Author Note: I found myself faced with a decision: either further edit and release this chapter at a later time, or make the necessary edits right now and submit it. I must admit, this particular chapter proved to be shockingly challenging for me to write. In order to maintain my sanity, I have a personal rule that when a chapter exceeds a certain word count, I take a moment to pause and carefully examine it. If I deem it to be of significant importance, I choose to split it into two parts. The current chapter has already surpassed 8,000 words and spans nearly 20 pages in Word.

In this installment, the focus is primarily on dialogue, and I would like to clarify that this is part one of a two-part chapter. As we approach Chapter 12, we will embark on Episode 2, a crucial point in the story. However, I firmly believe that this chapter is essential for character development and motivation. It also serves to provide hints about necessary backstories and the consequences of prior actions.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported me thus far. Your continued following, favoriting, and reviewing have been tremendous sources of motivation for me. Thank you for taking the time to read, and I sincerely hope that you enjoy this chapter.

Warm regards,


Reviews

TheEmeraldMage: Thank you so much for your thoughtful and positive feedback on the recent chapter. I'm thrilled to hear that you found the fight to be even better than its portrayal in the show. It was my intention to convey the aftermath of the battle with a palpable sense of tension, and I'm glad that came across to you as a reader. Your curiosity about the future plot developments is exciting to hear. Rest assured, I have several ideas in mind to explore and flesh out the characters further. I understand your desire for a balanced development of the entire cast, including side characters and the integration of WFM characters. I'll strive to maintain a good balance and avoid focusing solely on Aiden and his crew. Your suggestions and reminders will be taken into account as I continue writing. Thank you once again for your encouraging words and for expressing your curiosity about the direction of the story. I truly appreciate your support and will strive to deliver a satisfying and well-rounded narrative. Stay healthy and safe as well!


Chapter 10


The Harmony House mansion stood at the edge of the academy, its imposing presence accentuated by a road that cut through an arch, leading to its grand entrance. Surrounded by dense foliage and woods, it possessed an air of exclusivity and grandeur, reminiscent of the estates owned by the wealthiest spacian families.

Originally, the mansion was intended for a different purpose or as a separate building altogether during the academy's early planning stages. However, as time passed, it remained unfinished, standing as a solitary structure amidst the wilderness. But then came the boys of House Harmony, and the mansion would soon become their home.

With the meager funds wired into their accounts by their mysterious benefactor, the engineers and pilots of House Harmony embarked on a mission to restore the mansion to its former glory. They stripped down the dilapidated walls, replacing them with new and sturdy materials. They rid the place of pests, repaired the plumbing, rewired the electrical system, and finally restored the Wi-Fi connection. It was a laborious process that took two months, not to mention the routine cleanup that was needed.

Deacon, the mastermind behind House Harmony, stood atop the mansion, his wild hair flowing in the breeze, having abandoned the hair tie that normally kept it in place. He leaned against the railing, his arms slouched, and rested his chin on his hands as he inhaled the crisp academy air.

The academy, with its substantial financial backing, possessed the power to manipulate the seasons, creating an environment that resembled the old Earth, humanity's birthplace. Currently, they were transitioning into fall, a time when the temperature fluctuated between chilly nights and the lingering heat of summer. Deacon exhaled heavily, closing his eyes and allowing his worries to drift away. For a brief moment, a smile played upon his lips. Aiden had saved their house, they had recovered the titans from the ship, and even his rushed test had resulted in a passing grade. A sixty-five might be a C, but a C still earned degrees!

The sound of a metal door grating interrupted Deacon's moment of tranquility. He opened his eyes, turning to face Aiden, who approached with a smile. Deacon's smile widened in response. It was heartening to see more smiles, especially after such a tumultuous week. Things were finally starting to look up.

Aiden sighed, taking his place next to Deacon, mirroring his relaxed posture as they both leaned against the bannister. Together, they gazed down at the bustling activity of House Harmony, their peers appearing as tiny dots in the distance. Tables, kegs of alcohol, chairs, and a secret surprise for the end of the night were being prepared, a treat to be enjoyed by all after the arduous week of midterms and, of course, in celebration of Aiden's triumphant victory.

Deacon turned his gaze toward Aiden, curiosity in his eyes. "What are you up to, Aiden?"

Aiden furrowed his brow, shooting Deacon a look of confusion as his friend pointed at his clothing. "What's wrong with my clothing?" he asked, genuinely perplexed.

Deacon let out a weary sigh, wrapping his arms around himself as if trying to ward off a chill. "I already told you," he said, rising to his feet. "Get back in your uniform."

"Bro," Aiden groaned, a hint of exasperation in his voice. He glanced down at his attire, realizing he was indeed wearing his casual clothes—a sweater, a pair of jeans, and some nice shoes. His hair was neatly combed, ready for the night ahead, and he had been practicing his moves in front of the mirror. "Dude, I'm the holder now. Do you have any idea how many girls are going to want...this?" He gestured to himself, a mischievous smile spreading across his face.

Deacon couldn't help but chuckle at Aiden's playful remark. "Yeah, I can imagine," he said, a touch of amusement in his voice. "But Miorine needs to authorize your uniform first."

Aiden let out a sigh of resignation. "Can't she do that a bit later, though?" he muttered. "It's my night."

"Yeah, it is," Deacon agreed, his voice filled with a sly undertone that caused Aiden's eyebrows to shoot up. "Just imagine how all those rich spacian girls are going to feel when they see Miorine crown you the Holder right in the middle of the party."

Deacon sighed as Aiden's eyes widened with realization. However, Deacon quickly feigned surrender, raising his hands in a gesture of innocence. "But hey, you do what you want," he said with a fake heavy sigh, knowing full well that Aiden was already swayed by the idea.

