Xyrine Jean's POV
"Xyrineeee Jeaaaan!"
I groggily opened my eyes, squinting against the light. The loud call echoed through my room, disrupting the peacefulness that had just started to settle. "Argh. What now?" I mumbled, annoyed, pulling the blanket tighter around myself as I tried to shield my face from the light.
"Xyrine, I'm begging you, please don't go to school today. I'm sure something bad is going to happen to you."
Ella's frantic voice made my irritation spike even higher. I just wanted to sleep. It was too early for this nonsense.
"Can you please just mind your own business, Ella?" I grumbled, but it seemed my words had no effect. Her concern was suffocating, and I couldn't stand it anymore.
"Xyrine. I'm not kidding. Please, don't— Ack!" Before she could finish, I shot out of bed and shoved her out of my room, slamming the door behind her with a frustrated sigh. I needed to be alone. It's too early to deal with this kind of crap.
After a while, my phone started ringing. I blinked as it vibrated on the side table.
Uncle Julyo was calling. I stared at the screen for a moment, biting my lip. Ha, you finally called.
With a resigned breath, I picked up the phone. "Hello, Uncle. Are you going to send me back?" I greeted him immediately, knowing full well he wasn't calling to do any such thing.
"No."
I frowned at his curt response, rubbing my temples in annoyance. "Haven't you realized yet that I shouldn't be here? I belong at the headquarters."
"No."
I could feel my patience thinning. "So why are you calling me then?" My voice grew more impatient as frustration creeping in.
"Just giving you an order."
"Order?" I repeated. "What do you mean by that?" Although, deep down, I already knew exactly what he was going to say.
"Why did you kill?"
The question hit me like a cold slap to the face.
My heart skipped a beat as the weight of his words settled in. Of course, he'd find out eventually, but hearing it out loud… it still stung.
"Having been a professional assassin for more than half of my life," I said with a bitter chuckle, my voice low and dripping with irony, "isn't it a little too late to be asking me that question?"
"Montreal University is exclusively attended by heirs and heiresses of major companies, influential families, and elite conglomerates."
"And so?" I asked, my eyes narrowing as I crossed my arms. What did that have to do with me?
I could hear him sigh on the other end of the line before he spoke again. His tone was serious, measured. "You are no longer an Assassin, XJ."
The words slammed into me like a punch to the gut. It felt as though my heart had stopped beating at that moment. I froze, unable to breathe, the finality in his voice ringing through my ears.
Why did he have to say it like that?
The finality of it hit harder than I expected. Like he'd ripped something out of me, leaving only hollow space in its place.
"From now on," he continued, his voice colder, "you are not allowed to use any skills you acquired through the organization to kill anyone."
The world seemed to stop turning as I processed his words. I was no longer the assassin I once was. The thought made me sick to my stomach.
"But—"
"That's my final order," he interjected, cutting me off before I could protest. The line went dead, his finality echoing in the silence.
Ha! Does he even know what he's done? I thought bitterly. Montreal University? That hellhole filled with spoiled heirs and heiresses who think the world is their playground? Those idiots have no idea what it's like to live a day in an ordinary person's shoes.
As if forgetting I was an assassin was the worst thing that could happen to me. It felt like being shoved into a cage with angry, feral kittens—my hands and feet bound, helpless.
Order? I thought darkly. Impossible.
Montreal University
I've already taken several steps, yet nothing bad has happened. With a cautious breath, I took another step forward— and it was success. Gaining a bit of confidence, I quickened my pace, only to feel something suddenly strike my back. A wet, sticky sensation seeped through my clothes, followed by a putrid smell that made my nose wrinkle in disgust.
I frowned, slowly reaching behind me to touch the mess. My fingers brushed against something slimy, and realization dawned upon me.
An egg? How childish.
My jaw clenched as irritation bubbled in my chest. "And who's the idiot who threw this at me?" I demanded, in sharp tone will full of annoyance.
"It's me. You got a problem with that?"
My hands curled into fists. I had already been in a bad mood all morning, and now this? I was about to storm toward him when, from the corners of my vision, I noticed movement. A group of his friends emerged, each holding eggs, while smirks plastered on their faces.
Oh, Are they serious? Ganging up on me like a pack of preschoolers? How pathetic.
