𝗨𝗻𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹'𝘀 𝗣𝗢𝗩
I won't let anyone else fall into their trap. It's not just studying here. Something terrible is going on. I have to get out of here. I have to expose the truth.
I was running for my life through the dense forest. Darkness surrounded me. The sky was painted with a crimson moon, its faint light casting a reddish glow over everything. I stumbled and fell. I didn't even have the strength left to stand. Somehow, I forced myself up-only to feel a sudden blow to my head.
I collapsed again. My vision blurred. The last thing I saw was him standing there, holding a flaming staff in his hand.
*****
𝗘𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗮'𝘀 𝗣𝗢𝗩
Leadership runs through my veins. My dominance spreads across the entire school. Everyone fears me-maybe because I'm rich, or maybe because of my popularity. Ever since I learned to understand, I know I am a queen.
Our car stopped in front of the university gate. One by one, we got off. That two boys with me were Arlo Davis and Ethan Watson.
In front of us stood one of the most prestigious universities in California -
The Scarlet University!
The the entrance was huge. It's hight was about 16 feet high. It seemed that even the bomb would not able to destroy it.
As we approached, a guide walked toward us.
"Are you from New York?"
Arlo replied,
"Yes. We're from NHIS, New York."
"Follow me."
My school bag was heavy, so I gave it to Ethan. Then opened the umbrella because my skin was very sensitive. It could get damaged.
Inside, we saw a fountain, probably at the center of the campus. But something felt... off. The atmosphere was heavy. Silent. The deeper we went, the more it felt like we were entering
a kingdom of red!
Crimson, maroon, blood red, brick red-at least twenty variations of red surrounded us. Even the trees weren't in their natural color.
Students wore red uniforms. But I thought university students don't need to wear uniforms.
Massive buildings towered above us-each over ten stories high. Behind them was a small forest, apparently part of the campus. The entire university was surrounded by a high wall like the entrance.
We entered a building. The guide pointed toward a room on the ground floor and left.
We stepped in. Principal Joseph Anderson was there. As we entered, he welcomed us warmly and asked us to sit.
As usual, Ethan handed over my hairbrush. I don't like messy hair at all. Then he asked me if I needed water.
Mr. Anderson took a glance at me and asked,
"And your name, Miss?"
"Elyshia. Elyshia Steele."
He just smiled.
Arlo was busy with his tablet.
After some time, three groups entered. One group was from Chicago, another from Japan, and the last one from Bangladesh.
"So... we are all here now. Let the meeting begin. We are here to receive a two-month-long training. After that, you'll return to your destinations. We will meet again after graduation. Then you'll get the valuable sits to study here."
I raised my hand which made him look at me.
"Sir, Can I ask how did you select us?"
"Very good question, miss Steele. But sorry to say I'm not informed about that."
I crossed my legs and said,
"Whatever. It's gonna be interesting."
Everyone looked at me as if I had said something wrong.
*****
Later we were taken to another building. It was the seventh floor. Every member had a separate room with their nameplate attached.
I got the room between Arlo and Ethan's.
Arlo's voice kicked me out of my thoughts.
"Why are you still standing at the door?"
Oh! God. He's still interfering in my works.
"That's none of your business."
Saying this rudely, I stepped in.
The room was more luxurious than I imagined. A double bed, TV, mirror, even skincare products.
Since when do university dorms looked like this?
I took a bath. It was necessary because my skin was already sunburned. Disgusting trip.
A uniform was placed on the bed. It was different from other students' uniforms.
Our names were written on the badge.
I picked up the uniform. Shirt's colour was white. Skirt and coat's colour was black.
So... I'm gonna of one of the Scarletians.
A smile appeared on my face.
I had left my phone at home. Of course, Mom and Dad were worried.
I had never stayed away from them before. I could call them using my classmates' phones, but I didn't.
They deserved to worry.
They were so irresponsible.
To clear my mind, I headed toward the rooftop.
The campus looked beautiful from above. Stormy winds blew fiercely. I closed my eyes and stretched my arms, feeling like a free bird breaking through every barrier to reach its goal.
Then I heard a voice behind me.
"When a hunter shoots at a bird, only then does the bird realize the owner's cage was safer."
The boy was one of us. Maybe he was from Chicago. I glanced at his badge.
Rabin Knight!
I wasn't in the mood for arguing, so I pretended not to hear him.
He stepped forward and stood beside me, leaning against the railing.
"People chase the power that can destroy them within a second. Interesting, isn't it?"
I didn't answer.
He waited for a moment, then gave a crooked smile-as if he had expected this reaction-and walked away.
****
I was stepping down. But the boy stole my mind.
Was he trying to scar me?
Suddenly someone bumped into me.
I fell.
She glanced at me and hurried back up the stairs.
She was one of the students from Bangladesh.
She looked terrified.
As if someone was chasing her.
Not even a sorry!
How irresponsible!
My knee was bleeding.
That fucking idiot!
Ethan was passing by and noticed me. He immediately came to me.
"How did you fall?"
"Shut up. Can't you see my knee is
bleeding?"
He knelt beside me and checked the wounded place.
"Does it hurt much?"
"I don't care if it hurts. It will leave a scar. That's the problem. I'm going to the clinic."
"You're injured. Let me carry you."
I shoved him away and stood up.
"Don't ever think I'm weak."
I stepped out.
****
I was sitting on the clinic bed.
The nurse confirmed that it wouldn't leave a scar.
Ethan was outside talking on the phone.
A boy entered the clinic.
His shirt was bloody. It wouldn't have been noticeable if his hands weren't covered in blood.
He glanced at me and crossed his arms.
"Who did this to you?"
Who could do this? Idiot. Was I a boy that I got into a fight?
"It was an accident."
Ethan came back.