"Okay, fine, you win," Aiden conceded, a hint of resignation in his voice. Yet, Deacon could sense that Aiden had already embraced the notion.

"It's gonna be so sick," Deacon murmured to himself, a genuine excitement evident in his tone. "Seriously, just imagine how cool it's going to be for you to be crowned in front of everyone." He walked over to Aiden, patting his shoulder with a sense of pride. "I'm really proud of you, bro. You've shown everyone at the academy that House Harmony is a force to be reckoned with...and now, they'll remember what we once were."

A somberness settled over their conversation, Aiden's throat growing dry as he mulled over Deacon's words. "What we once were," Aiden repeated, the taste of bitterness lingering on his tongue. He shifted his gaze to Deacon, his eyes searching for something deeper. "You don't really talk about Harmony."

Deacon grew quiet, his hand slipping away from Aiden's shoulder as he returned to the bannister. He sighed, his eyes fixed on the boys below, the last Sons of Harmony. The echoing orders and cautious chants about handling the liquor filled the air.

Deacon's gaze returned to Aiden, a heaviness in his voice. "I know you think I've forgotten about Harmony," he admitted, pausing for a moment. "But I haven't. I've just made peace with what happened, and I'm trying to move on with my life."

Aiden's eyes widened at Deacon's confession. "Move on with your life," he echoed, shaking his head slightly. His gaze locked with Deacon's, but Deacon sighed, cutting off any response.

"I doubt you can truly understand what I mean by that," Deacon said, his tone tinged with resignation. "To you, it probably means that I've given up on the long war."

A false chuckle escaped Deacon's lips as he watched Aiden rummage through his pockets. Aiden remained silent, but his actions brought back the memories of their conversation on that boat—talk of giving up, forgetting Harmony, and the Long War. Deacon wondered how many others among their ranks shared the same sentiment, how many of them longed to take up arms and fight for a world that was already lost. It was a thought that lingered in his mind, haunting his every step.

Pulling out a pack of cigarettes, Aiden made his way over to Deacon. "You want some?" he offered, holding out the pack.

Deacon glanced at the cigarettes and then back at Aiden. "You got any weed?" he asked, a hint of mischief in his voice.

Aiden shook his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Nah," he replied. "Maybe later, I'll roll one up. But you know I don't like doing that stuff before the party actually starts. Oscar's more into that scene."

Deacon chuckled, his gaze drifting towards the sprawling academy grounds, the distant dorm buildings catching his eye. Leaning against the fence, he rested his chin on his hand. "Can't believe it's Friday," he mused. "How many people do you think are gonna show up tonight?"

Aiden exhaled a breath of warm air, a faint smirk playing on his features as he shook his head in amazement. "A lot," he answered. "It's Friday after mid-term week, and you know people are itching for some fun and a chance to let loose. But after the madness with me and Guel, I have a feeling tonight's gonna be off the charts."

Deacon nodded in agreement, but his gaze shifted towards a familiar dorm building—Earth House. He turned back to Aiden. "Hey," he began.

"What?" Aiden replied, struggling with his lighter, shaking it vigorously in hopes of coaxing out the last bit of lighter fluid.

Deacon felt his cheeks grow warm. "Do you think that..." he trailed off, unable to finish his sentence.

Aiden let out a forced grunt. "Do I think Nika is gonna come tonight?" he finished for Deacon, a hint of impatience in his voice.

Deacon's mouth snapped shut as he turned his heated face away from Aiden, who leaned against the fence. Aiden finally managed to spark his lighter, taking a drag from his cigarette, and Deacon reached out to take it between his own two fingers for a drag.

"What is it that you like so much about Nika?" Aiden asked between puffs. "If you don't mind me asking."

Deacon shrugged, a rosy hue coloring his cheeks as he gazed up at the sky. "She's really cute," he began, "with short black hair and porcelain skin. Her body is pretty nice, but then again, a lot of girls have that. I think what sets Nika apart is that she's just really sweet."

"Sweet in what way?" Aiden prodded, his chuckle blending with the smoke that escaped his lips. "I mean, a lot of girls can be sweet, you know? Jack once said Cecilia was one of the sweetest girls he'd ever met."

"What a disaster," Deacon replied with a grimace. "Cecilia was a whole different story. I don't get that same feeling from Nika, though. She's just...different, you know? I can't quite put my finger on it."

Aiden let out a weary sigh. "You still haven't told me why," he said, his voice tinged with curiosity.

"Okay, listen," Deacon began, gesturing with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Recently, I was hanging out with Nika and we were doing these rounds, talking to new students. And then we ran into... Suletta."

Aiden's eyes widened, his sly smirk fading away. "Oh, Suletta," he murmured.

Deacon nodded, recalling the encounter. It had been a few days since the duel, and since then, Aiden and Suletta hadn't spoken. Or maybe Aiden was just back to avoiding the enigmatic girl from Mercury.

"Yeah, Suletta," Deacon repeated. "There were these Spacian girls giving her a hard time. And let me tell you, Nika didn't back down. Despite how tough it is for Earthians, she stood up for Suletta, talked to her, and checked up on her. Suletta was a complete mess, stuttering and all."

Deacon burst into laughter, a smile stretching across his face as he looked back at the Earthian House Dorm. "Back then, I didn't think much of Suletta," he said with a sigh. "But that girl is really something."

"Yeah, she is," Aiden agreed.

Deacon observed Aiden closely, noting the familiar confidence in his stance and the calculated precision in his movements. Aiden was ready to take on anyone who challenged him, a true ace. But there was always something holding him back, something that prevented him from reaching his full potential, and Deacon couldn't quite put his finger on it.

"So, what are you gonna do about it?" Deacon shrugged, but Aiden persisted. "You know she won't come unless you make a move," he said with a sigh, his gaze locked on Deacon.

