The Blood Empress

Bloody 20: Stage 1: Wheel of Fortune

Bloody 20: Stage 1: Wheel of Fortune

Roen Astrid.

In a blink of an eye, the world seemed quiet and serene. The bright gymnasium was already gone and the sound of whispers disappeared. I was left alone with a deafening silence, bringing a strange feeling into my heart.

I narrowed my eyes. It seems like I am not alone.

A strange being is now infront of me. To be exact, an eye as big as a giant's head is staring at me, steady and unblinking. It exuded an oppressing aura towards my direction, forcing me still. Ramdam ko ang panlalamig ng kamay ko habang nakatitig sa kakaibang nilalang sa aking harapan. If I extended my hand right now, I will be able to touch it.

It must be the mysterious source of the tremendous aura that I felt at the gymnasium and it must also be the reason why I'm in this place right now.

Where am I? It's definitely dark in here. I can't see anything except for this weird eye infront of me. Should I talk to it?

I sighed inwardly. Where are the other students? Is this a part of orientation already?

Why do I feel so muddleheaded? It's very uncomfortable that my mood is already at the worst stage now.

Oh damn, I don't care anymore.

"Hey Mr. Eye, show me the way out. You look so scary, I don't wanna play with you alright?" I spoke with nonchalance. Fuck, I can't move, not even an inch.

I remained calm and relaxed until the eye began to close in a slow manner. What? Are you planning to sleep? I raised an eyebrow when it opened once again, this time it was so fast that I almost raised my fist to throw a punch on it. It's a good thing that I can't move right now. I don't know what will happen if I touch this peculiar thing.

The huge golden brown iris that was directed to me a second ago changed into pure white. I subconsciously held my breath when images started to appear in the eye. To be precise, it showed the face of the host at the gymnasi--

What?

I focused my entire attention at the video showing in the eye. Tila naging telebisyon ang mata sa aking harapan at pinakita nito ang host na nakatayo sa stage ng gymnasium. He wore a mischievous grin and behind him were the royal family sitting on their throne with Ryder standing beside the emperor and West standing beside Lucy. Napailing na lamang ako nang makita ang ekspresyon ni West. I can clearly see nervousness behind his serious face. He's being paranoid again.

That despicable male host. I presume he's the perpetrator and mastermind behind all of this. He's still wearing an elegant black mask used in masquerade balls.

"Surprise, surprise! Welcome to my precious cage, my dear students! It's wonderful, isn't it?" The male host chuckled playfully. He then lifted his index finger and pointed towards this direction.

I tilted my head curiously. What is he trying to do? He said 'precious cage'. Obviously, that's where I and all the students are right now.

His finger moved into a circular motion and with that, the video shifted away from the host as it turned around, showing the entire gymnasium.

All the lingering questions in my head were answered the moment I saw the situation. I watched all the students standing there with blank and empty eyes, including me. Sa unang hilera ako nakaupo kaya nakita ko agad ang aking sarili. Gusto kong matawa nang makita ko ang pagmumukha ni Lily. She looks like a dead rat and it really delighted me.

Before I knew it, the corners of my lips lifted into a wicked grin. How wonderful.

Except for the guards, all of us standing below the stage were motionless. There are no trace of expressions in our faces. Dilat na dilat ang aming mga mata ngunit mukhang walang kabuhay buhay at tila nasa isang malalim na pagtulog.