The alarm rang.
Loud.
Annoying.
But I didn't turn it off immediately.
—…
I ignored it for a few more seconds.
I didn't feel like going to school.
But I got up anyway.
—Tsk…
I sighed.
—What a hassle.
I slowly sat up, stretching lazily.
The day had barely started, and I was already bored.
A fleeting thought crossed my mind.
—Tonight…
A faint smile.
—Maybe I could flood the school with water magic.
Just enough.
A couple of days off wouldn't be bad.
I nodded to myself as if it were a serious decision.
—Yeah… sounds good.
I went to the bathroom.
Washed my face.
The cold water woke me up a bit.
I got dressed slowly.
Left the room.
—…
Before leaving…
I stopped.
—Right.
I haven't bought a new TV.
The stolen money… no, appropriated from Loren's organization was still there.
—After school.
I nodded.
Decided.
---
On the way…
I entered a café.
Ordered something to go.
While waiting, I saw the TV in the shop.
News.
—"Missing persons case… young girl found near a local café…"
—Hm.
It was Maya.
The girl from yesterday.
The case was still ongoing.
—…
I quickly lost interest.
Paid.
Left.
—Whatever.
If she's alive, problem solved.
If not…
Also fine.
---
Walking toward the school…
I yawned.
—So sleepy…
—Hope this day ends quickly.
Then…
A car stopped beside me.
I turned my head.
—Hm?
Madison.
Chloe.
Madison was driving.
Chloe sat in the passenger seat.
Both of them were looking at me.
—Good morning, Ryan —Madison said with a smile.
—Good morning —Chloe added.
—Good morning, girls.
I glanced at the bag of food in my hand.
Madison noticed it.
—Eating breakfast?
—Something like that.
Chloe chuckled softly.
—Ryan, why walk when you can drive?
—Good point.
Madison leaned slightly forward.
—Get in. We'll take you.
—Are you sure? I might mess up your car.
—It's fine —she replied.
Chloe glanced at Madison with an expression of disbelief.
—…
Her look clearly said, "Why are you like this with him?"
But she didn't say anything.
I sighed.
—Alright.
I got in the car.
---
The ride was calm.
Light conversation.
Nothing important.
I didn't eat inside the car.
I didn't want to mess it up.
—Nice car.
—It's fast.
But I've seen better.
Much better.
Magazines.
Luxury dealerships.
Glass windows where you just look… and get kicked out.
—…
—Memories.
---
At one point…
Chloe spoke.
—Did you hear about Maya?
—Yeah.
—They found her near a café. She came out of an alley.
I raised an eyebrow.
—An alley…
I had left her near an empty shop.
Not exactly there.
—But whatever.
She probably ran.
—She says she met a handsome guy… but he was dangerous.
I nodded slowly.
—I see.
In my mind…
Philip came to me.
—They enjoyed themselves… in their own way.
—What matters is she's alive, right?
—Yes —Chloe said.
Madison said nothing, just kept driving.
---
We arrived at school.
I got out of the car.
Opened the door for them out of courtesy.
Chloe laughed lightly.
—Such a gentleman.
Madison smiled too.
—Thanks.
—It's nothing.
—You haven't eaten yet, Ryan —Madison said.
—I will later.
Or in class.
Depends on how boring it gets.
I stepped away from them.
—See you later.
---
School hallways.
Normality.
People talking.
Laughing.
Comfortable lies.
Then I saw them.
Vivian and Brittany.
And with them…
Two more girls.
Twin sisters.
Sarra and Susan.
Clear beauty.
Same blood.
Different energies.
—Interesting…
I stopped to observe.
Sarra was cheerful.
Susan was colder, more analytical.
—An interesting duo.
Vivian was talking with them.
—A party on Saturday? —Sarra asked.
—I'll think about it —Vivian replied.
—You have to come —Sarra insisted—. Brittany too.
Brittany sighed.
—Drop it…
The twins laughed.
The atmosphere was light.
Normal.
—…
And then I saw it.
A balloon.
Floating through the hallway.
No one else seemed to notice it at first.
Vivian turned her head.
—Hm?
Sarra also saw it.
—That's weird…
Susan frowned.
—That balloon isn't rising…
Silence.
Pop.
The balloon burst.
Confetti.
Falling slowly.
—…
Vivian and Brittany froze.
—That's strange…
—Well —Sarra said, laughing—. So, will you come?
—We'll answer later —Vivian replied.
The group slowly dispersed.
Normality resumed.
—…
I turned away.
—Just a warning.
Nothing more.
And kept walking.
---
Somewhere deep…
Darkness.
A purple eye floated.
Watching.
Smiling.
Around it…
Deformed people.
Purple veins.
Distorted voices.
—Hahahaha…
—Almost…
—Almost time…
The eye glowed.
—Keep bringing sacrifices.
—Awaken more.
A pause.
—The Lord will be satisfied.
The darkness slowly closed.