I shifted my stance, preparing to lunge, but before I could move, Uncle Julyo's words rang in my head like a warning bell. "Don't kill anyone."
Damn it.
I sucked in a breath, forcing myself to exhale slowly.
Okay, Xyrine. Count to three.
One.
Two.
Three—Run!
And I did. My feet moved instinctively, pushing me forward as fast as I could. If not for that order, I wouldn't be running like a damn coward.
I dashed through the corridors, weaving through the crowd until I spotted the girls' washroom. Without hesitation, I rushed inside, pushing past the door and slipping into one of the cubicles. My heart pounded against my ribs as I leaned against the wall, panting. I peeled my shirt away from my back, grimacing as the sticky egg residue clung to my skin.
"Those bastards," I muttered through clenched teeth. "They're going to pay for this. Just you wait."
I was just about to step out when— SPLASH.
Something cold and wet poured over my head.
What the—?
A sickening scent filled the air. My stomach twisted as I slowly tilted my head up. A bucket was perched above me, dripping with yellow liquid.
Oh hell no.
A realization struck me like a slap to the face.
Pee? Did they seriously pour pee on me?!
A shudder of pure revulsion ran down my spine. My entire body tensed as waves of anger and disgust coursed through me. My fists trembled, my nails digging into my palms so hard it hurt. I was seconds away from losing it, but then I remembered—I couldn't.
Grinding my teeth, I grabbed a nearby bucket of water and poured it over myself in a desperate attempt to rid myself of the horrid stench. But it was no use. The stink still clung to me, only now I was cold and drenched as well.
ARGH!
"Fuckers! Don't you dare show yourselves to me!" I shouted as I stormed out of the washroom, my wet clothes sticking uncomfortably to my skin.
"There she is!" one of the girls called out.
Acck. Wrong move. Xyrine, run!
I bolted once more, sprinting through the halls as the sound of footsteps followed closely behind. I ran until I reached the farthest, most secluded part of the university. My steps slowed when I realized what stood before me—a maze garden.
I skidded to a halt, staring at the intricate hedges that towered in front of me.
Ugh. This is so cringe. Why does this university even have something like this? What is this, a fairytale?
Rolling my eyes, I stepped inside and slumped onto the soft carabao grass, letting out a long, exhausted sigh.
Three days. Three damn days, and not a single thing had gone right for me.
"Brrrr~"
A shiver ran down my spine. My clothes were still wet, and the cool breeze only worsened the discomfort. Yet despite the chill, exhaustion weighed heavily on me. The quiet atmosphere, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the distant chirping of birds—it was strangely soothing.
Slowly, my eyelids grew heavier.
Then, a voice.
"Has anyone fallen in love with you? If not, let me be. I'll give you everything without hesitation."
I stirred, barely registering the sound. A soft, melodic voice drifted through the maze, its tone gentle yet tinged with something indescribable.
"Wish my heart would get some attention. That's why I'm asking, has anyone fallen in love with you?"
The words reached my ears, sinking deep into my thoughts. Love? I wanted to scoff. The idea of love had never once crossed my mind, not even in the slightest.
Cringe.
"...I guess I'll be the one then."
The voice grew softer, as if speaking directly just for me. (The guys was singing lol)
I let out a breath, a small smirk tugging at my lips before I muttered under my breath, just loud enough to be heard:
"Alright, you can be the one." And with that, my eyes finally closed, drifting into the peace I had long been denied.
[After 6 hours]
"Brrrr~ Arg! It's so cold!"
A shiver ran through me as I slowly pried my eyes open. My body ached, my muscles stiff from the uncomfortable position I had been lying in. The sky above was a deep shade of navy, with only faint streaks of dying sunlight painting the horizon.
Wait, what time is it?
Panic set in as I fumbled for my watch, my breath hitching when I saw the glowing digits—6:30 PM. Damn it. Everyone must have gone home by now.
Just as I took a step forward, a rough hand clamped over my mouth, and something sickly sweet was forced against my nose. My vision blurred almost instantly. My limbs lost their strength, my consciousness fading into an inky void.
*****
"Arg. Where am I?"
