Ace's Point of View
I took a sip of my coffee, noticing my hand shaking as I held the cup. I was scared—not because of what had happened to me earlier, but because we were facing something new. What was coming next felt dangerous.
"Do you know anyone who is angry with you?" Matt asked me.
While I was trapped in the tomb, Matt had arrived. He said he followed my car when he noticed I was in a hurry; he'd had a bad feeling. He saw the person who locked me inside, but it was too dark to see her face before she disappeared into the night.
I let out a heavy sigh. "I don't know... I really don't know," I admitted. I had no idea who might be doing this, and I wondered if it was related to that "Hell" account on Facebook.
"What's your plan? I don't want anything bad to happen to my friend," Matt said, his voice a serious threat.
"It's not in my plan to let her get hurt," I replied firmly. We've been through so much, and I've lost count of the sacrifices I've made, but I'm ready to do more. I won't let anything happen to the woman I love. However, I have to admit I'm more afraid of this enemy because they are a ghost to us. Unlike at Hell University, where we knew who we were up against, these unexpected events feel like they will be much bloodier. That wasn't just a prank.
"It's better if you go home." Matt stood up and adjusted his blazer. "It's late, and she might be worrying about you."
I sighed, looking at Zein's cellphone in my hand. I walked over to the trash can and threw it away. I'll just buy her a new one.
When I got home, a broomstick hit me right on the head. "Aww!" I yelled at Zein, who stood before me with her arms folded. I couldn't help but laugh at the look on her face.
"Where the hell have you been?"
I sat on the sofa and raised an eyebrow. "Somewhere," I said reluctantly. She turned around to hit me again, but I caught her arm. "It hurts... I'm sorry."
"Sorry? Did you do something wrong?"
I swallowed hard. I had no intention of telling her what happened; I didn't want her to worry. It would stay a secret for as long as possible. "I'm hungry..." I said, touching my stomach.
She sighed and motioned for me to follow her to the kitchen. I sat down and started eating immediately.
"Why are your clothes dirty?"
I looked down at my white shirt. It must have happened when I climbed into the tomb. "Ah... I tripped. Yes! I tripped."
"Why is the dirt on the side? Shouldn't it be on the front or the back?"
Busted! "I wanted it on the side... why not?" I blurted out. "I'm full!" I tried to leave, but she grabbed my shirt. She looked down and blushed. "What's wrong?" I asked.
She bit her lip, looking embarrassed. "I-I'm shy, but... can you teach me my assignment?"
I laughed softly as she suddenly ran toward the living room. I shook my head. "Why be embarrassed?" I whispered. I caught up to her while she was organizing her things and sat down next to her. "Which part?"
She handed me a notebook with "Calculus" written on it. "I'm weak in math... don't make me say it again, I've already admitted it."
I smiled at her. "It's okay if you're weak here; you're strong with me." My words clearly made her flustered. My smile widened when I saw her blushing. I won't let that smile disappear from your lips, Zein. "But, there is a trade-off."
"Anything..."
"A kiss will do."
"Deal!"
I didn't have a hard time teaching her; there was only one specific part she didn't understand. Halfway through writing an explanation, I noticed she had already fallen asleep next to me. I put the pen down and studied her face. She looked like an angel when she was asleep—so different from the grumpy, cursing girl she is when she's awake.
"You're so clever, you put yourself to sleep," I whispered.
I packed up our things and carried Zein to her room, carefully laying her on the bed. "I'll claim that promise later..." I gave her a quick kiss on the lips. "Good night, Queen. I love you."
I made sure the windows were locked before turning off the lights. Back in my room, I opened my laptop before taking a shower. Once I was in my boxers, I pulled the laptop onto my lap and checked Facebook. I don't usually get many messages, but one from a stranger caught my eye.
*"Did you like your adventure? It was cool, right? I want to play more... Let's play again."*
Damn it! I looked at the attached picture. It was a photo of me in the cemetery holding my phone, but it had been edited to look like it was covered in blood. I looked at the sender's name.
