A fairytale of a beautiful maiden, the beloved Frost Flower Princess was supposed to be staying in the comfort of her castle masquerading as a cage to protect her from the dangers outside, imprisoned by her own brothers.
That is, until a mysterious...
* "Now, it's happened once or twice, someone couldn't pay the price. And I'm afraid I had to rake 'em 'cross the coals..."
** Mostro Lounge - VIP Room
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"Here we are," Azul said, opening the polished doors to the VIP room with a flourish.
The group entered behind him. Y/n's eyes wandered over the elegant interior, pausing on the massive vault built into the far wall. Jack's jaw nearly dropped, while Vanitas' gaze lingered just a moment longer than hers, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he masked it with a smirk. He tightened his grip on Y/n's hand ever so slightly, protective, unwilling to let her drift even an inch from his side.
"What IS this place? Are we really still on school property?" Jack muttered, gawking at the vault. "Look at that huge vault... It's like some kinda bank."
"It looks calming in here..." Y/n said softly.
Vanitas gave a derisive little laugh, leaning closer to her ear. "Calming? Hardly, ma chère. The only thing you'll find here is deception dressed up in velvet." His eyes narrowed at Azul.
"Now then, do not just stand in the entryway," Azul said smoothly, hiding a smirk. "Please, have a seat,"
They moved to the sofas. Vanitas slid in right beside Y/n, close enough that his shoulder brushed hers. Azul's polite smile wavered at the sight, irritation flickering in his gaze as he sat across from them.
The Leech twins soon entered, Jade balancing a tray of tea. With deliberate courtesy, he offered Y/n her cup first.
"Ah... thank you." Y/n accepted it gently.
"You're welcome, my lady," Jade said with his usual smile.
Vanitas' eyes followed Jade's every motion with sharp hostility. With a flick of his wrist, he waved him off like an annoying insect. "That's enough. You've done your part." Jade only chuckled, unbothered, and placed the rest of the cups on the table.
Azul folded one leg over the other, his voice calm yet edged. "So, what would you like to discuss with me?"
Y/n raised the cup to her lips, cooling the steam with a soft breath before speaking. "I want you to release the students you've indentured," she said firmly, her words carrying the quiet weight of command.
Azul's eyes darkened instantly. He hated that her gaze wasn't on him—that her concern was wasted on those "poor, unfortunate souls" instead of him.
