10PM*

APOCALISSE•••••

Apocalisse was nothing but a wilderness, an abandoned land fenced in by tall, lifeless trees. A land of silence, built on blood, carrying only the stench of destruction and death.

The first sound to disturb the stillness was the roar of engines. Five cars cut through the broken path and halted in the clearing. One by one, the doors opened. The Nightshade Clan had arrived.

From the lead car, Serena stepped down first, her face unreadable but her presence commanding.

Erica followed, arms folded, her sharp eyes flicking over the surroundings like a hawk.

Venetta came out next, restless, already sniffing cocaine as if she couldn't wait for the blood to spill.

Jazzlyn slipped out quietly after them, hugging one side of a tree, her expression calm, almost detached. Behind them, their men took formation, standing cold-faced, ready with blood in their eyes.

Not even a full minute passed before another convoy of cars pulled in...the Hades Fruit Clan. The air itself seemed to harden as their doors opened.

The atmosphere shifted when Padrino stepped down. The wind blew against his slicked-back hair as he exhaled a long stream of smoke from his tobacco. Renzo and Ace flanked him immediately, sharp and alert, while Glacier walked behind them without interest, as though this gathering meant nothing at all.

The breeze grew colder, the weather darker, as the clans drew nearer to the center. There, bound against a tree, was their prey...his body bloodied, his face covered with cloth.

"Remove the cloth from his face," Padrino commanded.

A guard obeyed, yanking the stained fabric away. The man's swollen, bruised face appeared, his eyes blinking against the dim light. Blood caked his mouth, yet there was still fear and a plea left inside him.

Venetta leaned lazily against a tree, sniffing another line of cocaine. She slapped her head lightly, restless, uncaring of the scene before her. Whoever the man was, she wasn't interested.

And why should she be? Who in their right mind would dare to preach peace between two clans that had warred for generations? The man before them had tried...and now he stood as an example of how such foolishness ended.

"This is the fate that awaits anyone who dares to bridge the gap between our clans," Serena declared coldly.

Padrino chuckled under his breath.

"Please....have mercy!" the man begged, voice trembling, his body straining against the ropes.

Padrino raised his hand slightly. His tone was flat, almost bored.

"Glacier. Shoot him." Padrino said and Renzo eyes darkened with what seemed like pure jealousy.

Jazzlyn shifted where she stood, leaning further into the shadow of the tree. She had no part in this...she never had. She did not know how to shoot, nor did she care to learn anymore since it wasn't her fate. These things never touched her, yet she could not look away.

Glacier frowned as he stepped forward. From his coat, he pulled a gun, sliding a single bullet into place. Everyone knew he never missed his shot. He leveled the weapon....then suddenly, as though changing his mind, he let it fall from his hand.

A nearby soldier quickly handed him a long, sharp sword. Glacier gripped it, eyes flat and cold. In the span of a heartbeat, he swung.

The man's head fell cleanly, blood spraying across Glacier's face. The body slumped against the ropes, twitching once before going still.

Silence pressed against the trees, broken only by Glacier's voice...

"Let this serve as a warning. Anyone who betrays our clan by forming an attachment with someone from the rival clan will meet the same end."

He paused, his eyes narrowing. "Even me."

Serena's voice rang out after his. "Even if you are my daughter."

Padrino's followed. "Even if you are my son."

Venetta rolled her eyes and scoffed. "We don't need to be reminded, do we?"

"They're not even my type," she added, hissing as she glared at Ace and Renzo.

Erica smirked faintly. "Pointless talk. We all know the rules."

Glacier wiped the blood from his face with the back of his sleeve, then turned his gaze toward Jazzlyn. He lifted his hand in a slow, mocking wave.

"Bye."

Jazzlyn only stared back at him, her face calm, her eyes unreadable. Unlike the rest, who exchanged confused glances, she betrayed no reaction. Inside, though, questions thundered through her mind.

Was this some cruel game to place her in danger?

Without another word, Serena turned away, her daughters following. Their guards fell into line behind them.

Padrino and his sons returned to their cars as well.

One by one, the engines started, and the clans left the clearing behind....leaving only the corpse tied to the tree, headless, a warning carved in blood.

The cause of Nightshade enmity was simple.