Sweat began to form on Deacon's brow as his mind flashed back to Suletta's words. "But if you move forward, if you tell her how you feel, whether she likes you back or not, you'll still have the strength and knowledge of what you accomplished."

Her words echoed in his mind as he reached for his student notebook and flipped through his contacts. Sweat poured down his face, his fingers trembling as he highlighted her name. "On the bright side, you already have her number," Aiden chuckled, a knowing smile on his face. "The hard part is done. Now you just have to invite her."

Deacon's features tightened, a mix of nerves and determination. "There's a reason she doesn't go to these things. It's an open invitation and..." His words trailed off as a surge of adrenaline rushed through his chest, propelling him to send her a text message.

Aiden peered over his shoulder, his smile turning into a slight grimace. "Okay, that might be a little too much," he remarked.

"What should I say, then?" Deacon shot back, frustration seeping into his voice.

"Okay, first off, calm down," Aiden retorted, letting out a sigh as he took hold of the notebook. The sound of deleted words resonated between the two boys as Aiden began crafting a new message.

"Don't send that!" Deacon shouted, snatching the notebook back. Aiden raised his hands in surrender. "I wasn't going to send it," he replied.

Deacon tightly gripped the notebook with both hands, but their eyes widened in unison as they heard the echoing sound of the send button. Deacon's face turned pale, his heart nearly skipping a beat. "Huh," was the only word that escaped his lips, his gaze fixed on the phone screen. "Oh my god!" he shouted, his voice reverberating through the room.

"Look what you did!" Aiden exclaimed, peering back at the phone and shrugging his shoulders. "Maybe it'll work, maybe it won't," he said, raising both hands. "You run, one step forward. You face the music, two steps forward," he repeated his solemn catchphrase, simplified. Deacon, now red-faced and face-palming, let out a deep sigh.

"Oh my god," he muttered, almost falling to his knees, while Aiden struggled to contain his laughter.

"Really," the holder spoke, his voice muffled by the cigarette between his lips. "One of the sergeants of the Warlord himself, someone who led a contingent of militia soldiers under his command during the Long War after the fall of Harmony. You're acting all dramatic for a girl."

Deacon groaned in annoyance, the sound erupting from his chest as his only response.

It took Deacon another five minutes to regain his composure, rising to his feet and stealing glances at his phone to check for any response. "What a truly dirty message. Is this really what you send?" he questioned.

Aiden shrugged nonchalantly. "If they like it, they hit me back. If they don't, they don't."

"Would you send something like this to Suletta?" Deacon inquired, causing Aiden to wince. Once again, he shrugged his shoulders. "If it works, it works. From my experience, it works."

"You're horrible. No wonder all the girls call you a playboy," Deacon shot back.

However, he paused, studying Aiden intently as the young ace stared back at him. "So, you and Suletta," Deacon probed. "What's going on with that?"

Aiden stood silent for a moment, the cigarette now almost extinguished as he dropped it to the floor and crushed it under his boot, the sound sizzling against the concrete roof. He brushed back his wild strands of hair, gazing at Deacon with a pondering expression.

"Suletta," he uttered her name, and he was assaulted by a rush of images. Sun-kissed tanned skin, flowing crimson hair, and tempting red lips. He couldn't help but wonder what she tasted like...

Quickly shaking his head, he slapped his palm against his face. "You good, dude?" Deacon asked, concern etched in his voice.

"Deacon, I really need to talk to you," Aiden began, his voice filled with a sense of urgency. As he spoke, he delved deep, revealing the intricate details of his vision. There was no sugarcoating or romantic musings of a boy entranced by an unfathomable love that he had held onto for three long years. No, Aiden spoke like a soldier addressing his commanding officers, reminiscent of the days when he and Deacon fought side by side.

At the end of their conversation, Deacon found himself at a loss for words. When they had first spoken on that boat, there was a whirlwind of emotions and they both sought solace and comfort in Suletta's presence. She had become Aiden's savior, a love, a beacon of hope in a future that might never materialize. Deacon understood what it meant to cling to something so precious when there was so little left. He studied Aiden, standing tall and resolute, his gaze filled with determination. Aiden didn't have much, but Suletta Mercury represented hope, hope for something other than war or vengeance for a dead world.

Now, their minds were clear, devoid of melancholy, focused solely on the facts.

"Why didn't you tell me about this?" Deacon questioned, his voice tinged with a mix of confusion and concern.

Aiden let out a weary sigh, leaning back against the fence as he averted his gaze from Deacon. "I wanted you to understand why Suletta means so much to me. I wasn't thinking clearly, but now I remember the entirety of the vision. I mentioned the 'kiss of death' to you, but you didn't grasp the magnitude of it."

Deacon found himself at a loss for words. His gaze dropped to the cement, fixated on the dying embers of the crushed cigarette. Dying embers, Sons of Harmony. Yet, he turned away from that harsh reality.

Deacon and the rest of the Sons were aware of Aiden's visions. Most of them had been subjected to experiments and had evolved beyond the standard pilot. They stood taller, stronger, and more resilient. They were meant to be the next step in human and titan evolution, but the war came to an end far too soon. However, there were anomalies, individuals who underwent mutations as a result of the experiments... the druids. Aiden had experienced a near-death ordeal of immense power, and his vision depicted what he believed to be his own demise, with Suletta Mercury at its core.

"If I fall in love with Suletta," Aiden murmured, his gaze firm, allowing Deacon to witness the true depth of his eyes, one natural and one cybernetic, their dilation ever so slightly different. "She will be the death of me."

Deacon shook his head in disbelief. "How can you be so sure?" he questioned. "You know these visions are metaphorical to some extent. You even mentioned that it might not be a physical death, but rather the death of who you are."