My voice was hoarse as I groggily lifted my head. The first thing I noticed was the dim glow of the moon filtering through a small window. The air was thick with dust and the faint scent of rust, the cold biting against my skin. The room was barren, the only furniture a single wooden chair I was tied to. My wrists burned from the rough rope digging into my skin.
"It's your fault. You wouldn't be here if you knew your place."
A voice broke the silence, and from the darkness, a group of men emerged. Their eyes glinted with amusement, as if they were enjoying their view.
Ha, Is this about the 4 Kings again? I swear, I am so sick of them.
"Untie me." My voice was calm but firm.
They burst into laughter. The sound grated on my nerves, making me grip the armrests of the chair in frustration. I subtly began to wriggle my fingers, feeling the knots that bound me. My lips curled slightly. They were sloppy; only one loop remained. A little more effort and—
Then I saw him.
My breath hitched. Jacob? What the hell is he doing here? Wait… is he in on this? No, that doesn't make sense. He doesn't have time for this nonsense. Some of the men here are wearing Montreal uniforms…
Realization dawned on me. Did he send Jacob to spy on me?
I gritted my teeth, Is he that serious about keeping me in check? I'm in danger, yet I still have to hold back?!
My eyes flickered over the men surrounding me. One, two… thirteen.
Uncle Julyo's voice echoed in my head once again. "Don't kill anyone."
I sucked in a breath. Damn it. Looks like I have no choice but to take a beating, or I might never return to the Black Brother Ass. Group.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Fine.
"What are you guys waiting for? Are we just going to stare at each other all night?" I taunted, eyes locking onto Jacob. If they wanted a show, I would give them one.
One of them smirked, stepping forward with a baseball bat raised. "Sorry, I was just ordered to do this."
I swallowed hard. Shit, this is going to hurt.
I braced myself, clenching my fists. The air grew heavy, the tension become thick. I closed my eyes, waiting for the impact—Then a loud thud echoed through the room.
My eyes snapped open just as a body collapsed in front of me. My breath hitched as a tall figure stepped into view.
"Miss, are you okay?"
His voice was deep, soothing, yet filled with an edge of authority. His face leaned in closer, too close, my nose twitched at the faint scent of cologne mixed with something metallic.
Shit. Is he crazy? Why is he so close? Doesn't he smell me?!
"Can you please wait a little longer?" he asked with a smile.
My mouth went dry. My heart thumped wildly against my ribs. Who the hell was this guy?
"Louren, please leave."
Louren?'The name stirred something in my memory, but I couldn't quite place it.
He sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Uhm, looks like we're going to have a problem with that. Can I have this one?"
What a cringe guy. What the hell is he saying?
The leader of the group hesitated, then swung his metal pipe. "Charge!" and with that, chaos erupted.
Louren moved like a shadow, his fluid movements precise and deadly. Within minutes, bodies hit the floor one by one. I watched, wide-eyed, as he took them all down effortlessly. The way he fought—it was familiar.
Where have I seen him before? He looks professional.
By the time I snapped out of my thoughts, it was over. The once-standing men were now groaning on the ground. Louren turned to me, smiling. "Sorry, did I keep you waiting?"
I stared at him, baffled. Waiting? He took them down in, what, fifteen minutes?
My heart pounded as he moved closer, reaching down to untie me. My pulse raced.
Why is he so close again?! What the hell is this strange feeling? Am I having a panic attack?!
Before I could even process it, he grabbed my hand. "Let's go before they wake up."
A sharp pain shot through my chest. I instinctively clutched at it. Shit. What is this?
"Wait! Who are you? Why did you save me?!" I demanded.
He just smiled at my questioning. "We already met earlier. You even told me to love you."
I froze. Am I losing my mind, or is he the crazy one? What is he talking about?!
I yanked my hand away. "Look, I don't know what your deal is, and I don't care. I'm not thanking you. I don't have time for this. I'll go now!"
I turned and bolted, his voice chasing after me. "See you around."
I didn't look back. My head was spinning, my chest felt tight. When I got home, I immediately showered, scrubbing at my skin as if I could wash away the memory of tonight.
As I lay in bed, his face flashed in my mind. I shook my head violently.
Stop it. Focus. The one responsible for this is one stupid man.
My fists clenched.
"Spade. You're dead."