The Nightshade Clan and the Hades Fruit Clan were rivals right on time based on competition in wanting favor from the capo and the Capo then forced them into a joint mission, demanding that the both clan lead together despite their enmity.

The mission was sabotaged. Shots rang out, the deal collapsed, and blood stained the streets.

Nightshade swore Hades betrayed them, while Hades swore Nightshade had set them up.

In the chaos, Serena's elder brother was killed.

From that moment, hatred was sealed. Serena blamed Padrino. Padrino blamed Serena. And what should have been one mission turned into a vendetta fierce enough to be passed down to their children.

Inside Serena's car.....

Erica leaned against the window, arms crossed, humming under her breath with a smug look.

Venetta was slouched in her corner, tapping her fingers against the door.

Jazzlyn sat at the far end, head turned slightly, staring at the passing trees. Her body was still, but her mind wasn't.

That word wouldn't leave her.

Bye.

One syllable. Spoken casually. Yet it echoed in her head over and over. Why her? Why in front of everyone?

"Jazzlyn."

Her mother's voice cut through her thoughts.

Jazzlyn blinked, slowly turning her head. "Yes, mother?"

Serena's eyes met hers through the rearview mirror.

"What was that?"

Jazzlyn frowned faintly. "What was... what"

"That little gesture," Serena said.

"That shit of a 'bye' Glacier threw at you. Do you know something I don't?" Serena asked further.

Erica perked up at the words, her lips curling into a grin. "Ohhh. Now it makes sense. I was wondering why the bastard looked at her like that."

Venetta laughed suddenly, smacking her thigh. "Don't tell me Glacier's waving at you like some schoolboy crush." She sniffed, shaking her head. "That would be rich."

Jazzlyn felt the weight of all their eyes on her. Her tongue froze in her mouth.

Erica perked up at the words, her lips curling into a grin. "Ohhh. Now it makes sense. I was wondering why the bastard looked at her like that."

Venetta laughed suddenly, smacking her thigh. "Don't tell me Glacier's waving at you like some schoolboy crush." She sniffed, shaking her head. "That would be rich."

Jazzlyn felt the weight of all their eyes on her. Her tongue froze in her mouth.

"I–, don't....I don't know what he meant," she stuttered softly.

Erica tilted her head, smirking wider. "You don't know? Really? Glacier doesn't waste words. Especially not on girls who stand around pretending to be invisible."

"Stop." Serena's voice cut clean through Erica's mockery. Her gaze was still fixed on Jazzlyn, sharp and cold.

"Listen to me, Jazzlyn. There are rules in this family. Rules that have been written in blood. What are they?"

Jazzlyn swallowed, her throat dry. "No ties....with the rival clan."

And?" Serena pressed.

"No mercy" Jazzlyn whispered.

"Louder," Serena snapped.

Jazzlyn flinched, then forced her voice to rise. "No ties with the rival clan. No mercy for betrayal."

The words felt like chains wrapping tighter around her chest.

"Good," Serena said, leaning back in her seat.

"Remember that. Because if I ever see you even smile at a man from Hades Fruit, I'll put the bullet in you myself."

Jazzlyn's stomach knotted, but she kept her face steady.

Venetta rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. Jazzlyn doesn't have the guts to look at a man, let alone love one. She's too busy playing saint."

Erica laughed.

Their voices blurred together, mocking and sharp. But Serena's silence was worse than their taunts. The matriarch's eyes never left Jazzlyn, watching every twitch, every stutter, as if searching for a crack.

Jazzlyn forced herself to look calm, though her heart hammered so loud she swore they could hear it.

Inside, her thoughts screamed: Why did he do that? What if they think it means something?. He's really a devil.

The car continued down the endless road, its hum drowning in the weight of suspicion.

Finally, Serena spoke again, her tone quieter but heavier, like a blade pressed against the skin.

"You're my daughter, Jazzlyn. Which means you carry my name, my blood, and my rules. Don't make me question your loyalty. Because once I do... there's no coming back."

Jazzlyn nodded quickly. "Yes, mother"

HADES FRUIT CAR....

The ride back from Apocalisse was tense, the air inside the sedan thick and silent. The night pressed against the windows, broken only by the soft glow of Renzo's cigarette.

Glacier leaned against the glass, staring into the blur of trees. His face was stone, untouched by thought or emotion.

Ace sat beside him, restless, glancing over more than once. He finally broke the silence.

