The Party (1)

Saturday. The most anticipated day of the week for some, yet the most dreaded for others.

At 6:30 PM, various high-end cars pulled up to a mansion in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the city. This mansion was owned by none other than the Wytes, a wealthy family that had secured their foothold in the city through their real estate empire. Tonight, the heir of the family decided to host the party at one of their many properties.

As students and other invited guests arrived, they marveled at the grandeur of the mansion. Walking up the steps, they entered to find music, food, and entertainment awaiting them. The party was already in full swing, with many guests having arrived earlier.

"Hey! You guys are a little late, but that's fine." the host greeted the newcomers with a smile. "It's the end of the semester—help yourself to any food or drinks. For my more adventurous guests, the special entertainment is downstairs." He emphasized the word "special," drawing excited whispers from the crowd.

"Of course, have fun and go wild. Oh, and… don't overdose." Keven added with a sly grin before disappearing into the crowd, preparing for his own fun.

Taking his departure as their cue, the students scattered throughout the house, with many bolting for the basement.

Just a few minutes later, two more stragglers walked inside. One of them wore a fitted burgundy top paired with black jeans that hugged her body, her brown hair tied back in a ponytail that draped down her back. Next to her stood an even more striking beauty, shorter in stature but overwhelmingly captivating. Her pink hair flowed freely, and she wore a backless blush pink top that perfectly complemented her hair, paired with black pants to complete the outfit.

These two were none other than Sya and Lena, who had begrudgingly come to the party.

"Come on, we should leave!" Sya tugged on Lena's arm, pleading with her for the umpteenth time.

Lena simply shook her head, giving her friend an apologetic look before scanning the room.

'I guess he's not here yet…' Finding no sign of Akashic, Lena headed to a corner and sat down on a sofa. Sya followed suit, sitting next to her as they quietly observed their surroundings.

*Bzz Bzz*

Feeling her phone vibrate, Sya reached for it, her hands trembling when she saw the sender.

[Messages: Keven]

Her heart sank as she hesitated to open the message. Glancing up, she noticed Keven standing on the second floor, looking down over the railing. He lifted his phone, shaking it in her direction before turning and walking away.

"I-I'll be right back." Sya stammered, rushing to the bathroom to read the message.

With shaky hands, she clicked on it, her blood turning cold as she read the text.

["One final task: In 10 minutes, offer to get drinks for the two of you, then come find me. I have something I need to do. After it's done, make sure she drinks it. Once you do that, leave the party by yourself. You will be free."]

Sya felt nauseous, her mind spinning as she imagined what Keven planned for her best friend. She was torn. Her mother's life was on the line, but was it worth abandoning her morals? Was it worth betraying her only true friend?

'I can't…'

Sya gathered her emotions, albeit poorly, and decided not to respond. She exited the bathroom and made her way back to their seating area.

When she returned, an unfamiliar figure was now seated next to Lena.

The man was undeniably handsome, possibly the most handsome man Sya had ever seen. His long, light blue hair seemed unusual, yet perfectly suited him. His athletic build was evident beneath his dark green fitted shirt. He and Lena were chatting, seemingly enjoying each other's company.

As Sya approached, their attention shifted to her, and Lena spoke up.

"Ah, Sya! You're finally back! I wanted to introduce you two!" Lena stood excitedly, pulling Sya closer as the man stood as well.

He was tall, easily around 190 cm. (6'2 closer to 6'3) Their eyes met, and for a moment, Sya felt her mind go blank.

"Gorgeous…" she accidentally blurted out, completely entranced by his eyes.

Before she could correct herself, the man smiled and responded.

"Thank you for the compliment. You look beautiful as well. My name is Akashic, nice to meet you." He extended his hand, and Sya shyly shook it.

After a few seconds, the shock began to wear off, and Sya's brain started functioning again.

"Akashic! So you're the one Lena's obsess—"

"No!! Sya, dear best friend, you wouldn't want to say anything silly now, would you?" Lena hurriedly covered Sya's mouth, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Akashic smiled at their interaction, though his attention soon returned to Sya. Something about her seemed off. Despite it being a party, she looked…guilty? Scared? Maybe both.

Normally, he would chalk it up to personal issues, but given the host, this felt different. Something wasn't right.

Sya finally sat down and joined the conversation, and the atmosphere between the three became more relaxed.

Until…

"Akashic! Long time no see, my friend." Keven approached them, greeting Akashic with forced friendliness.

His expression of annoyance was barely masked, though it didn't seem directed at Akashic. No, his frequent glances toward Sya suggested there was something going on.

'So there is something between them… and judging by that look, it's nothing good.' Akashic mused, gaining new insight into the situation.

Time passed, and eventually, Keven was called away to handle an issue in the basement. This left the trio to continue their conversation.

Ten minutes later, Sya suddenly exclaimed that she needed to use the bathroom and quickly left.

~

'God! Why is this the only one available…' Sya rushed into a bathroom in a remote area of the house, washing her hands after using it. She was annoyed, having to travel so far for one of the few unoccupied bathrooms. All the others were in use for the wrong reasons.

As she opened the door to leave, she felt pressure on her shoulders as she was pushed back inside. Two men forced their way in, one of them being the person she feared most: Keven Wyte.