Aiden nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders. "I care about Suletta, but death is still death," he spoke with an icy undertone. "I'm grateful for everything she has done for me, truly. She has given me strength on three separate occasions, and I will protect her. However, for now, I believe it would be unwise to get any closer to her."

His mind buzzed with the weight of Jack's words. Unsettling and undeniable, there was a truth buried within them. Suletta stood at the center, a swirling vortex that drew people in and cast them out. Since her arrival, they had grown in strength, dethroning the holder and reclaiming three powerful titans from a forgotten age.

"Suletta is a sweet girl," Deacon muttered, attempting to reassure Aiden. "I don't think she'll hurt you, and you've admitted before that you've been wrong. This could be..."

"Deacon," Aiden interjected, his voice laced with a mix of frustration and concern. "I understand that you care about both me and her, but this is too much."

He sighed, his gaze shifting, as if witnessing a kaleidoscope of colorful intensity. Aiden could remember that feeling, that vision etched into his mind. Within the sunset, her form cradling his battered body, his trembling hand brushing away her tears... as he succumbed to his demise within her embrace.

He winced at the memory. "Daniel told me exactly what you're telling me now, Deacon, and I won't make the same mistake again."

Aiden's words sliced through the air, cutting deep. Deacon studied Aiden, his thoughts swirling with confusion. Aiden, however, remained steadfast, wrapping his arms around himself. "There are billions of girls in the universe, beautiful women fill this campus. It won't be too hard to forget about Suletta."

While Aiden spoke those words to Deacon, Deacon couldn't help but feel they were more directed at Aiden himself. He sighed, rising to his feet, a pregnant silence enveloping the space between them. It was not an awkward silence, but rather a welcome respite.

Deacon was the first to break it. "Sure, forget about Suletta," he scoffed, waving his hand sarcastically. His eyes shifted to the expanse before them as the sun sank, painting the campus in a mesmerizing orange glow.

But then, Deacon turned back to Aiden. "You know what Oscar is up to?"

"Pregaming," Aiden shrugged, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "And I happen to know that he and a few House Harmony members are planning to mess with Jetturk House."

Deacon let out a heavy sigh. "I still don't understand why you and Jack decided to do that," he said, a touch of exasperation in his voice.

"Three strikes," Aiden held up three fingers. "We can mess with them three times, and they won't be able to do a damn thing. Seems fair, and hey, it's all in good fun."

"That's what worries me," Deacon groaned. "I just want all of this to end. I don't want someone to reignite something that should have been left in the past."

Aiden shrugged nonchalantly, but Deacon could sense a silent enjoyment in his demeanor. Aiden began to walk away, prompting Deacon to call after him. "Where are you going?"

Aiden waved dismissively as he continued on his path. "If what you're saying is true," he paused, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips. "I need to change back into my uniform. I'm done with Suletta, and this holder uniform is going to look damn sharp tonight."

Aiden's words lingered in the air as the door closed behind him. "Done with Suletta," Deacon repeated, a hint of skepticism in his voice. But despite his doubts, a chuckle escaped him. "Yeah, right," he muttered under his breath. Yet, beneath the surface, a glimmer of anticipation stirred within him.

As the buzzing of his pocket jolted him, Deacon's hands trembled as he fumbled for his notebook. With quivering fingers, he retrieved his phone, swiftly entering his code. And there it was, a message that brought a wave of relief crashing over him. "She's coming," he exclaimed, a wide smile spreading across his face. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a magical hue across the landscape, and Deacon couldn't help but feel that this party would be the greatest Harmony had ever witnessed.


Miorine was engrossed in the tranquility of the greenhouse, a faint smile adorning her face as she relished a rare moment to herself. The recent clash between House Harmony and House Jetturk had finally settled, bringing a welcomed calmness to the atmosphere. With mid-terms completed and Suletta slowly finding her place on campus, things seemed to be falling into a semblance of order. Miorine, always one for planning her next escape, couldn't help but feel a tension in the air on this particular day. Whispers of an extravagant party hosted by House Harmony filled the halls, a prospect she didn't particularly relish.

As she delicately clipped tomatoes, preparing them for dehydration to prolong their shelf life, the sound of a sudden thud caught her attention. She turned her head to find Suletta sprawled on the floor, rubbing her bruised forehead. Miorine let out a sigh and quickly made her way toward the fallen girl.

"Suletta," Miorine said with a tinge of exasperation. Abandoning the tomatoes, she approached Suletta, concern etching her features. "Are you alright?"

Another voice chimed in, belonging to a girl with black hair cascading down to her neck and piercing blue eyes. It was Nika, paying little heed to Miorine's greenhouse as she cautiously stepped inside, immediately connecting with Suletta. "Are you okay?" Nika asked, her worry palpable.

Suletta nodded slowly, her gaze shifting upward to meet Miorine's. She knew this was going to be a conversation of significance. "What do you want, Suletta?" Miorine inquired, her tone tinged with curiosity.

Suletta's expression fell, her teal eyes fixed on the metal grating of the greenhouse. "Are you okay?" Miorine pressed, her concern persisting.

Suletta nodded again, brushing off her knees as she straightened herself. "M-M-Miorine...," Suletta stumbled over the words, her nerves getting the best of her. "Sorry," she stammered. "Miorine, I was wondering if you would like to go to House Harmony's party with me?"

Miorine almost chuckled at the unexpected request, her hand instinctively moving to her lips. Nika let out a sigh, observing the interaction between the two. Miorine met Suletta's gaze, studying her carefully. "I didn't peg you as a partygoer," she remarked playfully.

Suletta shrugged her shoulders, her hands clasping over her chest as her feet shuffled nervously. "I've never been to a party," Suletta stammered, her words coming out in a rush. "B-b-but I want to go, not just to experience it, but to thank Aiden for defeating Guel. He...he...saved me from expulsion, and I need to express my gratitude."

