Asher looked around his classroom, barely believing how much he had missed the place. At least it was better than the Dark Trench—the cursed land they had barely escaped from. The fact that they had survived was thrilling, yet something unsettled him. Lamia was probably still alive, roaming around and causing destruction and nightmares.
But for now, he had something to do first. The mysteries surrounding him were too much to bear—not to mention that Rose, his sister, was mentioned to be Lamia's dead sister. That revelation had shaken him to the core. Then there was the strange connection between himself and the Red Oak Tree, and finally, Luna's death—his best friend's murder. He couldn't just forget about her. He had to bring justice to her killer.
Without hesitation, Asher turned to Slyvia and pulled her into a hug, completely ignoring the curious stares of their classmates.
"Thank you so much for everything, Slyvia. I don't know how you did it, but you got us out of the Dark Trench, and I appreciate it more than I can say. Maybe you're the real savior after all."
Asher's praise made Slyvia laugh, warmth flooding her chest. She was glad he acknowledged her effort. She had nearly met death countless times, and the betrayal from Harlan—her supposed companion—still boiled her blood. She had never fully trusted him, but she had been willing to give him a chance. And he had crushed it by handing them over like nothing.
All for revenge. But why? Slyvia's thoughts were interrupted as Asher stroked her hair.
"Slyvia, I want to meet the Oak Tree personally. Can that be arranged?" Asher whispered.
But his words didn't escape Jimmy, who had been eavesdropping. His body stiffened, his grip tightening on his arms.
"No, Asher! It's better if we go back to living normal lives," Jeremy chimed in, his voice laced with sincerity. "I don't want to encounter any supernatural events again. And I want the same for you."
But Asher lashed out angrily.
Rose, who had been standing off to the side, could feel the tension thickening. She wasn't stupid—there was obviously some deep history between them. Then, her eyes landed on Rowan, and she froze at the deadly glare he was giving her.
Oh. Right. She had locked him in a fridge.
Strangely, she didn't feel bad about it. Her only concern was the fact that he looked so vengeful. But she was ready for him. After all, hadn't he killed her brother? Yeah. She would deal with him later.
"Okay, Jeremy, cut it off. This isn't the time for—"
Asher held up a hand, stopping Rose mid-sentence. Then he stepped toward Jimmy, closing the distance between them. Jimmy instinctively moved back.
The entire class watched in anticipation.
Meanwhile, Nina—who had finally awakened from the spell Asher had cast—was wandering around, searching desperately for Zeke. Her eyes darted around, but he was nowhere to be found. Seeing the drama unfolding, she scoffed.
She hated those two with a passion. The Anderson siblings—Rose and Asher—were nothing but living nightmares in her life.
Jeremy, now trapped against the wall, found himself unable to speak. His face was turning red from all the stares, and his chest heaved as he looked at Asher's hands, which were caging him in.
"Asher, stop this! They'll think I'm gay! Please, my reputation—" Jimmy stammered, his concern more about his image than the actual situation.
Asher scoffed. Typical. Selfish, as always.
He leaned in closer, his strawberry-like scent invading Jimmy's senses. Jimmy felt his body react, heat creeping up his neck. It was embarrassing. Why was the situation turning him on?
"So, Jimmy," Asher murmured, his voice dangerously soft. "Let me make myself clear one final time. Just because we're somewhat close—or should I say were—doesn't give you the right to impose your decisions on me. You're not my partner. You're not my boyfriend. And you don't care about me, so focus on your so-called future, get your perfect grades, and leave me alone."
Asher then turned to Jeremy, his gaze darkening.
"And you—one thing I hate more than anything is a hypocrite. And you're starting to sound like one. If you have feelings for my sister, then say it. Stop using me as a shield to hide your foolishness." Asher hissed before walking away, his high boots clicking against the floor.
His white uniform—perfectly fitted white pants, a crisp white shirt, and a matching jacket—made him look even more stunning and intimidating.
Jeremy watched Asher leave, his hands trembling at his sides. He turned toward the class and walked to his seat in silence, not speaking to anyone.
Rose sighed. She hated seeing this mess unfold. She moved toward Jimmy's seat.
"Jeremy, talk to me," she said gently. "I understand that you may have feelings for my brother. So tell me, are you gay? Or maybe bi?"
Jimmy's glare was instant.
"I am NOT gay, okay?!" he snapped. "Why would you say something like that? Do you want to ruin me? Do you know what people will think if they hear that?"
Rose blinked, then sighed. "Dude, it's not bad to be gay. It's actually kinda cute. So why the outburst?"
"I said I'm not gay! Stop analyzing me and my sexuality! That's disrespectful!" Jeremy yelled, his voice echoing through the classroom.
Silence.
Jeremy turned away, his shoulders shaking. Silent tears rolled down his doll-like face. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get Asher's words out of his head.
Before Asher had left, he had delivered one final, heartbreaking message.
"You know what, Jeremy? Just like I said in the Dark Trench—you've manipulated me enough. I finally got the message. You'll never like me for who I am. And I can't keep getting close to a coward like you. Not after you threw my feelings away. Did you really expect me to keep chasing after you like a fool? Sorry, but I can't do that anymore.
"So let's go our separate ways. I'll try to be civil and greet you if we cross paths. But in four months, we probably won't even remember each other. So do yourself a favor—focus on your studies. And leave a gay guy like me alone."
Jeremy clutched his chest, his silent sobs growing heavier. Maybe… maybe it was his fault things had turned out this way. They had been so close. Closer than lovers.
And he had ruined it.
But the truth was—he never wanted to be tagged as gay or bi. It felt degrading. And it could ruin his academic future.
So, yes. Asher was right. He was a coward.
Rose shook her head sadly, watching Jeremy break down.
Across the room, Slyvia and Ava sat together, observing everything unfold.
"Slyvia, what do we do? There's still great danger lurking around, and yet we're sitting here, acting relaxed. It's bad—I can feel a dreadful war coming. Lamia overpowered us too easily. We need to deal with this the right way," Ava whispered.
Slyvia nodded sharply.
Just then, Harlan walked in.
Before he could even sit down, Rowan blocked his path.
"You son of a bitch," Rowan growled, his eyes burning with fury. "How dare you show your face after betraying me?"
Ava flinched at the green pulses rippling down Rowan's arms. He was starting to transform into his siren form.
Before she could speak, Rose stepped in.
"Rowan, you're not his father, so cut the crap and sit your ass down," she snapped. "And speaking of betrayal, aren't you supposed to be suspended? That makes you the bad egg here. So shut your mouth, you rotten jerk."
Silence.
The old Rose was back.
Before Rowan could respond, a man entered the classroom.
"Time for your final screening. Everyone, stand up."
Rowan's pupils darkened. His stomach churned with hunger.
Maybe it was finally time to satisfy his craving.
And Rose? The foolish girl wouldn't be a bad meal. Her flesh looked delicious.
He smirked darkly. She would scream.
Let me know if you want any tweaks!
********
Asher, on the other hand, had a different plan. Unbeknownst to everyone, he had received a dark vision—one that sent a chill down his spine. In it, he saw Ezekiel trapped in a dark cell, screaming in agony, his voice echoing through the void. The scene was haunting, but what disturbed Asher the most was how familiar the place looked. He knew exactly where it was.
Without wasting another second, he set off, his mind racing with possibilities. He wasn't reckless, though. He had learned from past mistakes. Before leaving, he made sure to leave something behind for Slyvia—just in case he needed help. If things went south, she would know where to find him.
This wasn't just about saving Ezekiel. It was the perfect opportunity to uncover the darkness hidden within Paradise High—secrets that had remained buried for far too long.