Pyramid Academy

Prologue

Prologue

As the pulsating rhythm of the music enveloped the room, I felt the energy surging through me. The lights danced across the crowd, casting playful shadows on the walls. I stepped onto the dance floor, letting the music take over my body.

I swayed my hips, the fabric of my dress hugging my curves just right. Each movement was fluid, confident, and intoxicating. I caught the attention of everyone around me, especially the guys leaning against the bar, their eyes glued to me.

I smirked. I knew how to command attention.

With each beat, I let myself lose in the music, my arms lifting gracefully above my head. I twirled, letting the light catch in my hair, my long waves cascading around me. I could feel their gazes, filled with desire and envy, but all I cared about was the moment. I was untouchable.

"You don't understand, Phoenix!" My father's voice echoed in my mind, filled with rage and disappointment.

He had shouted, the anger boiling over like a pot left too long on the stove. I had confronted him, my heart racing with a mix of fury and heartbreak.

"You think I don't see what she does to our family? How can you let her destroy us?" I had yelled, my fists clenched.

The image of his mistress flashed before me, a reminder of how weak my father had become. Ramdam ko pa rin ang bigat ng laban na iyon, ang pait na kumakapit sa akin.

I turned my back to the crowd, shaking my head to banish the memory. No! Not tonight. I wouldn't let it ruin this moment. I pushed it aside and let the rhythm flow through me again, each pulse pulling me back into the present.

I locked eyes with one of the guys-the big one with the swagger. Hmm. Pwede na rin. He grinned, clearly thinking he had the upper hand. That was my cue. I leaned forward, my voice sultry as I called out, "Is that all you've got?" I could see the challenge in his eyes, the way his confidence faltered for just a second.

Tumalikod ako sa kanya, mas naging mapangahas ang mga galaw ko, mas nakaka-invite. I let my body tell a story-one of power, strength, and seduction. The crowd cheered, and for a moment, I was lost in the attention. But deep down, I knew this was just a prelude.

As he reached out, his fingers grazing my shoulder, I felt a surge of irritation flare up inside me. I could feel my blood boiling. I hate guys like this-the ones who think they can just reach out and claim what they want. Gwapo ka nga, pero bastos ka. And I don't tolerate bastos.

With a calm I didn't quite feel, I turned and looked him in the eye, flashing him a sly smile. "Hands off, pretty boy. You're not that lucky."

He just smirked, not getting the message. His hand made another move toward me, this time reaching for my waist. "Come on, don't be shy," he murmured, way too close.

That was it. Enough.

In one swift motion, I grabbed his wrist, twisting it back just enough to make him wince. "Di mo ba ako narinig?" I asked, the voice was low but steady. "Hands. Off."

The crowd around us gasped, a mix of shock and excitement lighting up their faces. I knew everyone's eyes were on us now. But I didn't care-I was done playing nice.

He tried to pull his hand free, his grin faltering as he realized I wasn't backing down. "Ano ba-" he started, but before he could finish, I brought my knee up sharply, aiming right for his gut. He stumbled back, doubling over in surprise and pain.

I smirked. Buti nga sayo.

"Wow, big man ka, pero weak ka pala," I taunted, cracking my knuckles.