Miorine regarded Suletta with a mix of concern and resignation, her voice calm and measured as she addressed her. "Suletta," Miorine's words flowed smoothly, punctuated by a sigh. "Are you absolutely certain you want to go to a House Harmony party?"

"Yeah, that's what I'm saying," Nika interjected, her voice filled with caution. "Suletta, this isn't your average birthday party. House Harmony parties can escalate quickly and get out of control."

However, Suletta shook her head, her determination shining through. "No," she asserted with an unwavering resolve. "I want to thank Aiden, and I can't... I can't find him anywhere. I told him I wanted to be friends, and now he's... I think he's..."

Suletta winced, her gaze dropping to the floor. "I want to thank him," she repeated stubbornly.

Miorine struggled to dissuade Suletta, her eyes shifting to Nika. "What are you doing here?" she inquired.

Nika shrugged her shoulders, her tone tinged with concern. "I've been trying to convince Suletta not to go," she explained. "She doesn't fully grasp that these kinds of parties can be unsafe, especially for someone who struggles with social interactions. She doesn't know any girls who would accompany her, and the guys she knows are from House Harmony. It's a risky situation."

Suletta winced at the remark, her hand nervously rubbing the back of her head. Miorine nodded in agreement. "You heard her, Suletta," she lectured. "You don't know anyone who would willingly join you. Let's just do this another time."

"No," Suletta retorted, her voice unwavering. "I want to thank him, and I meant what I said earlier."

Her teal eyes locked with Miorine's, a blend of determination and awkwardness shining through. Miorine glimpsed that resolve for a moment. "I want to try and make friends," Suletta declared.

Miorine sighed, her fingers running through her hair as she began tidying up her supplies. "Don't do it tonight, Suletta," she reiterated.

But before Suletta could respond, Nika chimed in. "I know Deacon and a few others, and they're not all bad. But even my house doesn't attend these parties."

"I've never been to a party before," Suletta confessed. "Attending one was on my list."

"List?" Miorine queried.

"Yeah, my list," Suletta explained, flipping through her notebook. "There are so many things on it, things I wanted to experience in a normal school setting." She raised her fingers as she spoke. "Making friends, having nicknames, and going to a party is one of them... even if I'm going to be nervous the whole time, I still want to see what it's like."

Nika shrugged, understanding the underlying thought process. "I get it, Suletta. But you might be envisioning a typical party, and this is far from normal. Even with my knowledge of the boys at House Harmony, their parties are way too wild. Not even Earth House attends."

Nika felt a subtle buzzing in her pocket, and she retrieved her notebook, tapping along the screen with a mix of curiosity and intrigue. But as her eyes scanned the message, her face flushed crimson, rendering her speechless. "Nika," Suletta murmured, turning to face her friend. Nika stood frozen, her cheeks burning red, her blue eyes widened with a hint of shock.

Suletta moved closer, peering over Nika's shoulder, her own features turning a deep shade of red as a sound of surprise escaped her lips. "That's... dirty," she uttered softly.

Miorine, though aware that she had no business prying into their private messages, couldn't resist the urge to see what had caused such reactions. She moved to Nika's side, glancing over her shoulder. A chuckle escaped her lips. "I didn't expect Deacon to have that in him," Miorine remarked.

Nika glanced at the message on her phone, then turned her head towards the direction of House Harmony. The distant lights beckoned, their allure impossible to ignore. The path leading there, once beaten and worn, now teemed with their peers dressed in casual attire, breaking away from their usual uniforms.

Nika let out a sigh, her gaze shifting to Suletta. "Okay, fine," she relented.

Suletta's eyes widened with gratitude as she grabbed Nika's hand, nearly prostrating herself in the process. "Thank you!" she exclaimed, pulling Nika into an embrace.

Nika's face remained flushed, and even Miorine could sense her friend's attempt to hide her embarrassment. Suletta turned to face Miorine, her excitement evident. "Are you coming too, Miorine?"

Miorine surveyed the greenhouse, then shifted her gaze to Nika and Suletta. "Will it just be the two of you?" she inquired.

Nika nodded, her face still tinged with a hint of red.

Miorine sighed at the thought. "Considering your intentions for the night, I have a feeling Suletta will be on her own for the majority of the time."

"Intentions?" Suletta repeated, her confusion apparent. Nika, however, hid her face, her hands shielding her features.

"I can't believe I'm considering this," Nika muttered to herself.

Suletta, still perplexed, turned back to Miorine. The ice princess wrapped her arms around herself, her cold gaze fixed on Suletta. She extended her hand, pointing directly at her. "Knowing you, Suletta, you'll probably spark another war between houses," Miorine sighed, shrugging her shoulders. "Looks like I'll have to come along to ensure you don't get into any more trouble."

Suletta's cheeks burned with embarrassment as Miorine let out a sigh, her smile masking a sense of amusement. Here they were, once again caught up in an unexpected adventure, and Miorine couldn't help but embrace it. Nika nodded, sensing Miorine's playful energy. "I'll go change, you both should to." she chimed in.

"Me?" both Suletta and Miorine exclaimed in unison.

"I'm good," Miorine brushed off the idea, dismissing any concerns about her own attire.

Suletta fidgeted with her uniform, her uncertainty evident. "I don't really have... cool clothes," she admitted with a shy smile.

"Don't worry about that," Miorine assured her. "I'll lend you something." She assessed Suletta's figure, contemplating her options.

However, Nika shook her head. "There's a rule that you can't wear uniforms unless it's for a special reason."

"That's a stupid rule," Miorine retorted, her eyes widening as a realization struck her. Her hand instinctively went to her forehead.

"Miorine, are you okay?" Suletta asked, concern lacing her voice.

"Yeah," Miorine replied, recovering quickly. "Just realizing that the boys of House Harmony are nothing but a bunch of perverts who want to see girls in cute outfits."