[The Next Day]
The moment I opened my eyes, a dull ache throbbed in my skull.
As I got dressed, my resolve hardened. Spade was going to pay for everything. He humiliated me. He set me up. He pushed me too far.
There were only two possible outcomes today.
Either he kills me. Or I kill him.
[Montreal University]
I strode down the corridor, feeling the weight of countless stares pressing down on me. A hush seemed to follow in my wake, yet beneath the surface, I could hear the murmurs—sharp whispers slicing through the air like knives.
Their glares were suffocating, but I welcomed them.
Ha, go ahead. Start something. I'll finish all of you off.
And yet, strangely enough, despite walking for a while, nothing bad had happened. No pranks, no taunts, no traps. The air was thick with something unspoken—an eerie anticipation for a gathering storm.
I'm still walking when a rush of students came flooding past me, their footsteps pounding against the tiled floors in a chaotic rhythm.
"The 4 Kings are at the pavilion!" someone shouted.
My eyes narrowed.
"Tong and Ella are being punished by the 4 Kings!"
I froze on my feet.
Ella? Tong?
I didn't waste another second. My body moved on instinct, my heart hammering as I tore through the corridor, pushing past the crowd as I raced toward the pavilion.
When I arrived, my breath hitched.
What madness is this?
In the center of the pavilion, beneath the open sky, two figures knelt on the cold concrete. Ropes dug into their wrists, binding them tightly, and they seem so powerless. Ella's small frame trembled, her tear-streaked face lifted toward the towering figure before her. Tong knelt beside her, his head bowed, his shoulders squared despite his bound state.
Spade sat leisurely in a chair like a fvcking idiot, one leg crossed over the other, exuding an air of cruel amusement.
"Spade, I beg you." Ella's voice cracked as she sobbed. "Do whatever you want to us, just don't kick us out!"
Spade tilted his head, a smirk playing on his lips as he regarded her with mock sympathy.
"Why would I do that?" His voice was smooth but laced with condescension. "Just bring your cousin here, and it will all be over."
My fingers curled into fists.
This guy is really thick-skinned.
"Just kill us, Spade!" Tong's voice rang out, firm and unwavering despite the hopelessness of their situation.
Spade turned his gaze toward him, his expression twisting with something dark. He leaned forward slightly, his voice a deadly whisper.
"For someone so insignificant," he mused, "you talk way too much."
He raised his hand. Instantly, the restless murmurs of the crowd died down. The entire pavilion fell silent. It was terrifying—how a simple motion from him could command such absolute obedience.
Then he spoke.
"Attention, everyone." His voice carried, smooth and authoritative tone. "These two pieces of trash standing before me are no longer students of Montreal University."
A ripple of excitement coursed through the onlookers, their eyes gleaming with wicked anticipation.
Spade's lips curled into a slow, deliberate smile. "But before they leave, let me give them a parting gift they'll never forget."
At his signal, a student stepped forward, lugging several large canisters. The faint slosh of liquid inside made my stomach drop.
Wait, what is that?
A sharp, acrid scent wafted through the air, and my blood ran cold.
Gasoline?
A spark of realization shot through me like a lightning strike. My eyes darted to Spade, searching for any hint of hesitation, any sign that this was just a bluff. There was none.
Is he really losing his mind? Burning people alive—is this some rich asshole playing their game? Like a lunatic kid?
I glanced around, searching for someone—anyone—who would step in, who would stop this madness before it escalated any further. But strangely, and disturbingly, the students weren't afraid—they were entertained.
Some watched with rapt fascination, as if this were merely another spectacle in their twisted hierarchy. Others whispered excitedly, eager to see what punishment Spade had in store. The other two Kings stood in the background, watching with detached interest, making no move to intervene.
My stomach churned.
What kind of place is this? No faculty. No school officials. No authorities to put an end to this insanity. Nothing.
"They are the rulers."
Tong's voice echoed in my mind out of the blue.
My nails dug into my palms. I clenched my teeth, my body vibrating with anger.
I thought I had seen the worst of humanity. Being an assassin had shown me the depths of cruelty, but this?
This was a different breed of evil.
I took a step forward.
Then another.
Slow, deliberate.
Spade wants me?
Fine.
Enough is enough.