Chapter 4– Game night or judgment day

Lyra

Could he have found out?

Could Nick have told the police?

Was this it? The end?

My stomach twisted violently. I clutched my bag tighter, fingers trembling as panic crawled up my throat. All I could think about was that damn watch hiding in the side pocket like it was taunting me.

“Let’s go meet them,” Mirae said, yanking me to my feet.

I couldn’t move. My legs had gone numb. “I… I can’t.”

“They asked to speak to everyone in the room.” Her grip tightened. “Come on, Lyra. Just breathe.”

Easy for her to say.

My chest was tight. The air felt thinner. I didn’t have money for a lawyer, if those police outside are here for me.

As she opened the door, my heart pounded so hard it echoed in my ears.

Three officers stood in the hallway. Uniforms sharp, expressions unreadable. One had a notepad. Another held something in his hand.

I nearly dropped to the floor.

“Good evening, ladies,” one said with a polite nod. “We’re here because we’re conducting a search.”

Search?

My heart stopped.

“And… what are you searching for?” Mirae asked, arms crossed, trying to sound brave.

“This.” The man stepped forward, raising a photo.

I braced myself. This was it. The moment they pulled out an image of the watch, and everything would be over—

But it wasn’t a watch.

It was… a creature.

“What’s this?” Mirae asked, her nose scrunched.

“It’s not a what, it’s a who,” the officer said gravely. “That’s a wolf. Not a regular one. It’s been spotted in the area recently. We’ve had multiple reported attacks. Three deaths so far. All at night.”

A chill slithered down my spine.

“Deaths?” I whispered, voice cracking.

He nodded. “We’ve spoken to your dorm master. From now on, curfew is at 8 PM sharp. Don’t leave your rooms after dark. This thing’s not afraid of people.”

“We understand,” Mirae said quickly, tugging me into a nod.

The officers gave us one last warning look and walked off.

The door clicked shut behind them.

I exhaled like I hadn’t breathed in hours, pressing a hand to my chest.

“It’s not the watch,” I murmured. “Thank God.”

Mirae wrapped her arms around me. Her voice was small. “I’m scared.”

I tried to smile, even though my hands were still shaking. “Don’t be. I’ll fight it off if it shows up.”

She laughed weakly, then straightened. “It’s almost time. Let’s get ready!”

I nodded, though my heart still felt heavy.

In the shower, the steam did nothing to relax me. I let the water run over my skin as guilt settled deeper in my gut. That stupid watch. I had to give it back. I would. Somehow.

After getting dressed, Mirae worked her magic like always. She curled my dark brown hair, giving it bounce and volume, and added a soft shimmer to my skin. The girl was a miracle worker.

I wore baby blue jeans that hugged my hips perfectly and a white ribbed crop top. Paired with fresh white sneakers, I actually looked… good. Confident.

Mirae wore a plaid mini skirt with a long-sleeved black crop top. Her hair was up in two playful buns, and her red lips popped.

We looked like we belonged in a K-drama.

“You ready to make Jay eat his heart out?” she grinned, grabbing her phone.

I gave her a crooked smile. “Let’s go.”

We left the girls’ hostel together, walking down the path toward the arena. Music and chatter filled the air. Everything looked alive.

Then we heard it.

Screams. Cheers. From ahead.

I looked up and—

There he was.

Nick.

Dressed in full hockey gear, jersey clinging to his broad chest, helmet in one hand, stick slung casually over his shoulder. His teammates surrounded him, walking with swagger, like kings heading into battle.

The crowd erupted around him. Girls screamed his name like he was a rock star.

Mirae actually jumped. “Oh my God! He’s so hot I might pass out.”

I panicked.

I quickly let my hair fall across my face, hoping he wouldn’t recognize me. My fingers tugged it down like a curtain.

But he saw me.

He should’ve been happy I was ignoring him. So why did he stop?

Our eyes met for half a second, just long enough for something to pass between us.

Then… nothing. He turned and walked past me. Just like that. No smile. No words.

But as he moved by, he winked at Mira, not me. Like I didn’t exist. Why did that sting?

She let out a gasp and clutched my arm like she was about to faint. “Did you see that? He winked at me!”

My heart sank. I wasn’t sure why I expected anything different.

“Let’s go inside,” she said, dragging me toward the arena.

We made our way to the front row, yes, front row, right next to the glass. Everyone else was already seated, buzzing with energy.

“You’ve got this,” Mirae whispered, pushing me ahead. “Head high, girl.”

I walked slowly, aware of every stare, every whisper. I could feel Jay watching me. He sat four rows behind, jaw clenched, eyes trailing me like I was a ghost he hadn’t expected to see again.

Good.

Let him choke on regret.

And Rixa?

She was on the field in a tiny cheerleading outfit, throwing dagger-like glances our way.

I smiled.

Let her watch too.

“I told you this would work!” Mirae grinned proudly and held up a huge sign she’d made, written in bold black ink:

“We love you, Nick!”

I stared at the sign in Mirae’s hands, then looked out at the ice where Nick stood, helmet on, focused.

The lights dimmed.

The crowd roared.

They were playing Cleveland College. The whole place buzzed. And Nick, he moved like he had superpowers.

Fast. Sharp. In control.

Every time I looked away, my gaze snapped back to him. And the strangest part? He was already watching me. Every single time.

What was this?

He glided across the rink like he owned it, and when he scored that first goal, the place went insane. People jumped and screamed. Mirae hugged me like we’d just won the lottery.

I didn’t react.

I was too focused on him.

Halftime came. The second half started with more aggression. The other team fought hard. Bodies clashed. Tempers rose. But then, Nick broke through and scored again.

Game over.

We won.

He stood still, lifting his stick. The team swarmed around him, but he didn’t celebrate. He just stared at me. Like I was the only one in that arena.

That’s when I panicked.

“Let’s leave now,” I whispered, tugging on Mirae’s arm.

She frowned. “What? Why?”

“I don’t know. I just… I don’t feel good. He keeps looking at me.”

“Maybe ‘cause you look fire tonight,” she said with a wink.

I wasn’t joking.

I was genuinely uncomfortable.

“You can stay,” a voice cut in.

We turned.

Nick.

He walked toward us, hair damp, a few strands falling over his forehead. He pushed them back with one hand, eyes steady on me. He was still in his gear, jersey clinging to his chest, gloves off, helmet in one hand.

“I’m inviting you both to the after-party,” he said simply.

The crowd cheered behind him. But all I could hear was my heart racing.

What game is he playing?