Chapter 109: The Fuse is Lit

Daphne's POV

The morning after the championship party, the Crestwood class group chat exploded.

My phone was vibrating so violently against my nightstand it nearly clattered onto the floor. I groaned, blinking through the blinding morning sunlight as I swiped the screen open. The second I logged onto the primary Crestwood school gossip network, all the blood drained from my face.

He actually did it.

Theo had uploaded the video.

It was posted anonymously, but I knew the truth. After overhearing his dark conversation in the storage closet with Silas and Barrett last night, there was no doubt in my mind. Driven by toxic jealousy, Theo had unleashed his ultimate weapon.

The grainy tunnel video was spreading like wildfire through every student group chat. You couldn't see the mystery boy's face because Kieran’s massive, broad shoulders blocked the lens perfectly. But you could see the star captain. You could see the golden boy passionately pinning a male teammate against the brick wall. In less than an hour, Kieran’s flawless Crestwood reputation was completely dismantled.

I practically flew out of bed, threw on a dress, and prepared straight for campus. The atmosphere on the quad was suffocating. Groups of students were huddled together, whispering viciously, staring at their screens.

As I stormed down the hallway toward the science wing, I spotted Theo standing by his locker. He looked completely relaxed, casually sorting through his textbooks as if he hadn't just set the entire school on fire.

Rage exploded in my chest. I marched straight into his space, slamming his locker door shut with a loud CLANG.

"What the hell is wrong with you, Theo?" I hissed, keeping my voice low so passing students wouldn't hear. "The video. You uploaded it. I know it was you!"

Theo didn't even flinch. He slowly turned his head to look at me, his face a mask of smooth, fake innocence. "I don't have a clue what you're talking about, Daphne. What video?"

"Don't play dumb with me!" I snapped, my hands shaking with anger. "I know what you're doing. You're trying to destroy Kieran because you're bitter!"

"Spreading rumors isn't my style," he said smoothly, offering a careless shrug as he pulled his backpack onto his shoulder. "Maybe the captain just finally got caught. If you'll excuse me, I have a lecture to get to."

He walked right past me, his expression cold and entirely detached.

I stood there, watching his retreating back as a heavy, sickening realization settled deep in my stomach. Theo might be getting exactly what he wanted right now. But looking at the cold, manipulative stranger walking down the hall, I realized something terrifying. I no longer recognized my best friend.

I turned around and hurried toward the morning lecture hall. I needed to find Asher. I needed to warn him about Theo before it was too late. Because right now, Asher still thought Theo was his loyal ally. He had no idea his friend was a snake.

When I slid into the lecture hall, the room was already packed. The air was thick with the low, buzzing hum of students trading theories about Kieran. I spotted Asher sitting a few rows up. He looked pale, an intense cloud of anxiety hovering over him as he stared at his desk, clearly overwhelmed by the campus rumours

Before I could push past the crowded rows to reach him and deliver the warning, the professor walked up to the podium. He tapped the microphone, the sharp feedback instantly cutting through the noise and forcing the room into silence.

"Quiet down, everyone," the professor announced, adjusting his glasses. "Before we begin today's lecture, we need to address your final assessment. This morning, we are launching a massive, mandatory final project. It counts for a massive chunk of your overall term grade. There are no exceptions."

A collective groan echoed through the tiered seating.

The professor held up a clipboard. "To ensure fairness, the roster pairings have been completely randomized. I will read out your assigned partners now."

Name after name echoed through the speakers. I kept my eyes locked on Asher, watching him lean back in his seat, closing his eyes as if praying to be left alone.

"And finally," the professor's voice boomed, pulling a cruel twist of fate straight out of a nightmare. "Asher Carter... you will be academic partners directly with Theo Mercer."

My breath hitched in my throat. I froze in my seat, my eyes darting from the professor straight to Asher.

Asher didn't look upset he actually looked relieved. Because all this is actually my fault for pushing Theo and Asher's reconcilation. Asher smiled warmly, completely relieved to be paired with a friend he trusted.

But then I looked at Theo.

Theo was walking up the stairs to take his seat next to Asher. As he slung his bag down, a dark, chilling smile spread slowly across his lips. He looked like a predator who had just trapped his prey in a corner, and innocent Asher was welcoming him with open arms.

My stomach completely turned over. The trap was setting itself, and I was the only one who knew the truth.