"You know... you haven't said a word to me since I came back from the States." His tone was careful, trying not to sound too bitter.

"It's been years, Glacier. Don't tell me you're still holding a grudge against me your big brother"

Glacier's answer came after a pause, very short, very dry

"I don't hate you."

Ace blinked, caught off guard. He gave a nervous little laugh. "That's cool, I guess. Means there's still room for something between us."

Glacier didn't turn, didn't blink. The glass reflection kept his eyes hidden.

Renzo, in the front seat, exhaled smoke slowly. He hadn't said a word since they left the clearing.

The car rolled through the gates of the Hades Fruit compound, guards standing tall as the vehicles pulled in.

They were summoned immediately to Padrino's chamber.

The room was shadowed and strong, lined with dark wood and the faint glow of cigar smoke. Padrino sat behind his wide desk, his gaze heavy as the three sons entered.

"Sit" he ordered.

They obeyed.

His eyes fixed on Glacier first.

"What was that at Apocalisse" His tone was calm, but his words cut. "I ordered you to shoot. You dropped the gun. You turned my command into a show."

Glacier leaned back in the chair, unbothered. "The man is dead. Isn't that what you wanted?"

Padrino's eyes narrowed. "Do you think I won't punish you again, boy? You remember the whips, don't you?"

Glacier smirked faintly. "That's what I thought you'd say. Tie me up, beat me until the skin splits. Does it change the fact that the job got done?"

The room thickened with silence. Ace shifted uncomfortably, but Padrino held Glacier's stare.

"And what" Padrino continued, his voice dropping lower, "was that little stunt with Jazzlyn?"

Padrino's eyes sharpened. "That bye. You waved at her in front of everyone."

Glacier's face remained neutral. He shrugged once. "It was nothing."

"Nothing?" Padrino's fist struck the desk, the wood groaning under the weight.

"You don't draw attention to yourself like that, and you don't drag her name into our blood. She is Nightshade. The rule is clear."

Renzo leaned forward, his voice low but edged. "If it was nothing, then why did you do it?"

Glacier's eyes flicked toward his brothers, calm and unreadable. "Because I felt like it."

Ace swallowed hard, muttering under his breath, "You're insane."

Padrino rose slowly from his chair, the smoke from his cigar curling around him like a shroud.

"Listen to me, Glacier. The rules stand above all of us. No bonds with Nightshade. No gestures, no signals, no games. Betrayal is death. Do you understand me?"

Glacier's reply was soft but steady. "Yes, father."

"Good." Padrino sat again, his gaze sweeping the three of them. "Then let this be your last warning." He waved a hand. "Go."

Glacier and Ace stood and left but Renzo didn't move. He stayed in his chair, his cigarette burning low.

"You're letting him go" Renzo's voice was sharp. "After all that?"

Padrino raised an eyebrow. "And what would you have me do?"

Renzo's anger spilled. "He defied you. Twice. In front of both clans. And you protect him? Why? Why was he the one chosen to execute the traitor? Why not me?"

Padrino's voice hardened. "Because Glacier never misses a shot."

Renzo slammed his palm against the desk, eyes blazing. "Neither do I!"

For a moment, father and son stared each other down, silence dangerous between them. Finally, Padrino sighed, his shoulders sinking slightly.

"Don't let jealousy cloud your mind, Renzo. You are my son. You are my strength. Do you think I would ever choose him over you? Never."

Renzo's fists tightened, but he searched Padrino's face for truth.

"You will have the next mission" Padrino continued firmly.

"You will command it. Feed it to your brothers, feed it to the clan. Let them hear it from your mouth. Show them your worth."

Renzo's jaw unclenched slowly. He ground out the last of his cigarette and nodded. "Yes, father."

"Good." Padrino leaned back, smoke curling upward once more. "Then it is settled. Go. Prepare. Tomorrow, the clan moves in blood."

ACME UNIVERSITY CAFETERIA•••••••

The cafeteria buzzed with noise, trays clattering, students laughing over plates of food, the smell of fried chicken and coffee weaving through the air. Phones chimed across the room at the same time-everyone receiving the same notification.

