𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

PROLOGUE

"VENGEANCE"

In a world of secrets and lies, trust no one

The sprawling campus of Riverview High stood as a testament to opulence and prestige. Nestled in the heart of Seoul, South Korea, the institution was renowned for its impeccable academic standards and the luminaries it produced. Only the elite of the elite-scions of wealth and influence-walked its hallowed halls. The school grounds, meticulously manicured, echoed with the whispers of history and ambition.

Yet, beneath the pristine veneer, shadows loomed. Rumors of corruption and bullying had begun to stain the school's impeccable reputation. Whispers of the privileged tormenting those deemed lesser in the social hierarchy floated through the corridors, like an undercurrent of malice hidden beneath the surface of calm waters.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the manicured lawns, a sense of foreboding settled over the campus. In the heart of Riverview High, secrets festered. The kind that could shatter lives if brought to light.

In a dimly lit classroom, a group of students huddled together, their faces etched with concern and determination. The room was thick with tension, their voices low but urgent.

"We're close, I can feel it," Jungkook whispered, his eyes scanning the room for any eavesdroppers. "We just need one more piece of evidence."

Eun-woo nodded, his expression grim. "But who can we trust? Everyone seems to have something to hide."

Jimin leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. "We have to be careful. If the wrong person finds out what we know..."

Taehyung, ever the voice of reason, placed a reassuring hand on Jimin's shoulder. "We stick together. No one can break us if we don't let them."

A flicker of doubt crossed Eun-woo's face. "But what if the murderer is one of us?"

Silence fell over the group as they grappled with the chilling possibility. The weight of their mission pressed heavily upon them, each acutely aware of the danger they faced.

Taehyung broke the silence, his voice firm. "We have to trust each other. It's the only way we'll get through this."

Just then, Hera entered the room, her presence adding a new dynamic to the tense atmosphere. Her eyes met Taehyung's, and she walked over to join the group.

"We need to talk," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.

Taehyung nodded. "What's on your mind, Hera?"

"There's something I found out. Something that changes everything," Hera replied, her voice lowering as she leaned in closer. "We can't trust anyone outside this room. Not even the teachers."

Taehyung's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

Hera took a deep breath, her gaze intense. "There are higher stakes involved. This goes beyond just students. We're dealing with something much bigger."

The group exchanged worried glances, the weight of Hera's words sinking in.

As they left the classroom, a shadowy figure watched from the doorway, a sinister smile playing on their lips. The secrets of Riverview High were about to be unearthed, and the cost of uncovering the truth would be higher than any of them could imagine.

---

Months Later

The air in the room was tense, charged with a mixture of anticipation and dread. The group had gathered once more, this time in a secluded corner of the library. They had come so far, piecing together the fragments of a dark puzzle that had nearly consumed them.