Jay POV
Percy: "Don't interfere, Kiefer. She is more important than your father."
Dane: "Leave my sister."
I snapped, "Shut up, Dane. We can't risk Aion."
Eden smirked. "Good. You're smart."
Suddenly, she grabbed me. My chest tightened and breathing became difficult.
Everything felt dizzy.
Section E rushed toward the guards.
Kiefer, Yuri, Percy, Lia, Dane, Jas, and Aries ran to me—but Aren stopped Kiefer and Aries.
Aren: "Chill, guys. Relax. You should stay with me."
Aries: "Leave her."
Kiefer: "Let her go, or this will be your last warning."
Aren laughed. "Are you her boyfriend? Then stop chasing her. Be mine. I'm better."
She stepped closer to Kiefer.
He pushed her away and rushed toward me.
"JAYYYY!" he screamed.
"No, Kiefer! Don't interfere!" I forced out.
"Aion and Raffy are in danger!"
She finally released me.
I fell to the ground, gasping.
Percy: "Jay, Jay… are you okay?"
Jas (furious): "Touch her again and you'll regret it."
Aries: "Leave my sister."
Suddenly—
"TITA JAY!"
"ATE JAYYYYY!"
I screamed back, "Aion, Raffy—run to Kuya! FAST!"
Percy: "Don't be scared. I've got you."
"Jas, hold them."
They were safe.
I stood up slowly.
"It's time to change the game, Eden."
Eden shouted, "What are you all doing? Grab them!"
I pulled the gun from my belt and pointed it at her forehead.
Percy, Lia, Jas, and Dane aimed theirs at the guards.
Percy: "Shift. The game has turned."
Jas: "Move aside. Dane, tie them."
Dane followed quickly.
I smirked, still struggling to breathe, but steady enough to speak.
Eden mocked, "Will you really do it? Look at your hands—they're shaking. Your parents are watching."
I glanced at the frame.
Percy snapped, "Shut your mouth."
I said calmly,
"I swear on my parents—if it were you, I wouldn't hesitate."
I fired—not at her, but past her.
The bullet hit the vase behind her.
She collapsed in fear.
I laughed and knelt to her level.
"If you can't handle one pillar, how will you face all four?"
Percy laughed.
Lia & Jas: "That's our girl."
Section E: "Whoops. Jay, you're insane."
Aries: "She looks innocent, but she's deadly."
A man entered.
"Ma'am, it's time."
Eden glared. "I'm leaving for now. But I'll return. I've already spoken to Dad about her."
Dane: "Hey! Take your trash with you!"
Aren: "Who are you calling trash?"
Lia: "You, duffer."
Eden left.
Suddenly, my vision blurred.
Everything went dark.
Kiefer: "Jay! No—Jay, wake up!"
Aries: "JAYYYY!"
Percy: "Baby sister!"
Raffy: "Ate, wake up!"
Aion: "Tita, please wake up!"
Jas: "I'm calling the doctor!"
Lia: "FAST—RUN!"
And then…
Silence