"ACME UNIVERSITY WELCOME PARTY – Tonight at 9PM. Attendance is mandatory." A wave of murmurs swept the tables. At one corner, Erica sat with her friends-Camille and Nora. Erica leaned across the table, her eyes bright. "So... who's going shopping with me? I'm not stepping into that party in last week's outfit." Camille gasped like it was life or death. "Shopping? Count me in. My closet is crying for mercy." Nora smirked, stabbing her fork into her salad. "Your closet is crying because you stuff it with things you wear once and forget about." Erica sighed but smiled, adjusting her glasses. "Still... she's not wrong. If this is the official welcome party, everyone's going to bring their best. We should look sharp." Camille clapped her hands, grinning. "Yes! That's the spirit. We'll go after class. Shoes, dresses, accessories-the whole thing." At that moment, Venetta slid into the empty seat beside them, balancing a tray with grilled fish and rice. She placed it down gently, already half-distracted by her phone. "Venettaaa," Erica said dragging her name. "You're coming with us, right? Party prep?" Venetta only gave a small nod, still scrolling on her screen. Erica narrowed her eyes playfully. "You're awfully quiet. You are not even sniffing. What's got you so locked into that phone? Don't tell me..." She leaned forward dramatically. "You got yourself a boyfriend?" Venetta rolled her eyes, stabbing a piece of fish. "Please. Don't start." Camille gasped and smacked the table. "She's blushing!" "I am not," Venetta muttered, though her ears warmed just slightly. Nora leaned back in her chair, smirking. "So what's his name. You aren't even denying" Venetta sighed, finally lowering her phone. "He's just... someone I met online." That made the table go still for a second. Camille raised her brows. "Wait-you mean you've never actually met him?" "Nope," Venetta replied simply, spearing another bite of rice. Nora leaned forward, wide-eyed. "Okay, but... have you at least seen his picture? Like video call, or selfie, or something?" Venetta shook her head. "Nope. He hasn't seen mine either." Nora burst out laughing. "So you're just talking to a ghost. For all you know, he's a seventy-year-old uncle with three teeth." Venetta gave her the deadpan look she always reserved for Nora's jokes. "Funny." Erica tilted her head. "Then why keep talking to him? If you don't even know what he looks like?" For the first time, Venetta hesitated, eyes dropping to her phone again. "Because... I don't know. It feels different. He doesn't push, doesn't brag. He just... listens." The table fell quieter than before. "Does he know you sniff" Erica asked "No. He doesn't push" Nora rolled her eyes but smirked anyway. "He sure won't. Not until he shows up and he's bald, toothless, and four feet tall." Camille squealed, smacking Nora's arm. " Don't ruin the vibe!" Erica grinned, reaching across to nudge Venetta's arm. "Well, mystery man or not, you're coming shopping with us." Venetta allowed the faintest smile, shaking her head. "You girls are ridiculous".

The cafeteria was loud with chatter and clinking trays, but when Jazzlyn stepped through the doors, no one really noticed. She liked it that way. Her oversized headphones sat snugly over her head, drowning out the noise with her playlist. Dressed in a cropped top, a short skirt, and boots that hugged her legs, she looked effortlessly put together-yet she moved with the air of someone who didn't want eyes on her. Head slightly bowed, she went straight to the counter. "Spicy chicken wings. Extra fries. And a Coke," she said simply. The cashier nodded quickly, sliding the tray over without a word. Jazzlyn didn't linger. She balanced the tray with one hand, grabbed a wing with the other, and walked right back out-just as quietly as she had come in. She preferred walking while she ate. Sitting around tables, making small talk-that wasn't her. The hallway was her peace. Boots clicking softly, she moved between classrooms, nibbling on fries, sipping her drink, letting the music keep her company. Until she turned into one of the quieter hallways. There, leaning against the wall, was Glacier. He didn't see her at first. His back was turned, one hand holding a cigarette as he used the other hand to paint canvas. For a heartbeat, Jazzlyn slowed her steps. He looked-calm. Collected. Alone. Too much like herself. But then the irritation hit her chest. This fool almost dragged me into trouble yesterday. She took another bite of her wing, sharper than necessary. As if sensing her, Glacier turned his head slightly. Their eyes met. Jazzlyn froze-only for a second-then her glare hardened, cold and sharp. She didn't let it linger. She looked away and walked past him quickly. Behind her, Glacier's lips tilted into a faint smirk. A drag of smoke. A tap of ash. And then, without a word, his attention went right back to his paintings.