Kira retorted impatiently, "Noisy."
Sophia didn't give up. She ran after her, continuing to talk non-stop, unconcerned whether Kira responded or not. As they headed toward the canteen, Kira suddenly stopped in her tracks and turned toward the restroom.
Sophia looked at her friend in confusion. "Why did you suddenly stop?"
Kira handed her schoolbag over without a word. "Hold."
Without waiting for an explanation, she hurried toward the restroom door. From behind the walls, she could hear voices—a male and a female.
"You are mine, Evelyn. I told you, no one's coming to rescue you. Stop trying to struggle."
A shaky voice pleaded, "Please, don't, Scot. I—"
Kira rushed forward, grabbing the bathroom door handle. It wouldn't budge. She raised her leg and kicked it open with force, the door slamming against the wall with a deafening bang.
Her gaze swept through the bathroom's alleys of toilets and sinks. Despite the silence, she could feel their heartbeats—particularly the girl's, which was pounding wildly.
She stopped at one of the closed toilet stalls, reaching for the handle. It was locked from inside. Frustrated, she kicked the door open again, forcing it to swing inward.
Inside, she saw a boy holding a girl tightly, one hand covering her mouth. When he saw Kira, Scot's eyes widened in shock.
"Let her go," Kira ordered calmly.
Scot didn't hesitate. He released Evelyn, who immediately ran out of the toilet, avoiding Kira's gaze, ashamed.
Kira looked at Scot with cold disdain, her face creased with disgust. "You're a total piece of shit. You can't even attract a girl without blackmail or manipulation."
Scot retorted sharply, "She cheated on her boyfriend. I like her, so what—"
Before he could finish, Kira moved swiftly. She grabbed his neck, lifting him off the ground and pinning him against the wall. Scot's eyes widened in panic, struggling and kicking desperately as saliva dripped from his open mouth. He fought for breath, his face contorted with fear.
"Scum like you don't deserve to live," Kira said coldly, her voice icy as she continued to strangle him.
Suddenly, Kira heard Aya's voice echo in her mind. "That's enough, Kira. He's going to die."
Her eyes had already turned a bright, unnatural blue. Growling, she responded, "I don't care."
Scot's eyes rolled back, and he fainted. Kira released him abruptly, staggering backward and bracing herself against the wall. Her breath hitched as she tried to steady herself.
Aya's warning voice reverberated in her mind: "Kira, don't let your anger turn you into the beast you despise. Don't kill the beast—and then become one."
That was the last thing she remembered before darkness claimed her, and she collapsed onto the toilet floor.
When Kira opened her eyes again, she was greeted by the gentle rustling of leaves. Looking upward, she saw an open sky—its once bright blue now tinged with the golden hues of sunset, painting the horizon like a piece of living artwork. The sun had disappeared below the horizon, leaving behind a faint glow.
"You would have been caught," a familiar voice murmured.
Turning around, she saw Clifford sitting against a tree, his back leaning comfortably on the trunk. She wasn't surprised—he was the one who had rescued her. Her gaze flicked to the book in his hands, and the corner of her lips twitched in amusement.
"Nice job, boyfriend," Kira said suddenly, giving him a playful thumbs-up and an evil grin.
Clifford stiffened, already suspecting her mischievous intentions. He looked at her warily, but she just grinned wider and asked, "Hope you cleaned up the crime scene?"
Hearing this, Clifford adjusted his glasses awkwardly but replied, "He probably won't remember much. Still, you lost control—you left a wound on his neck. It'll be a little tricky to cover it up."
Kira checked her wristwatch and realized the last bus would be leaving soon. She praised Clifford with a nod. "Good boy."
Without another word, she turned and headed out of the woods. Clifford watched her go silently. When she finally emerged into the open, he heard Sophia's voice calling out to her and roaming around nearby.
"Kira! Where the hell did you go?" Sophia called out, her voice tinged with frustration.
Kira spotted her easily. As soon as Sophia saw her, her face darkened, and she began scolding. "Where have you been hiding all this time? I've been looking everywhere for you on campus! Damn it, Kira—grab your damn bag!"
Sophia tossed her schoolbag toward Kira, who caught it effortlessly. Smiling, she teased, "Thanks, darling."
That only made Sophia puff up in anger, but Kira continued to provoke her playfully. "Sorry, my little wife. Next time, I won't make you miss me so much."
Sophia rolled her eyes, fighting back a smirk despite herself. "Who's your wife?"
Kira shamelessly grinned. "You, of course."
Their playful banter drew the attention of the bus driver, who called out loudly, "Hey! You two over there—do you want to take the bus home or what?"
Without further delay, Kira and Sophia hurried onto the school bus. Once home, Kira ate dinner with her parents before retreating to her room. She washed up, changed into her clothes, and, as darkness fell, she slipped out of the house through her window, disappearing into the night.
Kira entered the bar and headed straight to the counter, taking a seat without a word. Pascal noticed her and offered a cheerful smile.
"What would you like?" he asked warmly.
Kira's eyes cold and sharp. "Your blood."
Pascal's smile remained unchanged. He leaned slightly, voice calm and teasing. "We don't have that on the menu, unfortunately. But if you're looking for some extra services, you're welcome to come to my room."
He winked suggestively, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Kira's expression darkened. "Scum."
Pascal chuckled, the sound light and easy. When he finally stopped, Kira's voice cut through the air, sharp and demanding.
"What did you do to Whiskey? He hasn't been himself since you visited. Tell me."
Pascal placed a hand over his chest, twisting his face into a mock expression of pain, feigning sincerity. "You wound me, darling. I was just thinking you might have missed me—"
Kira cut him off, voice icy. "Cut the bullshit. Tell me what you did to him."
Pascal's smile returned as he shrugged nonchalantly. "I made him a little more friendly."