20

20
Mirella’s POV

I barely slept that night.

My mind kept replaying everything—the threats, the fear in Yuki’s voice, Kaelen stepping in like some mystery protector.

But beneath all that chaos, a single thought burned bright: It’s time to fight back.

Running or hiding wasn’t an option anymore. The legions had controlled this school for too long, and if no one stood up to them, they’d just keep ruining lives.

So, I made a decision.

We’d expose them—publicly.

The videos we’d gathered were enough to shake the entire school. We had proof of them bullying, humiliating, even threatening students. But handing it over directly would point fingers at us. We needed to do it anonymously.

By the time morning came, my plan was set. I spent the day in classes pretending to pay attention, copying every single video onto a flash drive. Then I made several duplicates, labeling one “For Justice.”

When night fell, I dressed quietly and slipped out of the dorm. The hallways were dark, the air heavy with silence. Every creak made my heart race, but I couldn’t stop now.

The principal’s office was on the first floor, right next to the trophy display. I crouched down, looking around. Not a soul in sight.

I slid the thick envelope filled with evidence into the mailbox slot outside the office door. My hands trembled, but I forced myself to breathe.

It was done.

As I crept back to the dorm, a small smile tugged at my lips. For once, I felt like maybe—just maybe—we had a chance.

\~~~

The next morning, I woke to chaos.

An announcement came over the intercom, sharp and urgent: “All students are to report to the main hall immediately for an emergency assembly.”

Iris and Yuki exchanged nervous looks. My stomach flipped. This was it.

We filed into the auditorium with the rest of the students. The atmosphere was electric—whispers, tension, confusion. The principal stood on stage, flanked by several teachers.

He cleared his throat and spoke into the microphone. “Last night, I received disturbing evidence of ongoing bullying and misconduct within this institution.”

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

“This school has always prided itself on integrity and respect,” he continued. “But what I have seen in these videos…” He paused, his face dark. “Is unacceptable. Effective immediately, there will be an official investigation. Anyone found guilty will face suspension or expulsion.”

The room erupted in whispers. I glanced toward the legions’ section. None of them looked nervous. The female legion was even smiling.

My heart sank. Why are they so calm?

After the assembly, students buzzed with gossip. Some whispered that the legions would be finished. Others said it was just another scare that would blow over.

I was still trying to make sense of it when I felt a familiar voice behind me.

“Well done, hero.”

I turned. The female legion stood there, her lips curved into a dangerous smile.

“What do you want?” I asked.

“Oh, nothing.” She stepped closer, her heels clicking against the floor. “I just came to congratulate you. You really thought you could pull one over on us, didn’t you?”

I forced a confused look. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

She laughed softly. “You really should learn to lie better.”

Then she pulled out her phone and pressed play.

My blood ran cold. On the screen, grainy footage showed me sneaking into the school last night, slipping the envelope into the mailbox.

I couldn’t speak.

She tilted her head, watching my expression with satisfaction. “Surprised? You should be. We have cameras everywhere, sweetheart. Did you really think we wouldn’t notice?”

“How did you even—”

“Connections,” she said simply. “You see, this school doesn’t move unless we let it. The investigation?” She smiled wider. “It’ll go nowhere. Maybe a few suspensions for show, but us? We’ll still be here.”

Her words hit like ice water. I felt my hope crumble.

“Face it,” she whispered. “You made a mistake. A big one.”

Then she walked away, leaving me standing in the hallway, numb.

I wanted to scream. To throw something. But all I could do was clutch my phone, my chest tight with frustration.

Everything I’d worked for—all the risks we took—would mean nothing if the legions buried it.

Then, my phone buzzed. A message from Iris.

Check your group chat. Now.

I opened it immediately.

Stutterer: “I… made b-backups. Sent… them to… the news.”

I froze.

Yuki: “Wait, what do you mean news??”

Stutterer: “Local… news stations. T-they can’t hide it anymore.”

My breath caught. He’d sent it out. To the media.

For a moment, I couldn’t believe it. Then, a slow smile spread across my face.

They might have connections inside the school, but outside? That was different.

They couldn’t control everything.

\~~~

The next morning, the entire school was in uproar.

Every news outlet in town had picked up the story. “Elite School Under Fire for Student Bullying Cover-Up” blared across every headline.

Parents flooded the gates, demanding answers. Teachers whispered in corners. Reporters stood outside the entrance, cameras flashing.

The school board called another meeting—this time with parents present

Investigators moved through classrooms, questioning students, reviewing security footage.

And for the first time since I’d arrived at this school, I saw fear in the legions’ eyes.

Even the female legion looked pale when the principal called her name to step outside for questioning.

She didn’t look so powerful then.

But one person didn’t flinch.

Kaelen.

He sat at his desk, quiet, calm, almost… amused. Like he’d seen all this coming.

When class ended, he leaned closer, his voice low enough for only me to hear. “You won this round.”

I looked at him, trying to read his expression. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He smiled faintly. “The war’s not over.”

Before I could respond, he stood and walked out.

\~~~

That night, my phone buzzed again.

An unknown number.

You think this is over? Watch your back, Mirella.

The message was followed by a photo — the view from my dorm window. Someone had taken it from outside.

My stomach dropped.

I rushed to show Iris, Yuki, and the others. We sat huddled together, fear written across their faces.

“This is bad,” Iris whispered. “Really bad.”

Yuki clenched her fists. “They’re scared. That’s why they’re threatening her.”

Dante looked at me, his voice steady. “So what do we do now?”

I swallowed hard, staring at the message again.

“We don’t stop,” I said. “We keep going. We’ve come too far to back down now.”

They nodded slowly. The fear was still there, but beneath it burned something stronger — resolve.

As I looked around at their faces, I realized something.

This wasn’t just about me anymore.

This was about every student who had ever been silenced, every person who’d been afraid to stand up.

And I wasn’t going to stop until the legions fell.