ONE MONTH LATER
Ortho had successfully charmed his way into everyone's good graces. Even Rihanna, who was initially skeptical, now enjoyed his company. His cheerful demeanor made him well-liked, and he even managed to exchange a few words with Kelvin.
It was lunchtime, and the cafeteria was bustling with activity.
"Sup, guys," Jordan greeted, sliding into a seat next to Alex.
The group replied in unison.
"I'm heading out soon. I'll see you guys tomorrow," Jordan announced, taking a bite of his sandwich.
"Really? Where to?" they asked in unison, curiosity piqued.
"I ordered something, but the delivery guy said he can't reach this area. I have to go to Bliss to pick it up," he explained, shrugging.
"Bliss? That's quite far," Rihanna noted, concern evident in her voice.
"Yeah, but there's no choice. I need to leave now to make it back early," Jordan replied.
"Alright, hurry up and finish your food so you can go. I'll handle your attendance," Ryan offered.
Minutes later, Jordan finished his meal and departed, leaving the group to their lively conversation.
"This juice is so good," Ortho remarked, sipping from Rihanna's drink.
"Right? That's why it's my favorite," she replied with a smile.
They continued chatting and eating before heading to their respective classes. After the second and final lecture, they all dispersed, bidding each other farewell.
---
A FEW HOURS LATER
Jordan was driving home, the setting sun casting a warm glow across the city. He hummed along to a song on the radio when something caught his eye.
"Is that… Ortho?" he muttered, squinting at the figure walking near the edge of the woods.
Curious, he slowed down and parked his car, watching as Ortho glanced around nervously before disappearing into the forest.
"What's he doing here?" Jordan whispered, stepping out of his car to follow him quietly.
He was about to call out to Ortho when a figure materialized out of thin air, blocking Ortho's path. Jordan froze, his heart pounding as he ducked behind a large tree.
The two figures spoke in hushed tones, but Jordan couldn't make out most of the conversation. He did catch one name, though: Kelvin.
"What are they talking about? What does this have to do with Kelvin?" Jordan wondered.
Peeking cautiously, he saw the stranger hand something to Ortho before disappearing as mysteriously as he had appeared.
Ortho suddenly turned, scanning the area as if sensing someone's presence. Jordan held his breath, hiding behind the tree. Ortho's footsteps grew louder, drawing closer.
Just as Ortho was about to investigate, the mysterious figure reappeared.
"I forgot to tell you. Master said to hasten your work. We're running out of time," the figure said before vanishing again.
"I need to take Kelvin to him as soon as possible," Ortho muttered before heading deeper into the woods.
Jordan remained frozen, his mind racing.
"What does he mean by that? Is Kelvin in danger? What is Ortho really up to?"
" I have to keep an eye on him" he said walking out when he saw that Ortho is far enough and then he head to his car.
When Jordan got home he lays in his bed the event reappearing in his mind.
" What's Ortho up to? Who's that guy? And what does Kelvin has to do with him? Cause I'm sure I clearly heard Kelvin name." He asked himself curiously as he tried to picture the piece together but couldn't understand what's going on.
" I need to start watching him, anything he's up to if it's something bad it won't be good, i have to keep Dave away from his too" he said staring blankly at his ceiling
---
THE NEXT DAY
"Good morning, guys," Rihanna greeted as the group met at the school entrance.
"Morning, Riha," they responded warmly.
As they walked in, Ortho posed a casual question.
"Dave, how's Kelvin? I haven't seen him in a while."
Jordan's suspicion deepened, and he gave Ortho a sharp look.
"Oh, Kelvin's been busy with some personal stuff lately," Dave replied casually.
"Ah, okay. Send my regards to him. Also, I'd really like to know your house," Ortho said, his enthusiasm raising Jordan's alarm further.
"Oh, sure. That's no problem," Dave answered, oblivious to the undertone.
"Really? Awesome!" Ortho said with a bright smile.
"This guy is definitely up to something," Jordan thought, narrowing his eyes.
"Alright, let's meet up at lunch," Rihanna suggested as they headed to their classes.
---
IN THE UPSIDEDOWN
"Have you guys heard about valerian whereabouts?" Selvara who happens to be the God of witches asked.
"No, Veilkeeper," one of her subordinates replied, trembling. "We haven't heard from him or found any trace of him."
Veilkeeper – it's a name that suggests control over the mystical and hidden realms so Veilkeeper is what they call Selvara who is the god of witches I referred to her as Linda in The Upsidedown chapter but that's a mistake I've changed her name to Selvara.
Selvara's eyes narrowed. "Did you search Sebastian?"
"We've searched every corner but couldn't locate him either," another replied nervously.
"Useless, all of you!" she roared, rising to her feet."Despite all the resources I've provided—the extra Seer I sent with you—and you come back empty-handed? If you don't bring Valerian to me soon, I'll cast you out and feed you to the beasts of other realms!" she yelled standing up from her seat
"Yes, Veilkeeper. We will not fail again," they promised before disappearing.
Left alone, Selvara clenched her fists.
"Where is that boy? His powers are valuable to me. I can't even sense his energy—it's as if he's been stripped of everything. Could he have been captured by enemies? What if they're using him… as a sex slave or he's locked or trapped? No, no, that can't happen!"
She paced, her frustration mounting.
"He's very useful his power is unbelievably strong which he himself didn't know apart from that he has a unique body and with the test I did, it stated that he can get pregnant, oh veils if that happened…" She shuddered. "That would be disastrous!"
Her voice turned icy. "If I find whoever dared to take him, I'll chop them up and add their remains to my potions!"
Selvara stormed to a swirling vortex, attempting to summon Valerian's energy. Yet, no matter how hard she tried, her efforts yielded nothing.
"Whoever is behind this, I will find you—and you'll wish you'd never crossed paths with me," she vowed, her voice echoing through the void.