After discussing their plans, they agreed to meet back at Miorine's greenhouse in thirty minutes to get ready for the party. As the sun sank below the horizon, enveloping the academy in darkness, lanterns flickered to life along the pathways as students made their way toward House Harmony.

"Suletta, your hair is amazing," Nika commented, gently combing through Suletta's crimson locks. Suletta sat on the steps, her mother's headband held tightly in her hands.

"Thank you," Suletta stuttered in gratitude.

Miorine stood before them, assessing their outfits with a discerning eye.

Miorine herself donned a lightweight, off-shoulder blouse in a soft shade of lavender, adorned with intricate lace patterns that hinted at a touch of whimsy. The blouse perfectly complemented a pair of high-waisted jeans, hugging her figure in all the right places. Miorine's feet gracefully danced upon the dirt path, embraced by a pair of tan ankle boots, their supple leather etched with delicate floral motifs.

Against the backdrop of Miorine's stylish ensemble, Suletta radiated a certain ethereal beauty. Her tailored ivory blouse seemed to glow, elegantly tucked into a flowing maxi skirt adorned with vibrant hues of crimson, weaving an enchanting floral tapestry. Suletta's feet found solace in strappy sandals, their delicate earth-toned straps forming a harmonious connection with nature.

Nika, always the spirited one, sported an eclectic and playful ensemble. Her vibrant graphic tee burst with an explosion of colors, showcasing her artistic side. Paired effortlessly with distressed denim shorts, their frayed edges and well-placed rips hinting at a carefree spirit. Nika's feet bounded forward in a pair of vibrant sneakers, ready to embrace the night's festivities.

"Are you sure this is okay, Miorine?" Suletta called out, her voice tinged with uncertainty. Miorine eyed her curiously, not quite grasping the source of her concern. "I mean, all this stuff is really expensive, and I just..."

"Foolish girl," Miorine scolded, her tone laced with impatience. "I gave you these clothes for a reason. Just don't get them dirty," she snapped back, her words sharp and curt.

"Yes, ma'am," Suletta quickly responded, her voice filled with obedience.

Miorine scrutinized the way the clothing hugged Suletta's frame. "Is it too tight for you?" she asked, her annoyance still lingering in her voice.

Suletta shook her head, but paused, her hand instinctively going to her chest. "It's a bit snug around the chest area, but I can manage," she replied, mustering a smile.

"Of course it is," Miorine muttered, her annoyance seeping through her words.

Once Nika finished brushing Suletta's hair, her face still flushed with embarrassment, the three of them set off down the path. The hour was late, and the path ahead was relatively deserted, save for the growing sounds of the party drawing nearer.

As they walked, surrounded by the encroaching woods, Suletta became captivated by the untamed beauty of her surroundings. Her hair, now free from its ponytail, cascaded in loose locks as she tilted her gaze upward, marveling at the canopy of stars painted in shades of blue and purple.

"So beautiful," she murmured to herself.

"It truly is," Nika replied with a sigh, sharing in Suletta's awe.

However, their enchantment was abruptly interrupted by a rustling in the bushes, causing the girls to freeze in their tracks. Their eyes darted nervously, scanning the forest. "Is someone there?" Nika questioned, her voice tinged with unease.

Miorine let out a resigned sigh. "Let's keep walking and..."

But before she could finish her sentence, the rustling grew louder, and a figure emerged from the brush. The familiar silhouette drew the attention of the trio.

"Hello, Oscar," Suletta called out, waving in greeting.

"Hey," Oscar responded, pushing past the last of the foliage. He was dressed in casual attire, a buttoned-up dress shirt paired with blue jeans and sneakers. His fingers brushed away stray leaves and dirt from his clothes.

"What were you doing in the forest?" Miorine inquired, her tone laced with curiosity.

"Curious much?" Oscar retorted, a smirk playing on his lips. Miorine raised an eyebrow, annoyance flickering across her features as she shook her head.

"Forget I asked," she muttered.

"Nah, it's cool," Oscar chuckled, his smile widening. He glanced at the trio of girls. "So, you're all heading to the party?"

"All three of us," Suletta replied, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

Oscar chuckled to himself, his voice laced with a composed shock. "Really?" he spoke, his tone filled with disbelief. "You three never seemed like the partying type, but tonight is a real special night."

Suletta nodded, her agreement evident. "Don't get me wrong, I've always wanted to go to a party. There were no other people around my age at Mercury, but I also need to talk to Aiden," she explained earnestly.

Oscar raised an eyebrow, curious. "Is it important?" he inquired, his gaze fixed on Suletta.

She nodded, her hands instinctively going to her chest. "It is," she admitted, her cheeks reddening. "I really need to talk to Aiden."

"Oh, really?" Oscar leaned in closer, his brown eyes locking with her teal ones. "What is this, a confession of love?" he teased playfully.

Suletta's cheeks grew even redder, and she took a step back, her hands trembling. "No!" she quivered, her voice filled with nervousness. "It's not like that. He... I just really want to thank him. He saved me by winning against Guel."

Oscar's expression softened, and he turned his gaze down the path. He tilted his head to the side, considering. "Then, what are we waiting for?" he declared, a hint of excitement in his voice.

With Oscar leading the way, the four of them began to make their way down the pathway. Oscar's eyes sparkled with anticipation as Suletta and the others followed behind him. Suddenly, Nika spoke up. "So, are you excited?" she asked, breaking the silence.

Oscar shrugged nonchalantly. "I guess," he muttered. "Don't get me wrong. There will be drinks, drugs, and plenty of pretty girls on display tonight. But being the DJ, I have a responsibility to set the right vibe for everyone," he explained, puffing out his chest in mock seriousness. His words earned an annoyed glance from Miorine and a soft chuckle from Suletta.

