THIRD PERSON'S POV
"Mast-hmmp...." Sky covered Jared's mouth abruptly, dragging him away from Ice. "Sky, what the he- ouch!"
Sky silenced Jared with a stern look and a finger to his lips.
"Can't you see? He's lost in thought," Sky whispered.
They both turned their attention to Ice, who stood frozen, grappling with the tumult of events.
"Ice, what's he doing?" Jared asked in a hushed tone.
"Trying to make sense of it all? Accept his fate?" Sky leaned against the wall, closing his eyes. "Losing his mother to Demon, the woman he loved, and having a traitor among those he trusted. Imagine what that does to a man."
"I'd lose my mind," Jared replied quietly.
"Exactly. That's what he's going through right now. It's all too much to handle," Sky said, eyes still shut.
"Is that how you feel? Do you think he's feeling the same way?" Jared pressed.
Sky opened one eye, smirking faintly. He moved closer to Jared, playfully putting him in a mock chokehold, though a part of him seemed to genuinely consider it.
"You've got the brain of a chicken," Sky scoffed inwardly, frustration mounting at Jared's obtuseness.
Among their group of thirteen, Ice was the youngest but bore the weightiest responsibilities. He knew he'd shoulder the blame if their plans went awry. Losing his mother to Demon, whom he once loved, was one thing, but the betrayal by someone he'd trusted his entire life was a devastating blow. Ice had invested all his trust, only to have it shattered. He now struggled to find his way forward, questioning whether he could continue as before, knowing the traitor in their midst was not alone.
"Why is this happening to me? What did I do wrong? I followed orders, did everything right. Why me?" Ice muttered to himself, exhaling deeply. "It's all Demon's fault. Her greed caused all of this."
"I'll help you!" Nathan's sudden appearance startled Ice, who frowned at him. "You plan to kill Demon, don't you? I'll assist. I'll rid us of this burden for the sake of peace and to honor my father's words," Nathan declared resolutely. For Nathan, aiding Hyra meant only one solution: Demon's death. His loyalty wasn't merely duty-bound; it stemmed from personal conviction.
"Get up! The others won't move forward if the leader loses hope. Give us orders, as the First Mask," Nathan urged, determined.
"Then our first move is to protect the president. I know you may not agree, but we all know Demon will come for him first. We'll use him as bait," Ice said, mustering newfound courage to lead.
Unknown to Nathan, his resolve had revitalized Ice's determination.
"Reinforce the First Unit and ensure Demon can't get near the president. She'll strike soon," Ice commanded, galvanizing their actions. While the plan was to corner Demon, Ice harbored a hidden agenda-to sacrifice the president's life. They understood that with the current president gone, Sky's father, Mr. Salvador, would succeed him. Ice believed this transition would secure their future.
"The First Unit has secured the president and is relocating him to safety," Sky updated them, sensing the tension in the air. He left swiftly to execute his role.
-
"We have to stay here until it's all over," Krystal declared, striding to the door and locking it firmly behind her before turning to face the others.