"Let's go, Ely."
We stepped out.
But I could feel him staring at me.
****
Later we were called to the hall room.
The principal, along with some professors and students, entered.
He began his speech.
I wasn't listening.
Because I was busy in fixing my nails.
My nail color wasn't matching my red outfit. So, it was necessary.
After his boring speech, he finally handed the microphone to someone named Alex Cooper.
"Hello, my beloved juniors. I'm Alex Cooper, President of the Elite Student Government of Scarlet University."
His voice sounded familiar.
So I looked up.
It was the boy I met before.
Behind him stood a girl and two boys. Probably the current ESG officers.
One by one they introduced themselves.
Nathan Drake - Co-President
Brandon Scott - Vice-President
Grace Walker - Secretary
That girl's hair was bright red.
Weird.Who dyes their hair like that?
Suddenly a boy rushed in, sweating heavily.
It looked like something bad had happened. He shouted,
"Archon! A girl attempted suicide!"
What the hell!
****
We all went to the spot.
A lot of students had gathered there.
The Vice-President and Secretary cleared the crowd, making space.
Then Alex Cooper and the Co-President stepped forward.
Everyone was whispering that the girl was dead.
Alex knelt beside her.
He stared at her for a few seconds, then placed his finger near her nose to check her breathing.
Suddenly the look in his eyes changed.
They turned red with anger.
He looked over his shoulder.
"Take my command! I want this place cleared!"
Hearing Alex's thunderous order, everyone began running away.
He lifted the girl into his arms and walked away.
The rest of the ESG officers followed him.
"Ely, let's go."
But I didn't respond to Ethan. Maybe he called me four or five more times.
I kept staring at the direction where they disappeared.
It was the girl who had bumped into me.
*****
I was sitting in the cafeteria absentmindedly.
The incident kept replaying in my mind.
The carved wooden tables, chandeliers, and intricate wall designs - everything felt royal.
But none of it could capture my attention that day.
"What do you think? Stay away from the mess?"
I looked at Arlo. Had he gone mad?
"Did I tell anything ?"
"No one knows you better than me. Finish your lunch and go back to your room."
"Tss."
I took a glance at the whole room.
The Japanese students looked scared.
Maybe because of that incident.
But the Chicago group was relaxed.
They were smiling.
Making jokes.
But why?
Suddenly, I noticed Alex Cooper staring at me from a distance.
Then he disappeared into the crowd.
*****
I was heading toward the clinic when I noticed Bangdeshi students.
They looked disappointed.
I stopped them.
"What's her condition now?"
The boy named Rafi replied,
"They didn't let us in. They said she suffered a severe head injury. She still hasn't regained consciousness. She jumped from the tenth floor."
The girl beside him named Sara said,
"Why would she do something like that? Did someone threaten or blackmail her?"
He said,
"Arabi isn't that kind of girl. She's calm and wise. I don't think she attempted suicide."
"Exactly. She didn't."
They looked at me. Maybe they wanted to ask something or express their grief.
But suddenly Vice-President Brandon appeared.
"What's going on?"
Rafi stepped forward and said politely,
"Vice-President, we just want to see our friend. But the guards haven't allowed us."
"She needs treatment. No one can meet her right now. It would be better if you return to your own respective work."
They left sadly.
What's wrong with them? Why couldn't her friends meet her?
He glanced at me.
"Do I need to order you individually?"
I didn't respond.
Why did he look so nervous?
"Leave!" he shouted.
Without another word, I walked away.
But I could smell a mystery.
*****
At night we were all called for a meeting.
The principal began,
"Dear students, we had an accident this morning. The authority sincerely apologizes. Miss Arabi hasn't regained consciousness due to a severe head injury, but she is under 24-hour observation by our expert doctors. We hope she recovers soon."
What the hell?
Why are they taking it so lightly?
Where are her parents?
I stood up.
It was enough to make everyone turned toward me.
"Miss Steele, do you want to ask something?"
"This is not a suicide case, sir! This is an attempted murder case!"
"Miss Steele, you can take your seat."
"Why? Answer me. Why are you simplifying this? Are you trying to hide the criminals? Do her parents even know about her condition?"
Students began whispering. Hall became noisy.
Ethan gestured for me to sit. Arlo was sitting quietly.
Alex Cooper took the microphone.
"Miss Steele, you're being emotional. Nothing like that happened. We have contacted her parents. They confirmed that Miss Arabi has mental instability.
She will recover soon."
I slowly sat down, clenching my fists under the table.
I was damn sure they are hiding something.
"Miss Steele, can I ask a favour? "
I looked at Arlo.
"I beg you. Stay away from this. I don't want any mess. "
He whisperd.
Ethan added,
"He's right. Can you realize how powerful they are?"
But their words didn't reach my mind.
My eyes were fixed on Mr. President.
****
That night I was standing near the spot where the girl had fallen.
Did she really jump herself?
I walked closer.
Then I bent down and tried to see her face clearly.
There was a wound on her head.
It looked like someone had hit her with a pipe.
Her head was bleeding.
Suddenly I noticed something.
One of her fingers moved.
She slowly opened her eyes and looked at me.
"Help me... please...They will kill me. They will kill all of fucking you!"
She raised her hand.
I was about to touch it-
Suddenly someone grabbed my hair and pulled me up.
It hurt badly.
Before I understood what was happening, he slapped me.
I collapsed.
My vision blurred.
I couldn't recognize him.
But his eyes...
They were fire red.
I woke up from the nightmare.
What was that?
Was it really just a dream?
But it felt so real.
I looked at the wall clock.
It was 3 AM.
I picked up my phone.
A message notification popped up.
Who would send me a message at this time?
I opened it.
The moment I read it, my heart started racing.
If you don't want to die, stay away from our work.
Damn!