs and bones. The darkness seemed to press in around us, the silence thick with unseen menace. A cold draft whispered through the passage, snuffing out one of our torches and plunging us further into gloom. I drew my jacket tighter, feeling the hairs rise on the back of my neck as we pressed onward into the depths of the crypt, our remaining flames flickering weakly against the encroaching shadows. "This place gives me the ult