Peace is a fragile thing

𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙢𝙤𝙤𝙣: 𝙖𝙘𝙩 5

School was agonizing already and I wanted to come straight home.

But I couldn't, because-

“Jace!!!” At this point, Polli took over and started to wake up along with the other girls, the games for Basketball didn't even start until November, it's the beginning of September now!

heard the rumblings and roars from the crowd, a mix of adoring fans and curious bystanders. They weren't gathered for the game itself; they were drawn by Jace, the charming prince with an insidious facade. Amidst the cheers, a cold realization settled over me: Jace was the person to avoid at all costs. He was the main catalyst behind Polli's tragic fate, a fact that added a chilling layer to his charismatic presence.

Because even after 7 years, she was still so gullible to him…

So he was number one on the ‘no’ list but-

I froze, due to my strong feelings of shock, I had regained control to look behind me.

But when I turned, it seemed no one was there—at least, that's how it appeared at first. A quick glance over my shoulder revealed only a few random girls, who I doubt had any eerie or weird aura, it definitely felt something—someone else was watching.

I just recomposed myself and waited until the game was over, however it wouldn't be that simple without Polli’s fussing.

"Good afternoon, Jace!" Polli greeted him with boundless eagerness. Even though she was the one in control, I couldn't help but experience her emotions to some extent. My discomfort was palpable; not only was her infatuation awkward for me it's also because of this little infatuation that she dies. “You look rather refreshed today!”

“Yes…” Have doesn't really greet back, I only saw his dimples dance dance across his handsome face as he smiled, one of the only qualities that was ‘good’ about him, however I felt a little sick looking up at his eyes which crinkled and narrowed considerably, his smile  didn't quite reach his dazzling golden hazel eyes, it was filled with so many negative emotions, but most notably—

Disgust.

One thing that was constant about Jace was his contempt for the weak, the feeble-minded, and those he deemed “stupid.” This trait made him inherently deplorable and dangerous in my eyes. But Polli, blinded by infatuation, couldn’t see the menace lurking beneath his charm. “I am tired, I would kill for a drink at the cafe down the street…”

His eyes had a fake look of charisma and charm but I could only mentally frown.

“Ah yes…” Regaining control I unconsciously crossed my arms and sighed. “So what is it…?”

I noticed his eyes subtly widen, a fleeting glimpse of surprise, but he quickly reined it in. “Just their brand of vitamin water—”

“Right…” My response was curt, and I was already moving towards the door, eager to cut the conversation short and distance myself from him.
______

When I walked down the sun was already set against the horizon, sunlight was waning, I haven't been out this late, but it's also fall, I needed to be careful around this time.

“That will be 1.35$.” I gave the cashier physical cash and she handed me the drink. I put it in my rather flashy designer bag and sighed at Polli’s obliviousness.

“Thank you-”

“Warning, the vampire new moon is in effect starting at 6pm today. I advise you all to stay inside, because of this work and offices will be closed.”

'shit…’ I pursued my lips, fuck this I'm going to my car, Jace can forget the drink! That doesn't sound good at all.

But of course when I decided to book it that was a rather strange entity behind me…or rather in front of me…!

Glowing red eyes were present, once you look, you can't escape, they can control you.

“Smells nice….” My eyes widened, I felt paralyzed by the presence. “Smells fresh…!”

It's a mixed vampire!

I let out a blood curdling scream, and involuntarily closed my eyes.

But the hit never quite came to my body; the seconds dragged on too long.

BANG—the sound snapped me out of my paralysis. I stumbled backward, and upon opening my eyes, I saw a mysterious figure in a gray hoodie. Judging by their tall, muscular build, it was likely a male.

“Let me get a taste!” He pleaded, “Please! We can shar-”

WHAM—he slammed the vampire against the brick wall. Tightening his grip around its neck, he caused it to choke. His incredible strength created a small crater in the wall as he pressed further.

“W-wait…” I wasn't going to interrupt him trying to kill him, but he was a stranger, “hey…”

He turned to face me very slowly, his movements deliberate and heavy with intent. With one final, forceful motion, he slammed the vampire to the ground.

The air hung thick with silence as he turned his gaze towards me, his expression unreadable. “....”

His eyes locked onto mine, filled with an intensity that left words unnecessary.

He walked closer, and I hesitated, unsure whether to stay put or step back. But instead of the confrontation I expected, he gently brushed his fingers through my hair, his touch surprisingly gentle as he plucked a stray leaf from the strands.

I could tell he was trying to keep anonymous as he covered his face with sunglasses and a surgical mask.

“Who are-” before I could say anything his head turned another direction and he faded into the shadows, “Hey wait!”

The mixed vampire, dizzy from the violent encounter, lunged towards me with renewed ferocity, however-

Slice Jace's sword tore through the vampire with lethal precision, reducing him instantly to dust. Turning to face me, Jace wore an irritatingly smug smirk, the metal of his sword resting casually on his shoulder. His eyes twinkled with a mix of triumph and arrogance, clearly pleased with his display of power.

I narrowed my eyes and grinded my teeth lightly in annoyance.

He sent me out, so he can use me as bait for the vampire…

“Do you…” I tried to recompose myself, “Did you use me as bait so the vampire would be lured out from school…?”

His expression was pensive and he narrowed his eyes slightly, as if he didn't expect me to know that.

“Hungry and desperate vampires love the scent of vulnerable prey.”

I let out a low growl, being reminded of the original story, he just uses whoever he wants!

I narrowed my eyes slightly in a scolding glare, “You-!”

“You're my hero!” Polli switched over, gushing as if she had hearts in her eyes.

I was incredibly annoyed already….

“Since you saved me, does that mean you'll walk me home!?” She said in a hopeful tone.

“No.” He snorted and chuckled, “My only job is to slay a vampire, you have a car, so get home yourself, I don't have time for someone like you.”

Polli simply deflated but I mentally sighed, wanting to roll my eyes, why do you even like someone like him?