Key of Souls: Twisted Wonderland

Chapter 77: Seeking Refuge

Dawn's POV

It was a dreadful moment for Grim and me as we walked back to Ramshackle Dorm with the Leech brothers right behind us. Somehow, Azul Ashengrotto and the twins found out my secret that I was a KeyKeeper. Thanks to that, he put me in a position where I had to sign a contract with him to protect my secret identity. Even if the anenome students were released, if I failed or succeeded in getting a photo from the museum, if I don't get the photo before the sun sets on the third day, not only will I end up losing my dorm, but I'll end up taking the place of the released students and become Azul's slave. Even when Grim tried to talk to me, I was just too upset to say anything to him right then, since he, along with Ace and Deuce, was partly responsible for getting us into this current situation in the first place. Jack told me he had to go somewhere for now, but promised he would come back as soon as possible.

After what felt like forever, we finally made it back to the dorm and walked up the stairs leading to the hallway. "Ohh, so this is Ramshackle Dorm. This is my first time inside, but it has a certain charm. It is also very close to school, it will be perfect as the second location of Mostro Lounge.", said Jade as he surveyed the hallways.

"Thanks... I guess...", was all I could say; hearing this made me upset that the dorm my friends had cleaned up and repaired for me as a surprise would be taken from me if I failed, especially since this place is the only home I have had since I came to Twisted Wonderland on my first day.

"Ghosts live here, right? It seems like so much fun~.", Floyd added.

Grim suddenly jumped on my shoulder and asked the brothers, "Why exactly did you guys come with us all the way here..."

"Well, not only will Little Shrimpy's secret not be revealed, but you also put this up as collateral in your contract with Azul.", Floyd answered.

"Ffgna!?", Grim went, my eyes went wide as I heard this.

"Unlike the other clients, Miss Baldwind did not hand over an ability when she made the contract. Therefore, we will be confiscating this dorm.", Jade explained.

"WHAT!?", both Grim and I shouted in shock. Hearing that my dorm was going to be confiscated as well almost made me think it was a cruel joke, but I knew better that it wasn't. Both Jade and Floyd were smiling at us; I had a feeling they were enjoying this as Jade said, "Until you have held up your end of the agreement, this dorm will temporarily be Azul's. In accordance with that, we cannot allow the two of you to stay here during this time."

"We'll at least give you time to get your stuff.", said Floyd.

"Once this place formally becomes Azul's, we will be disposing of all your personal belongings. So please get ready with that in mind.", Jade said. I put my hand to my chest as I felt my heart beating rapidly after hearing all of this; to say I was scared would be an understatement for me in this situation. Without warning, Floyd stepped in front of me and looked at me with a smile. "Fufufu, don't worry. As long as you bring that photo by the time the sun sets three days from now, you'll get everything back.", he said as he and Jade both chuckled.

"Ffgna~!! I gotta get all my cans of tuna!", Grim exclaimed as he jumped off my shoulder and sprinted to our bedroom, leaving me in the dust. With this dreaded feeling overwhelming me, I only said, "I should get my uniform and school stuff at least..." I quickly walked to where Grim ran off to, so I could pack what I needed to survive for three days away from my dorm. I looked back and saw the Leech brothers staring at me like predators enjoying their prey, looking sinister as they both gave eerie chuckles, which made me more nervous. I looked away, hoping I wouldn't catch their attention, when...

*Drip, Drip*

'Oh, no...', I thought as I saw the drops, but I was too distraught to wonder why I saw those black drops again as I headed to my room.