A wave of excitement swept through the hall as students clapped, whistled, and exchanged excited glances. Some were already rising from their seats. The lights dimmed slightly, casting a soft, colorful glow across the venue as upbeat music began to fade in through the speakers.“Whether you’ve got moves or not, this is your time to have fun,” the emcee added with a playful tone. “So come on — grab a partner, or just dance solo and enjoy the night. Let’s make memories!”The floor near the stage was cleared, and a few bold students rushed forward to start, encouraging others to join. As more students began making their way to the dance floor, the music gradually picked up tempo, setting the mood perfectly. The emcee stepped up to the mic once again with a grin, raising his hand to get everyone’s attention.“Alright, alright, just before we let the beat fully take over…” he said, his voice carrying excitement, “we’ve got some good news.”Everyone quieted down slightly to listen.“So—dri

“Thanks,” Sierra replied flatly, keeping a polite distance as they danced. Her eyes drifted briefly toward Elijah, who was still engaged in conversation with Lana on the other side of the room, laughing lightly at something she said. The sight made Sierra’s mood dip slightly, her movements becoming more reserved.Troy, mistaking her silence for an opening, casually reached out and brushed a hand through a strand of her hair, letting it fall behind her shoulder with a grin. “Even your hair’s perfect. What do you use in it? I’ve never seen—”Sierra immediately stepped back slightly, her tone sharper this time. “Stop that.”Troy blinked, a little caught off guard. “What? Just admiring.”“Admire with your eyes, not your hands,” she said firmly, brushing her hair back herself.Troy raised both palms as if to signal innocence, chuckling awkwardly. “Alright, alright. No harm meant. You just look too good to ignore, you know?”Sierra didn’t answer. Her eyes glanced again toward Elijah… and th

As she walked she bumped into someone without knowing that was Daniel. Daniel’s lips curved into a cunning smile as he took a slow step closer, watching Sierra struggle to focus. Her eyes were dim, her movements sluggish. She clearly didn’t recognize him — didn’t even realize who she had bumped into. The drug was working better than he expected. “You don’t watch where you're going to?” he repeated, this time softening his voice even more, adopting a concerned tone with a subtle feminine edge. Sierra blinked at him, her brows furrowing. She was seeing him… differently. In her distorted vision and under the influence, Daniel’s voice sounded higher, and his face, softened by the haze in her eyes, seemed vaguely unfamiliar — almost like a woman’s silhouette under dim lighting. Daniel quickly stepped in front of Sierra, gently blocking her path as he said, “You’re weak. Let me help you.” Sierra paused, still swaying slightly, her vision blurred and mind foggy. But when Daniel added, “Y

His entire demeanor shifted — calm vanished. Concern carved into his expression as a cold wave settled in his chest. He tightened his grip on the phone, exhaling sharply through his nose.He whispered under his breath, “No, no, no…”His head turned slowly, scanning the dark edges of the parking lot again. This time, with sharper eyes. Something wasn’t right. Sierra wouldn't just leave, not without saying something. Not without picking her phone.And now, her number was off.Elijah’s next move was no longer out of curiosity.It was warily driven by instinct. Something was wrong.At that moment, Elijah's mind was racing, but he knew he had to keep things controlled. He couldn’t afford for Betty to panic — not yet. So he quickly scrolled to her contact and called.“Hello?” Betty’s voice came through the line.“Hey,” Elijah said, forcing a calm tone. “Sierra’s with me — she was really tired and wanted to rest. We’re actually planning to stop somewhere on the way before heading home, so I

At the same exact moment back at the university event center, Elijah’s phone buzzed again. He glanced at the screen. It was a call — Phantom Reiss.He had messaged Phantom earlier, requesting he quietly come close to the venue in case things went sideways.Elijah answered.“Good evening, master,” Phantom’s deep voice rumbled. “I’m outside. Waiting.”“Wait there,” Elijah replied coolly, his tone sharp, focused. “I’ll tell you when to come in.”He ended the call and slipped the phone back into his pocket.Elijah got inside and walked straight through the groups of chatting students and teachers, his eyes locked firmly on Daniel’s three friends still seated near the far-left corner of the hall. His steps were calm but purposeful, hands in his pockets, face unreadable.He stopped in front of them and said with a polite tone, “Hey, could you three follow me? I want to have a short discussion with you.”The three friends exchanged a glance immediately, their expressions darkening slightly w