Chapter 14: When the fire spokes
"Hey, Silent Duchess," Lilly said, her voice sharp with worry. "Did you really hurt Jhosen? Is it true he only has five minutes left?"
The Duchess didn't even look back. "Relax. I just tied him up and shut his mouth. He's so noisy," she added with a faint smirk. "Every time he sees me, he screams my name like I'm some nightmare."
Lilly frowned. "Then why do you even care about him?"
The Duchess stopped walking. Her eyes hardened. "Valley Lilly, we're already on the wrong road. Being strong physically isn't enough anymore—we have to be strong mentally, too."
"Yes, bossss—"
"Shut up," the Duchess snapped. "Don't call me that. I don't like it."
A few steps later, she glanced around. "Well, well. We're here. Oh—by the way, where's Smith?"
"In the car," Lilly replied casually. "Outside." Then, almost as an afterthought, she added, "I put the bomb in that car."
"What?!" Lilly spun around, panic flooding her face. "When are they arriving?"
"Please don't tell me, Silent Duchess," Lilly begged. "We don't have to kill anyone."
The Duchess finally softened. "I know, Lilly. Don't worry. He's safe."
Lilly exhaled. "Okay… if you say so."
At college, Realiana walked into the library and froze when she saw a familiar face.
"Aria?" She rushed forward and wrapped her best friend in a tight hug. "How are you, my dear hunky‑punky, my cutie—"
"Ah—wait!" Aria laughed, struggling for air. "You're hugging me too tight. I can't breathe! Where have you been for so long? I missed you so much."
"So much happened these past two months," Realiana began. "I was ki—" Her eyes flicked to the others nearby. She stopped herself. "Nothing. Just… family matters."
Aria studied her for a second, then smiled. "Okay. Come on, lecture's about to start."
"Let's go, let's go!" Realiana said, humming a tiny song as she danced ahead.
From a distance, Nick watched her closely. Natasha stood beside him, arms crossed.
"See?" Natasha said proudly. "I told you. She's just a normal girl. Nothing else."
Nick narrowed his eyes. "Fine. I'll leave her alone… for now."
Elsewhere, chaos erupted.
Leo burst through the door. "Open it—now! You two bastards!" he screamed.
Jhosen sat tied to a chair, eyes wide, staring at Leo like a helpless child finally seeing hope.
BOOOOM!
The walls shook.
Leo froze. "Wait… that explosion—" his heart dropped. "It came from our car."
"Smith!" Leo shouted.
He slashed the ropes and Jhosen stumbled free. Together, they ran.
"Hang in there, Smith!" Jhosen cried, tears streaming down his face.
They reached the parking area—and stopped.
The car was completely destroyed. Flames roared. Smoke filled the air.
"Smith?" Leo yelled, rushing forward despite the heat. "Can you hear me? Are you there?"
The fire crackled in response.
No answer.