The layers of Kaid Isherwood (The 1st book in the 'Layers' series)

Chapter 13

 Kaid Isherwood's POV

I couldn't believe it. Like, actually couldn't believe it. There I was, basking in a moment of pure, unadulterated joy, and it wasn't even because of some grand victory or a long-awaited achievement. No, this was happiness in its most unexpected, wonderfully petty form: Lucan had actually accepted the invitation to join the Student Council.

It was so perfect. So... sweet. I could practically feel the universe high-fiving me. All my anger over the Kool-Aid fiasco? Gone. Erased. If I could bottle this feeling and sell it, I'd be a billionaire. Maybe I could dance through the halls—really let loose, you know? But then again, that would be suspicious. And also a complete waste of my time. My precious plotting time. So, scratch the dancing. Besides, who needs a public dance party when I can quietly plan my next move and ensure victory?

Speaking of next moves, it was almost time to kick off phase two of my plan. And oh, I was practically tasting my impending victory. The sweet, sweet flavor of triumph. If only Lucan knew that, in this little game we were playing, I always win. Always. Why? Because I've made it a personal rule that once I've lost, I'm never losing again. You can't lose twice and expect to walk away unscathed. No, losing is unacceptable. It feels like a splinter in your mind that never goes away. So, I make sure I never lose. I win. Every. Single. Time.

This concept might seem a bit harsh to some, but it makes sense to me. Losing is like being pushed to the ground in front of everyone, and I'll be damned if that ever happens to me again. To those who do lose? Well, I can't say I blame them. But hey, this is my game. I play mind games. Always have, always will.

And, as a lifelong expert in psychological warfare, I've been bending reality and making people question their own perceptions since I could remember. It's like a second language to me. Some people heal from their defeats, sure. But me? Once I lose, it becomes a war. The person who defeated me? Doesn't matter. The fact that I was defeated? That stays with me forever. It's my secret shame, and I know I'll never let it go. Ever. But no one has to know that, right?

As I sat there thinking about all of this, I realized something important: I cannot afford to make mistakes. Not this time. Losing would shatter my fragile empire, and I'd fall into a void where nothing—nothing—is under my control. My goals, my carefully constructed lifestyle, my plans for world domination (okay, not literally world domination, but you get the point)—everything would disintegrate. No, I simply cannot lose. So, I'll make sure every move is perfect. Absolutely perfect. But I have to stay careful. You never know what someone might do—especially Lucan.

Lucan is a wildcard, and I've learned this the hard way. He's like an enigma wrapped in a mystery, wrapped in a riddle that I haven't cracked yet. And despite my extensive research on him (I swear, it's not stalking—it's just research), he's still a walking question mark. But I'm not worried. I'm always prepared. I've got his number, figuratively speaking. My info on him is so deep, so confidential, that even I get a little nervous sometimes. I've hacked into the student database and moved my file into a secret folder with eight passwords. It's timed, too. You'd have to know those passwords by heart just to get in. And if you don't? You're out of luck. Good luck figuring out my secrets.

The Headmaster didn't like the idea much, but honestly? I don't care. He can complain all he wants. I've never been great at following orders anyway, and he knows that. That's why he gave up trying to make me attend class. Honestly, it was kind of pathetic how quickly he quit on that one.

But I digress. I really should stay on track here. Anyway, back to the plan: I needed to figure out why Lucan joined the Student Council in the first place. What's his angle? What's his game? Once I figure that out, I'll give him what he thinks is ammunition to take me down. But really? It'll be blanks. Just enough to frustrate him and make him doubt everything. Frustration is the key to victory, I've learned. It's like putting a rat in a maze and watching it lose its mind. Pure gold.

To stay in the good graces of the Student Council, I had to act like I cared about the issues. So, I drafted a letter. Just a little something to keep them on their toes.

Dear Student Council,

I have addressed the lunch situation and I believe it's time for us to consider new tasks. Our mission is clear: make this school the absolute best it can be. As a senior this year, I want to leave behind a legacy that proves my campaign speech wasn't just empty words. I trust we can identify other matters to resolve, or at the very least, find new ones to discuss. Please do send me your results. I'll participate as well, though you may not recognize me in person. But fear not—I'm committed to this endeavor, and I trust you will continue to trust me.

Sincerely,

Mr. Student Council President

It wasn't a difficult letter to write—five minutes, tops. But I couldn't wait to see how they'd respond, especially with Lucan now in the mix. I knew he'd be suspicious. He doesn't trust me, and why should he? Just because I'm the mysterious, all-powerful SCP (Student Council President, for those of you not keeping up) doesn't mean everyone should just fall in line. That would be naive. Anyone who trusts me without question is playing my game wrong.

Luckily for me, I know exactly how to earn trust. It's an art form. If I didn't, no one would ever fall into my traps. My perfectly, meticulously set traps. As I lay back and thought about all the potential responses to Lucan's inevitable questions, I started to smile. Fake answers. Nothing real. Just enough to send him spiraling deeper into my carefully crafted web. This was going to be slow and painful—just the way I like it. I'll drag it out for as long as possible. Until the end of the year, at least. Because if I leave before the game is finished? That's just forfeiting. And I will never, ever forfeit. That's just giving up, and giving up is for losers.

I will not lose. Never again. Losing is not an option.