Let Him Rest

Jace's Perspective

"Theo!?"

The voice struck like a memory. I turned—and my eyes widened.

It was May. Ash's childhood friend… and Theo's secret girlfriend.

She ran straight toward him, flung her arms around his neck, and burst into tears.

"You have no idea how worried I was," she sobbed. "My parents… they were killed by those shapeshifters. I came to your school to find you, but it was empty. Only Rei was there, searching for his sister. He brought me here."

Theo stood stiff, eyes dull. "Wow," he said, voice hollow.

I stepped in gently. "May, I think Theo needs to rest right now."

She looked like she wanted to argue, but I guided Theo away before she could say more. The rest of us went to bathe.

"Take care," May said behind us.

Eight hours later — Dining Room

We were called for lunch after a long rest. Staff were setting chairs, but it felt wrong just watching, so we helped—until someone scolded us, insisting we rest instead.

The atmosphere was warm, almost surreal.

"What were you thinking, Rei?" Yuki's father scolded him. "Telling us we wouldn't accept strangers and playing your silly games?"

I was about to sit beside Theo—but May rushed in and took the seat before me. I sat next to Lumi instead, who gave me a small smile.

The room buzzed with cheerful talk. Yuki's family asked Kai and Theo questions, slowly coaxing them out of their shells. Their answers grew longer, more relaxed, with each bite.

"Oh ho ho, look who woke up!" Rei laughed as Yuki finally entered.

Flustered, Yuki quickly sat next to him. "Where's Senior Ash?" she asked.

"Naomi's treating him. It's been hours," said Yuki's grandfather, shaking his head. "I doubt either of them will join us."

Ryn, meanwhile, was shamelessly flirting with Airi, Yuki's cousin. It was pure comedy—especially how he'd freeze in terror whenever Rei glanced his way, then nervously stuff his mouth with food.

As I took my first bite, I felt warmth rush through me. The food wasn't unfamiliar—it was just that I hadn't had anything this comforting in so long. Lumi was silently crying beside me. I wiped her tears with my handkerchief.

One Hour Later

While wandering the hallway, I noticed a narrow staircase leading to a basement room. Rei had told us Ash was being treated down there.

I went down.

Knock knock.

The door cracked open. Naomi stepped out and quickly shut the door behind her.

"I don't think you'll be able to act normal if you see what's inside," she said quietly.

"Ah—" I started, but she was already gone, the door shut again.

Naomi's Perspective

Why does he want to see him? Even I can barely stomach it.

Ash lay on the table, wrists and ankles tied. Only his underwear remained. A cloth gag stuffed his mouth. His single visible eye was swollen, leaking quiet tears.

I sat beside him, brushing back his sweaty hair.

"My husband is still out… searching for anesthesia," I whispered.

I had wrapped every visible wound in bandages. Nothing more I could do.

I placed a hand gently on his forehead. He flinched—but not in fear. It was resignation.

"I know what you're thinking, Ash," I said softly. "Please kill me already… right?"