"What's a... DJ?" Suletta stammered, her voice filled with curiosity and innocence.

"You don't know what a DJ is?" Oscar replied, genuine surprise in his voice. Suletta slowly shook her head.

Oscar looked at her with perplexity. "Really?" he spoke, his tone reflecting his astonishment. "Well, I've heard that you came from Mercury, and I never realized there were people living there. I always thought it was just a mining center or something," he confessed, waving his finger as he tried to explain further. "Basically, I make beats. I play music for people and know how to switch it up to make them really enjoy the moment," he explained with a smile, turning to Suletta and Miorine. "My job is to get all the pretty girls like you three onto the dance floor and make them go crazy."

"Go crazy?" Suletta repeated, her voice filled with both fascination and uncertainty.

"Yeah, you know, go wild on the dance floor. Dance and lose yourself to the music," Oscar elaborated. He observed Suletta closely. "I've never seen a girl from Mercury dance before. I bet it's wild," he chuckled.

Suletta's cheeks flushed even deeper, and she muttered to herself, "I don't know how to dance."

Oscar shrugged his shoulders, a carefree smile playing on his lips. "I don't really know how to dance either," he admitted, chuckling. "I just get so flabbergasted that I stop caring about what other people think."

Suletta gazed at Oscar, her curiosity piqued by his words. However, before she could inquire further, Miorine swiftly intervened. "Flabbergasted?" Miorine shook her head disapprovingly. "We all remember what you were like when you were flabbergasted," she retorted, her tone laced with warning. "Don't even think about it," she admonished Suletta.

"What?" Suletta murmured in defense. "I wasn't going to," she insisted.

"You boys from House Harmony are a real bad influence," Miorine remarked. Her words earned a nonchalant shrug from Oscar. "I didn't tell her to do anything, I was simply telling her about myself," he clarified.

Miorine rolled her eyes in exasperation. "All I've witnessed these past few days is recklessness, aggression, and a complete lack of concern for others. Aiden bears the mark of the Holder, and this is how you choose to conduct yourselves?" Miorine's disbelief was palpable. While she had her issues with the class system, there was a reputation to uphold. This was not how the boys of House Harmony should be behaving—indulging in drinking, smoking, and fooling around.

Once again, Oscar shrugged with an air of indifference, further aggravating Miorine. "Do you boys have no respect?" she lectured as they continued walking. Wrapping her arms around herself, she continued her impassioned speech. "Aiden may be talented, but he's far too aggressive. Jack's indifference speaks volumes. You're all either getting high or ogling girls. And as for Deacon, he may appear the most laid-back among you, but the fact that he suggested Aiden should seduce me speaks volumes about his character!"

Nika's eyes widened in shock. "What?" she exclaimed, her gaze narrowed as she turned to Miorine. "Deacon wouldn't do that!"

"Yes, he would," Miorine affirmed. "He said as much."

Nika shook her head, struggling to process the revelation. Meanwhile, Miorine shifted her gaze to Suletta. "Suletta was there the whole time," she pointed out.

"Fuck," Oscar mumbled to himself. He had long been aware of Deacon's feelings for Nika, but circumstances and his own fear of confessing always hindered their relationship. Yet, on the day Nika had considered attending one of their parties, this revelation came to light.

Suletta's eyes fixated on the ground, her steps becoming heavier under the weight of Miorine's penetrating gaze. Nika's expression turned sour, while Oscar grappled with the realization of what was unfolding.

Letting out a heavy sigh, Oscar spoke up. "Listen, you don't really know much about House Harmony and our situation," he began, his eyes locked on the path ahead as they drew closer to their destination. "You caught us at a difficult time within our house. We're not really like that."

Miorine scoffed in disbelief. "Really?" she retorted, her words dripping with venom. "From what I've seen, there's aggression, lust, laziness, and manipulation," she waved her hand dismissively. "If it weren't for Suletta's interference, Aiden would have inflicted even greater harm on Guel..."

"What's with this obsession over Aiden and Guel?" Oscar retorted, his voice tinged with frustration. Miorine averted her gaze, but Oscar pressed on. He abruptly halted his steps, causing the trio to pause as well. "Because I've heard how Guel was going on a rampage, and supposedly he was going to harm Suletta..."

"He wasn't going to," Miorine snapped back, her voice laced with defensiveness.

"Really?" Oscar challenged. "Because I'll keep repeating what Aiden and Deacon have been telling you...we don't know Guel. All Aiden saw was aggression emanating from him, and he put a stop to it. Don't try to tell me you cared about him like that."

Miorine's features contorted into a sour expression. "Don't delude yourself," she spat. "Guel was a mindless brute. Annoying, aggressive, and he had no concept of boundaries."

"Then why do you keep defending him?" Oscar shot back. "Sure, I know Aiden. I've known him for years, and I've fought alongside him. Yes, he can be aggressive, but it's always in response to enemies who have shown aggression first, or when they pose a threat to the people he cares about."

"You weren't there," Miorine retorted with a click of her lips. "Aiden tackled Guel, throwing him over his shoulder and onto the metal floor of my greenhouse!" Her words turned frigid and resentful. "He beat him, pinned him down, and beat him. If Suletta hadn't been there... I don't... I don't know what would have happened."

Miorine ran her fingers through her wild silver hair, her eyes fixed on the floor as she grunted out the words, her frustration palpable. These boys never listened!

"Do you think Aiden would have stopped?" she challenged.

A heavy silence hung in the air. Oscar's heart skipped a beat, his lips parting to respond, but he hesitated. Suletta looked at him, confusion glimmering in her eyes.

"Why is Suletta so important to Aiden?" Miorine's voice pierced the silence. She tightened her grip, narrowing her eyes at the young man. "I'm not a fool," she added, her tone carrying a chilling edge.