**Hell.**
Zein's Point of View
"Wow! You got a perfect score!" Vanessa praised me.
I smiled. "Ace taught me."
"Eww... well, at least you're perfect. Jerome only got a 1. Ewww..."
Jerome was struggling, and it was pretty intense because his score was basically just the bonus. As soon as I walked out of the room, four men confronted us. "What are you doing here?" I asked Matt, Jerome, Dave, and Ace.
"I'm picking up my grandmother," Jerome joked to Vanessa.
"Oh! You're already there, ancestor!" Vanessa shot back. I laughed; they always flirt by insulting each other.
"We're going to have a celebration, right Ace?" Dave said, grinning as he put his arm around Ace. My forehead furrowed. What was wrong with them?
"Oh, Zein forgot... how about that, man?" Jerome teased. "She forgot it's your anniversary today."
My jaw dropped. Oh my god! It's our 4th anniversary! How could I forget such an important day? I smiled brightly at Ace. "H-Hi?" I managed, making them all laugh.
Ace grabbed my hand. "Forget everything else, just don't forget me," he said.
"Where are we going?" Matt asked.
A few minutes later, we were at a nearby bar. Of course! It's never a good idea to let Matt suggest a place. I watched Jerome and Matt hit the dance floor; they weren't even drunk yet, but they were having a blast. Dave and Ace were next to me while Vanessa cheered Jerome on.
I noticed Dave staring at his phone with a frown. "Is there a problem?" I asked.
"It's Mia. She hasn't replied since yesterday."
"Maybe she's just busy?"
"They have midterms."
I hit him on the arm. "Exactly! Don't be paranoid!" I lectured. Suddenly, his phone lit up with Mia's name. He practically danced with joy and ran outside where it was quieter to take the call.
I leaned back and looked at Ace. His eyes were captivating under the flashing club lights. He brought his face close to mine, and I could smell the alcohol mixed with his scent. Our lips were almost touching when someone stepped right between us.
"Wow! It's so much fun here! Isn't it, Hoy?"
Dammit! "Raze?" I gasped.
"Oh my! Why wasn't I invited? If Matthew hadn't called me, I wouldn't have known."
I glared at Matt, who was laughing in the crowd. I turned back to Raze and poked the owl on his shoulder. "What's up?"
"What's his name?" I asked.
Raze's forehead furrowed. "Animals aren't allowed here!" I joked, making him laugh.
"I told you, this owl is my wife," he laughed. Ace's brother is definitely... unique. I can't tell if he's genius or just crazy.
"Were you guys about to kiss?" he asked with a grin. I blushed, thankful the lighting was dim. It was such an awkward thing to ask, especially since he was the one who interrupted us!
"Raze! Get out of here!" Ace growled.
"Alas! You're still in trouble with me. You don't visit the office anymore. I'm so busy I don't even get to visit my 'baby' anymore." I assume he's talking about his girlfriend.
"I'll go tomorrow," Ace muttered.
"Good! That's what I like to hear." Raze took a sip of wine and stood up, Hoy jumping back onto his shoulder. "I'm leaving. Continue the kiss I interrupted." He laughed.
"Go away!" Ace snapped.
"Nice lips, Zein," Raze said with a grin that made my heart race with nerves. "I'll have to taste them again soon." He left laughing, and I felt like I was going to die of anxiety.
Dammit, Raze Silvenia! What have you done?
I looked at Ace, and his face was incredibly dark. I swallowed hard and was about to move when he pulled me onto his lap.
"He kissed you?" he asked darkly.
Before I could answer, I felt him put something around my neck. It was a necklace with a queen's crown pendant.
"Darling, happy anniversary." Those were his last words before he stood up and left me there.
Uh oh. Darling is angry.
I am definitely getting revenge on you, Raze!