Mia's Point of View
I couldn't sit still while sitting in class. Everyone was focused on the teacher speaking in front of them. I guess Matt and I were the only ones who couldn't stay calm.
"Do you think he's okay?" I asked Matt, who was looking outside seriously.
He didn't answer. I knew he was nervous too. Zein was alone in that subject, plus she was still a woman even though she was an "Amazon."
I sweated again just remembering everything that happened earlier. That red-haired man had smiled at me.
Flashback
I was looking outside; Math was really boring. My brow furrowed when suddenly, a red-haired man appeared next to me. He was outside the window, grinning as he looked at me.
Almost all of his ears were covered with earrings. He was pale with a sharp nose, and his body was tall and broad.
I couldn't take my eyes off him. It was as if I was hypnotized because I couldn't even look at Zein, who had been calling me earlier. He just stood there for a few minutes, a smile appearing on his lips again. It was terrifying.
The events that followed were swift. In an instant, he disappeared from my sight, leaving behind an image that shocked me—a man who was clearly lifeless and tied to a chair. I hugged Zein in shock and fear.
End of Flashback
"Miss Almia Mendez? Are you with us?"
My deep thoughts were interrupted when I heard my name. I felt embarrassed when I realized that everyone was looking at me, even the teacher.
"Sorry," I apologized politely and bowed slightly.
Dave held my hand, so I couldn't help but look at him. His attention was focused straight ahead.
Zein's Point of View
I could feel beads of sweat forming on my forehead. My heart was beating so fast; it was like I was in the middle of a trial.
"Are you okay?" she asked, seemingly laughing. It was Nicky.
I just nodded without looking at her. Nail? Who is she? What does she have to do with the Black Blood Gang, whose symbol is the nail? Shit! Is she an accomplice to the murder?
"You want to know everything?" she whispered in my ear, causing the hairs on my body to stand up. Even my palms were sweating. Wait, what was she talking about? Is it about HU?
"Nah. I'll figure it all out on my own. I don't need your help," I replied bravely.
A deafening laugh escaped her mouth. None of our classmates dared to even look back, as if they would die if they did. Who is she? What is her rank in HU?
"Your curiosity will kill you, Zein. But if you really wanna know... it's better if you find out yourself," she whispered again.
My forehead furrowed. I didn't understand anything she said. I couldn't think clearly because her presence felt so heavy.
Our teacher arrived, clearly nervous. He was sweating profusely and looking around as if he was hiding something.
"You are late, Mr. Dimatalo," said the woman next to me.
Mr. Dimatalo was sweating even more. He was obviously shaking. What was his problem? Was someone chasing him? Curiosity was killing me.
"I am sorry," our teacher replied before starting. I couldn't focus on what he was saying because my mind was racing. My head was already hurting. What is really in Hell University?
"Poor girl. If I were you, I wouldn't interfere. You'll leave this world prematurely," the woman next to me threatened.
I gathered all my courage before turning to look at her. I stared into her dark eyes. There was something intimidating about the way she stared.
"Who are you?" I asked bravely.
"Let's just say I'm one of the most feared here. No one has ever dared to yell at me like you do. Do you know why? Of course, you're looking for an answer, right? Go! Feed your curiosity. You've already impressed me, Miss Zein Shion."
The whole class was stunned by my defiance. I was not comforted by her words.
Our last subject is between 5:00–6:30 PM. Class ends 30 minutes before Bloody Night. I quickly hid behind a pole, moving from place to place so that the demon woman wouldn't notice I was following her.
Fear consumed me, but curiosity prevailed. I was so lost in thought that I lost sight of the woman. I came out of my hiding place and looked around. Shit, I lost her!
The events that followed were quick. I gasped when I felt the cold tip of a nail on my neck.
"Are you ready to die?" she threatened.
I swallowed, shaking. I closed my eyes tightly when I felt her press the tip of the nail into my skin.
"You're so bold. What do you think of me? That you'll leave me alone? You don't even know me. I've killed many people. Do you want to be counted?" Nicky threatened.
The tone of her speech was terrifying. In the few seconds she was out of my sight, she had managed to capture me.
"Who are you, really?" I asked.
I breathed a sigh of relief when she let me go. She hid the nail in her pocket again.
"You want to know my name?" she asked.
"Well, I am Nicky Colt. Remember my name, bitch!"
Just like before, she quickly disappeared from my sight. I sat on the floor, exhausted. My breathing was rapid, as if I had been chased by a wild animal. I don't know how long I sat there.
"You don't have school?"
I was startled and stood up when someone spoke behind me. It was a man wearing glasses and holding a notebook. He looked like a nerd, but why was he like this?
"Full name, please?"
"ZeinShion."
He opened the notebook he was carrying and searched for my name. He seemed like a normal student, but why was his aura so heavy?
"Boom!"
I was stunned when he tried to startle me. He laughed while I clutched my chest. He then became serious again and adjusted his eyeglasses.
"You have class, huh? Why are you here?"
"What do you care?!" I turned around to leave, but he grabbed my arm. He was grinning now.
I couldn't help but scream in pain as he tightened his grip. It felt like his nails were digging into my skin.
I tried to struggle, but I couldn't; he was too strong. After a few seconds, he let go. He only used one hand, but my bones felt almost shattered. His strength was monstrous.
"Look at your arm..."
I was saddened to see the marks of his hand and fingernails there.
"That's the first warning, Miss Zein Shion. If I see you wandering around during class again, I might have to cut off one of your arms completely."
"Who are you?" I asked.
"Ace Craige. I am the Supreme Student President of Hell University. Nice meeting you, Ms. Shion."
I watched until he was out of sight. President? Ace? Is he the one students and teachers are so afraid of? He may look like a nerd, but inside he hides a demon.
I was holding my arm as I headed to our last subject. Our teacher stopped talking when I walked in. Her gaze landed on my arm, and she shook her head. I headed straight to the back where my worried friends were waiting.
"Where were you?! You're shit, Zein! Are you trying to kill us with worry?" Vanessa asked.
I wasn't able to answer because of the shock. I had encountered two of the most feared:
Nicky, who almost stabbed me, and President Ace, who almost crushed my arm.
"What happened to your arm?" Matt asked, insistently. "Who did this?"
"What happened?!" Mia asked worriedly.
"That's the Supreme Mark Warning Number 1," our teacher said, shaking her head.
She handed us a first aid kit. "Supremo did that. Don't ever let yourself get two more warnings. You're going to end up in the pit."
"Supreme? Who?" Dave asked.
"Ace Craige," I said quietly.
The class went silent. I felt pity for the students here. Who is behind Hell University? Who are the members of the Black Blood Gang and the Devil God Warriors?
Nicky's words came back to me: "Your curiosity will kill you, Zein. But if you really wanna know... it's better if you find out yourself."
I swallowed hard. Does she want me to go out when Bloody Night comes? This is bad.