The old dormitory basement reeked of rust and damp stone. A single tube light buzzed overhead, flickering like a dying breath. Shadows clenched the walls, sharp and predatory, as if waiting to pounce. John stood at the doorway, hand gripping the frame, heartbeat thundering in his ears. He stepped inside, the creaking door echoing like a warning.
James looked up first, a smirk curling his lips. Michel paused mid-conversation, eyes narrowing like a hawk watching prey. Henry's gaze sharpened like a blade, dissecting John's every twitch. The room fell silent, the only sound the distant hum of the light.
_"Back early,"_ Henry murmured, voice dripping with curiosity. _"Guilty?"_
John shrugged, forcing calm into his voice. _"Couldn't sleep."_
James circled closer, hands in pockets, eyes never blinking. _"Or maybe you had something… else to do last night?"_
John didn't flinch. _"No."_
Michel chuckled low, a sound that sent a shiver down John's spine. _"He twitches when he lies."_
James studied him a moment longer, then stepped back, decision made. _"Relax. We're just making sure you're still with us."_
The Test
Henry placed a folder on the table—a worn leather file with a faded Oakridge emblem. _"Look familiar?"_
John opened it. *Aarvin's personnel file. Redacted lines. Confidential seals.* Photos of Aarvin in unfamiliar places, conversations he never knew existed.
Something cold crawled up his spine. _"What is this?"_
Michel leaned in, voice a whisper. _"Insurance. Sometimes the best way to break someone… is to dig where they don't want you digging."_
John felt his throat tighten. This wasn't bullying. This was darker. This was calculated.
James sat back casually, legs crossed. _"We're done playing small games. We're going to dismantle him. Piece by piece. And tomorrow…"_
His eyes slid to John, icy cold. _"…you'll help."_
John's breath caught. _"Help… what?"_
Henry tossed a knife. John caught it—small, silver, deadly silent.
_"Bring Riyan to the basement tomorrow. Alone. No Aarvin. No Pack."_
John hesitated. _One wrong move…_
James leaned close, breath on John's ear. _"Convince him. Or don't bother coming back."_
The Exit
John pushed open the door, legs numb. He exhaled shakily in the empty hallway, heart still racing.
_"This is madness,"_ he whispered.
Aarvin's fist. Riyan's anger. The pack he betrayed.
He pressed the knife against the wall, blade trembling. _"I'm not dying for them… but I'm not betraying them again."_
The Message
Outside, under dim lights, John typed:
*John → Aarvin:* _"Basement. Tomorrow. Don't let Riyan go anywhere alone."_
Three seconds. Then:
*Aarvin:* _"You better not be lying."_
John stared at the screen, pulse pounding. His voice trembled in the empty corridor:
_"This time, betrayal might kill me… but loyalty definitely will."_
He walked into the darkness. And the darkness watched.
*To be continued…*