Kingsley Academy

Chapter 43

Kade's POV

As I step out of Allison's dorm, something gnaws at me—a feeling I can't shake. But before I can dwell on it, I hear it.

A scream. Her scream.

My blood runs cold, and I freeze for a split second before bolting back to her door. I pound on it, heart racing. "Allison?!" I shout, but there's no answer. Just silence, the kind that makes every muscle in my body tense with dread.

No. Something's wrong. Something's really wrong.

I pound on the door again, harder this time. Still nothing. "Allison!"

"Allison, fucking say something!"

Panic surges through me, and I don't think. I just react. I throw myself against the door, slamming my shoulder into it with all the force I can muster. After a few tries, it gives way, the wood splintering as the door flies open.

I rush inside, my eyes immediately finding her. She's standing by the fridge, frozen, her face pale as if she's seen a ghost. And then I see the shattered glass on the floor at her feet.

"Allison?" I rush to her side, grabbing her shoulders, but she doesn't respond—just keeps staring straight ahead, her body trembling.

I follow her gaze, and when I see what she's looking at, my stomach drops.

Holy. Shit.

There, inside the fridge, staring back at us, is the severed head of her uncle that I recognize from the file I was given about him.

For a second, I can't even breathe. My mind reels, but I snap out of it. I slam the fridge door shut, blocking the horrific sight, and immediately pull her into my arms. She's shaking, her eyes wide and unfocused.

"Don't look," I whisper, my voice urgent but soft. "Don't look, baby."

She clings to me, her breath shallow and ragged, and I hold her tighter, my heart racing as a mix of fury and fear crashes over me.

Who the hell did this? And why?

---

The police are finally gone, but I'm still on edge. Every muscle in my body is tense, and I can't stop looking at Allison, the way she's still shaken, pale, her hands trembling slightly. I made it clear—she's not staying in that dorm room tonight. Not alone, and not without protection.

I take her to my dad's house, where I know she'll be safe, at least for the night. There's security here, and no one's getting past them. But even that doesn't feel like enough. I'm still seething inside, my mind racing over the twisted mess we've just uncovered.

We get to the room, and she finally sits down on the bed, her shoulders slumping. She pulls out her phone, and I notice the way her face changes—her eyes go wide, her lips parting as she stares at the screen.

"What is it?" I ask, my voice rough with concern.

She doesn't answer right away, so I walk over, taking the phone from her hands. My blood runs cold as I read the message that just came through.

"I told you I'd take care of it, love. Hope you're in peace now."

"What the fuck is this?" I demand, staring at the message like it's some kind of sick joke. "Allison, what the hell is this?"

Allison's eyes are wide, her breath shaky as she struggles to form words. "I... I've been getting these weird texts for a while," she says, barely above a whisper. "I didn't think they were-"