Alora and the boys got inside the bus. There was other three people inside and the driver turned on the radio. A lively country music boomed.The guys wanted to sit with her but she clearly said no. They were asking one another on why she shed a tear over the video, but she shunned them out of her presence. There’s no time to explain anything to them. There’s no one she needed on this journey but herself.She paid an exact amount to the conductor. When she was asked where would she stop, she said on the last bus stop. She couldn’t remember what it was called now. The video of Brayden falling to the side of the road and the sudden immobility that it caused him has shaken her. She can’t focus anymore.The entire ride was accompanied by music and conversations from the other passengers. Turns out, it wasn’t only the three boys from the bus stop that had possession of the video. It seemed like everyone in the bus was talking about it. She could only listen to it with no comment. “I knew
“I’m giving you five seconds…”Mrs. Keevah’s heartbeat quickened. She can feel the sharpness of the knife against her throat. She wants to struggle, but to do would only make it dig deep to her skin. She doesn’t want to have that risk. Instead, she knows there’s nothing she can do but to stand still. And talk.“I swear! They didn’t say anything to me.”“FIVE!” – Alora started counting. “Harper and Damon were too private with these matters!”“FOUR!”“… even Asher. I really didn’t have anything to do with wherever they are now!”“THREE!”“I swear. Please, I only saw the video this morning.”“TWO!!!”“I don’t know what happened after they left the house.”“ONE!”“Please, spare me my-“…and with the edge of the knife, Alora ended the countdown. Mrs. Keevah gave her last gasp before she realized what was going on. As if it was her instinct, her both hands went to her throat, covering the now-gushing pool of blood from her jugular. Alora was in shock of what she has done. It was the firs
Damon, Harper, Asher and Norton were on the first row of seats at the side of the battle grounds. Finally, the boys knew how it felt to be the one watching, not the one doing the initiation rites. Their view was impressive, perfect even. From that angle, they could see the battle grounds from each corner. The lights, the stage, the area where Anthony will be fighting his way into the Virgo.“You’re saying all three of you surpassed this just to be a member?” – Harper asked. The show hasn’t started yet. The Virgo men is still cleaning the battle grounds and placing hurdles therein. Anthony cannot be found, but Marion said he’s in the private room being oriented of what to do and why does he need to do it. “Yes, we did. It’s a part of their tradition.” – Asher answeredDamon was quiet, his elbows were resting on both his knees, his hands intertwined and his face looking serious. He was thinking on what challenge will this be. Hopefully, it won’t be as hard as the ones they had. Obse
Harper and the rest could see it. The beast was prowling on the maze. Closer and closer to Anthony. However, with the help of the witches, Marion made it happen that there will be an invisible soundproof wall between the challenger on the battle grounds and the audience watching. The boys understand it now, why the crowd was too quiet when they were fighting in the battle grounds. “I can’t watch this anymore.” – says Harper. She could only take ten minutes of watching Anthony being lost and confused in the maze. “You don’t have to.” – Damon said and held her hand.Can she help it, though? She’s in a position that whatever’s happening on the maze can be clearly seen. And if not, there’s a huge screen displaying what the maze has inside it. “Don’t worry Harper. Our guy can do this.” – said Asher“He’s stronger and braver than me. He sure can.” – Norton secondedWhether Norton truly believes what he said is not the issue. It is the sight that is in front of them as of the moment. Ha
In the area where light springs forth, there is a green envelope with burnt edges. Anthony picked it up. It was warm. Perhaps the edges were consumed or intentionally placed to be kissed by fire. There was no seal so when it was opened, the long paper was folded twice. When it was completely opened, the letters were written in golden ink, in cursive. The message read:IN ORDER TO GAIN SOMETHING, YOU HAVE TO LEAVE A PIECE OF YOURSELF.Anthony frowned and looked at Marion onstage. He shook his head, hoping Marion would get that he meant he didn’t get the message. On what he is expected to do. The thing that is required of him must be embedded on that one sentence.For some reason, he cannot get the intent of the metaphor. Marion glanced at the clock. 4 minutes left and the challenge closes. Last four minutes of his one and only chance. Anthony sensed Marion won’t help him so he got back his attention to the message on the paper. He’s not a linguist, not a fan of literature as well.
Damon and Harper disregarded their fight for an hour as they met with Asher and Norton. Anthony has been placed in the infirmary. Three witches were placed for his guidance and treatment. The latter two noticed that the couple weren’t talking to each other, or at least not in the usual manner. Asher knew it was because of that time at the battle grounds because Harper isn’t in favor of the way the Virgo welcomes its new members. “You did great out there, man.” – Damon said as the witch wrapped Anthony’s wound with a thick black bandage.“I know… but wow, there’s two more of that?!” -Anthony exclaimedHarper scoffed beside Damon. The latter noticed but only chose to ignore it. He’s still planning to have an extensive talk with his mate later. For now, they have to be here for Anthony.“Apparently, yes. But it’s random so we cannot tell you what are those other two.” – Norton said and Asher elbowed him. How is that supposed to make Anthony feel better“Wow… that’s sick.” – Anthony sai
Marion instructed some of his men to interfere with Harper’s and Eva’s verbal fight. After they were told, the two females were forced to stop and to go back to their own tables. Eva did, but Harper said she lost her appetite and chose to go back to their room instead.Damon, seeing this, gave Hector to Asher and followed his mate. He was worried of her. Whether this is a form of her adjustment or not, she is his responsibility. It is his duty to take care of her and correct her if needed. Inside the room, Harper crashed on the bed. She picked up a pillow and hugged it. There, she screamed. It turned out to be muffled. Damon entered the room just in time to see her muffled outburst and stood in front of her, both hands in his front pockets. “Are you done?” – he askedHarper realized he wasn’t alone in the room and looked up. She dropped the pillow on the floor. It was Damon who picked it up, dusted it and tossed it on the other side of the bed. “I hate it here, Damon. You cannot c
“So, you have a plan all this time? Do the boys know?” – Anthony askedDamon shook his head. He has thought about saying about it to them a lot of times. However, he thought it would be better if he won’t say anything about it yet. It’s premature, and he’d rather tell them about it when it’s already complete“So I’m the only one who has an idea?” “Yes, for now.”“Even Harper?” – Anthony found it hard to believe“Even Harper. I swear I’ll tell everything to everyone soon.” – Damon assuredAnthony nodded. It’s not like he doesn’t trust him. It’s only a question of knowing when it will be. It would be a big news to the boys and Harper. Still, he chose to understand. That’s Damon anyway. Since then, he knows what’s best for the group.“I’ll go back to my room, now. Just keep it to yourself for now. We don’t want any suspicions from the Virgo.”Anthony grinned and nodded. There’s nothing that excites him but a good conspiracy. Damon stood up and walked towards their room. He raised his l