For the next few week, they became model students. They were the very picture of Blackwood Collegiate’s ideal: brilliant, focused, and utterly compliant students.
They spent their afternoons at their usual table in the open section of the library, textbooks spread in a perfect academic tableau. To any observer, they were the epitome of dedicated scholarship.
“Ugh... I’m still struggling with this Keynesian multiplier,” Alice sighed, her voice pitched to carry just enough, her brow furrowed in a convincing display of frustration. She tapped her economics textbook. 9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Bh8O0dOMI
“The initial injection seems straightforward, but the ripple effect is where I get lost.” Alice was flipping the pages, showing her frustration.
Leon leaned over and helped her. “You have to follow the chain of causality. It’s a geometric series.” He pulled out a fresh sheet of paper, his movements calm and deliberate, just like when Niles taught him math before. “Look, let’s calculate the marginal propensity to consume first.”
Niles watched them, adding his own layer to the performance. “Leon’s right. The formula is 1/(1-MPC). If you can lock down the variables, it’s just a matter of plugging them in.” He slid his calculus homework aside. “Speaking of formulas, the integration for this physics problem set is brutal. I’ve had to rework the bounds twice.”
They discussed homework, classes and weather, acting like normal, boring teenagers. The trio then debated historical interpretations for their upcoming exam. They talked about everything except the torn portfolio, the Weeping Stone, the Heart, or the direct threat of being “Absolved.” 9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdz4ITDiAX
Their conversations were a carefully constructed shield, a performance staged for the unseen eyes they knew were always watching. Every laugh that was a little too forced, every studious nod that was a little too sharp, was a message to the watching faculty: We have stopped. We are behaving.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0oBGmflVI
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirBXunM8mG
The final exam bell echoed through the halls, a sound that usually brought unbridled relief. This year, it was the starting pistol for a different kind of test. Notices appeared on every bulletin board and were read aloud in assembly by a smiling Professor Draven.
“The Christmas holidays are upon us,” he announced, his voice brimming with false cheer. “As always, students are welcome to travel home to their families. For those who find the journey too long, or who simply wish to immerse themselves in the unique peace of our campus during the winter, Blackwood Academy will remain open. A traditional Christmas feast will be provided for all who stay.”
His eyes scanned the crowd, landing his gaze on the trio, a predator counting his herd. “All we require is a signed form indicating your choice, submitted to my office by the end of the week.”
The unspoken challenge hung in the air. For most students, it was a simple decision—home and family, or a quiet holiday with friends. For the three of them, it was a strategic calculation with potentially fatal consequences.
They discussed it in hushed tones in the only place they dared—the noisy, crowded laundry room, the rumble of dryers masking their words.
“You know, my parents are expecting me to come home for Christmas,” Alice said, looking at the unsigned form.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OWf8ZLh4A
“Mine too, not after what happened to Lance,” Leon nodded, his expression softened, “Going home is definitely the obvious, safe choice. It gets us out from under their direct observation. We could regroup, research from a distance...”9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjv3jeihn1T
“But it also splits us up,“ Niles countered, his voice low. “And it tells them we're scared, that we're retreating. They'll use that time to solidify their position. When we return, the trap will be reset, and they'll be watching us closer than ever.“
Alice nodded, her gaze distant. “If we stay... we're walking right into their territory. They'll have us isolated, with most of the student body and a lot of the faculty gone. It's the most dangerous option.“ She met their eyes. “But it's also our best chance. The school will be empty. The rules will be relaxed. It's the only time we might be able to find a way into the tunnels, to find the Heart, without a hundred eyes on us.“9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nBRxq1K6j
The three paused and the choice was clear, and terrifying—safety and separation, or unity and immense risk.
“Well...I just hope my folks won't miss me too badly...“ Alice gave a wry smile, intending to cover her sadness. “I just want to see them again...“9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSoQv63Ra1
“My father will definitely be asking me questions at school,“ Leon crossed his arms, shaking his head, “I bet he will definitely asked me the reason why I was fired from the Prefect Team...“9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3CUQNPIfn
“Ha, a good reason for you to stay here, Leon,“ Niles joked, his expression playful, “Good thing that my parents never cared about me. Freedom is sweet!“9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZe4MK2jpR7
“Don't start.“ Leon rolled his eyes, ignoring Niles' playful smirk.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8yvtxZ3Jq
The following day, three identical forms were slipped under the door of Magister Draven’s office. The box for “I will be remaining at Blackwood Collegiate for the Christmas holidays“ was checked on each one.
It was a declaration. 9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zWDSElQ1s
They were not retreating. They were digging in. They were choosing to spend Christmas in the belly of the beast, gambling that the season of peace would provide the cover they needed to uncover the school’s bloody secret. The holidays were coming, but there would be no peace on earth for them. Only a silent, desperate battle in the cold, dark heart of Blackwood Academy.
ns216.73.216.33da2
and then Add to home screen.