Oscar remained silent, his gaze drifting back to the faint lights of House Harmony in the distance. It slowly dawned on him that tagging along with Suletta, Miorine, and Nika had been a terrible idea. Perhaps they were simply enjoying their time together, and his presence had sparked something that could have been avoided.

Miorine threw her hands up in the air, a false smile playing on her lips as she pretended to search the sky for answers. Her steely glare sent a shiver down Oscar's spine.

"In relation to Suletta and Aiden, what I've witnessed is an unsettling combination of strangeness and possessiveness," she lectured, her voice dripping with disdain. "Suletta lacks the life experience and social skills to recognize the dangers posed by men like Aiden. Possessiveness and aggression are a dangerous combination," she snarled. "All I've seen from Aiden is his possessiveness over a girl who barely knows him, willing to harm anyone who even looks at her the wrong way."

Suletta's eyes widened, her hands clasped together as she averted their gazes, wincing at Miorine's harsh tone. Miorine turned to look at her, sighing in exasperation. "It doesn't help that Suletta herself has this fascination with House Harmony, and she thinks Aiden is cute," she spoke with annoyance lacing her voice.

Oscar shrugged, feeling the weight of the tense atmosphere as sweat coated his brow. "Shit," he muttered under his breath. "You... you really care about Suletta, you know, for a girl you don't seem to be friends with." He tried to inject a half-teasing, half-joking tone into his words, but Miorine wasn't in the mood for humor. Her gaze shifted back to Suletta as she scoffed. "My relationship with Suletta doesn't matter for me to worry about her well-being," she lectured, locking eyes with Oscar once again. "Now, you still haven't answered my question."

Oscar scratched the back of his head, still reeling from how quickly the conversation had taken a turn. He stuttered now, searching for the right words. "I... I don't know," he admitted truthfully. "Honestly, I don't."

Oscar had only intended to catch up with them, to chill and spend some time together after the duel. But now, everything had spiraled out of control.

"All I can say is that Deacon, Aiden, and the rest of us aren't usually like this," he spoke, his words directed at Suletta and Nika as he tried to salvage their relationships. "Maybe you should be asking them these questions."

Miorine sneered at his response. "I've encountered men like Aiden and Deacon before," she spat. "They believe that because they are strong and powerful, and because they have a way with words, they can do whatever they want." She huffed in frustration. "Reminds me of my father," she added bitterly.

Oscar sighed, shaking his head. "You're making a lot of judgments about us."

"Really?" Miorine exclaimed incredulously. "Aiden's violence, Jack's indifference, and don't even get me started on you. Our first interaction was you trying to sell Aiden to Suletta and flirting with us. And then you got high during a meeting that was meant to determine your house's fate!" She shouted her accusations.

"Okay," Oscar raised his hand in a gesture of surrender. "That's a different story. I didn't expect the weed to be that potent, and if I had known, I wouldn't have done it. Next time, I'll trust the dealer's judgment. But we of House Harmony have been dealing with our own shit these past few days."

His gaze shifted towards Nika, who had her blue eyes fixed on the floor, avoiding his gaze. Her dark black hair veiled her features as she wrapped her arms around herself. "Deacon is one of the best guys I know," Oscar spoke, drawing Nika's gaze to him. "He's a natural leader, charismatic, and charming. He has this smile that makes you feel understood. Deacon has saved my life countless times, and he's the one who found all of the Sons of Harmony and gave us a home. He taught us that we weren't just weapons of a dead world, but that we were people." He sighed, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

Then, he turned his gaze towards Suletta, who instinctively faced him. "I've known Aiden longer than Deacon, and I won't lie, I'm very biased towards my friends," he spoke honestly. "But I don't know why Aiden has decided to protect you so fiercely. He's never done this for any other girl, and the fact that you two have such little history between you is very strange. I won't lie to you, if it were anyone else but Aiden, I would tell you to run away."

Suletta paused, her mind still reeling from Miorine's words and her own assessment of the situation. It had been a rough week, and perhaps Oscar was right that this was just an off week for House Harmony. However, there was an underlying strangeness within the house that set them apart from the others at the school.

"However," Oscar pressed on, his voice filled with conviction. "Aiden is a good guy. Arrogant, insufferably so, but still a good friend and loyal companion. I'd die for him."

Those words caught Suletta's attention, and she turned to face Oscar. She searched his face, finding no trace of deception or falsehood. "I'd die for him," he repeated, emphasizing his unwavering belief in Aiden Winters.

Oscar ran his fingers across his features, sighing as the three girls stared at him, a mixture of confusion, strangeness, and hesitation in their eyes. "Please," he softly pleaded. "Just talk to Aiden and Deacon first before you make up your minds about us. I'm sure, I'm sure this is just a big misunderstanding. It's been a stressful week for all of us."

Oscar's plea hung in the air, and Suletta could sense a hint of reservation in their expressions. Maybe, just maybe, that would be enough. It would be up to Aiden and Deacon to determine how to handle the situation, to calm them down or convince them that they weren't the villains they seemed to be.

Oscar groaned inwardly. Of all the times for Suletta to come to House Harmony and speak to Aiden, why did it have to be during one of their wildest parties of the year? And Nika was here too. He let out a resigned sigh. "Rotten luck," he muttered under his breath.

"Come on," he said to the trio, their gazes returning to him. "You don't want to miss out on this, right?"

Suletta nodded, her determination resolute. "It doesn't matter," she stammered. "I'm going to House Harmony to thank Aiden, and then I'll decide what I plan to do."

With those words, they set off once again. The four of them continued along the path, the sounds of the party growing louder with each step. It reverberated in their ears, an alluring and pulsating beat that would define them. They were about to embark on an apex that would shake the very foundations of their relationships, where new paths would be forged and valuable lessons learned.