Page 120 of Ruthless Kings of Obsession

"They could target anyone," Ishya whispers, voicing what we're all thinking. "Make it look like natural causes but actually be executing carefully planned eliminations."

"A new way to remove obstacles," Sia adds grimly. "No messy assassinations, no obvious violence – just mysterious illnesses that can't be traced back to anyone."

"And now they're showing off their capabilities," I conclude, feeling sick. "Using students as guinea pigs to demonstrate exactly what they can do to anyone who steps out of line."

Hannah nods once, sharp and precise. "The psychological impact appears to be the primary objective. Creating an atmosphere of constant uncertainty, of never knowing if you or your loved ones might be next."

"But who has this kind of technology?" Ishya asks, though her expression suggests she already knows. "Who could develop something like this?"

"The Blind One," I say softly, watching Hannah for confirmation. "This is his work, isn't it?"

"All evidence points in that direction," Hannah agrees carefully. "Though proving direct connection has proven... challenging."

"Because he doesn't leave traces," Sia mutters. "Works through proxies and middlemen so nothing can be tied back to him directly."

"Precisely." Hannah's fingers move across her tablet again. "However, certain patterns have emerged that suggest a larger strategy at play. These aren't random acts of cruelty – they're calculated moves in a much bigger game."

"A game we're all pieces in," I say, remembering Hannah's earlier warnings about deals and collections. "Whether we want to be or not."

The Christmas lights continue to twinkle mockingly around us, their cheerful glow a stark contrast to the darkness we're discussing. Because how do you celebrate holidays knowing there's something this sinister spreading through your world?

"So what do we do?" Ishya asks finally, real fear creeping into her voice. "How do we fight something like this?"

I look at Hannah, seeing the same question in her carefully neutral expression. Because this isn't just about power anymore – this is about survival in a world where getting sick might not be an accident.

Where every cough, every fever, every unexplained symptom could be a death sentence designed specifically for you.

"For now," Hannah says carefully, her expression more serious than I've ever seen it, "we need to maintain a low profile.Any wrong move could make you targets for whatever's being tested."

"So we just hide?" Sia challenges, though her usual fire seems dampened by everything we've learned. "Let them keep experimenting on people?"

"Not hide," Hannah corrects mildly. "Strategic withdrawal. If you have sufficient credits and absence allowances, I strongly recommend minimizing your presence on campus for the immediate future."

"That's ridiculous," Ishya protests immediately. "We can't just stop attending classes because?—"

"Because someone might decide to use you as test subjects?" Hannah cuts in, her tone carrying unusual sharpness. "Because you're all vital pieces in a very delicate balance?"

I study her carefully, noting the tension she usually hides so well. "What do you mean?"

"You three are keystones," she explains, gesturing to each of us. "The stability of your Kings, your Lords, your Heirs – it depends largely on your presence and well-being." Her eyes find mine specifically. "Consider what would happen if you fell ill, Miss Prescott. How your Kings would react to watching you suffer a slow, calculated decline."

The image hits harder than expected – my Kings watching helplessly as some engineered disease consumes me. The thought of their powerlessness, their fury, their desperation...

"Domino would lose his mind," I whisper, understanding dawning. "He'd either blame himself completely or?—"

"Go on a rampage that would destabilize everything we've worked to maintain," Hannah finishes smoothly. "Precisely the kind of chaos certain parties might be hoping to provoke."

"She's right," Sia admits grudgingly. "My Lords are barely holding it together as it is. If something happened to me..."

"And mine would probably just watch," Ishya adds bitterly. "Then use my suffering as leverage for whatever games they're playing."

Hannah nods once, sharp and precise. "Which is why temporary withdrawal is the most logical course of action. I'll speak with Mr. Wright, as he's the only one with sufficient medical knowledge to potentially unravel what's being done. But until we have better understanding of the situation?—"

"We stay away," I finish, hating how much sense it makes. "Keep ourselves safe so our men don't spiral completely."

"Christmas is only a week away," Hannah reminds us. "You're not technically required to attend any more classes this term. The timing provides perfect cover for an early departure."

Ishya shifts slightly, something occurring to her. "The Kings have their final hockey practice tomorrow," she says thoughtfully. "But after that..."

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