Ruthless Kings of Obsession (Leighton Royals University #3)

38. Trouble In Microscopic Paradise

Trouble In Microscopic Paradise

~ G EMINI~

"These decorations are fucking ridiculous," Sia mutters, glaring at the elaborate Christmas display adorning the private study room we've claimed. Tinsel and twinkling lights reflect in the floor-to-ceiling windows, making everything feel almost magical despite her scowl.

Ishya rolls her eyes, though her usual perfect posture seems slightly strained. "At least they're festive. My Lords won't even acknowledge the holidays exist."

I study them both from my perch on one of the overstuffed armchairs, noting the subtle changes since our fight club days. Sia looks sharper somehow, like recent events have filed her edges to dangerous points. And Ishya... something about her seems more haunted, though she tries to hide it behind careful smiles.

"Speaking of Lords," I begin carefully, watching their reactions. "How are yours handling everything?"

Sia's laugh holds no humor. "You mean besides being complete psychopaths with mood swings that could give bipolar disorder a run for its money? Just peachy."

"At least yours show emotion," Ishya counters, her accent more pronounced with fatigue. "Mine just... watch. Always watching, never intervening unless it benefits them directly."

The bitterness in her tone makes something in my chest ache. Because I know, despite everything complicated about my situation, how lucky I am to have Kings who actually care.

"They've been distracted lately though," Sia adds, something careful entering her tone. "All of them. Even the ones who usually micromanage every breath we take."

"Distracted?" I lean forward slightly, interest piqued. "By what?"

The two Maidens exchange a loaded look before Ishya speaks: "Strange things have been happening. Health issues that don't make sense. Students getting sick with symptoms that don't follow normal patterns."

"Like what happened to Scarlett," I say softly, remembering that particular revelation.

"Exactly." Sia's expression turns grimmer. "But it's not just cancer. It's... everything. Seizures in people with no history of them. Organ failure in perfectly healthy athletes. Blood disorders appearing overnight."

A chill runs down my spine as I process this. "And it's happening across all three universities?"

"All of them," Ishya confirms. "But the patterns are different. Like whoever's doing this is... experimenting. Testing different methods on different populations."

"Scarlett said something about that," I say carefully, watching their reactions. "About being given her condition as punishment for failing to do something with Domino."

Another loaded look passes between them before Sia speaks: "She's not the only one. There are whispers about others who failed certain... assignments. Who didn't follow through on specific tasks."

"What kind of tasks?"

"The kind that usually end in death," Ishya says quietly. "But apparently that's too merciful now. Too quick. This new method..." she trails off, shuddering slightly.

"They make you watch," Sia picks up where Ishya left off. "Watch someone you care about waste away, knowing it's your fault. Knowing you could have prevented it if you'd just followed orders."

The implications make my blood run cold. Because this isn't just about power anymore – this is about psychological warfare on a level I hadn't considered possible.

"But who has that kind of capability?" I ask, though part of me already knows the answer. "Who could develop something like that?"

"The Blind One," they say simultaneously, then look at each other in surprise.

"You know about him?" Ishya asks Sia, who nods grimly.

"My Lords mentioned him. Said he's behind most of the new 'punishment protocols' being implemented."

I think about what Hannah told me, about deals and prices and collection dates. About Domino's growing fear as whatever deadline he faces approaches.

"What exactly do you know about him?" I press, watching them carefully. "About what he's capable of?"

Sia shifts uncomfortably. "Not much. Just that he's somehow connected to all three universities. That he can create diseases tailored to specific individuals. That his prices are always steeper than anyone expects."

"And that he always collects," Ishya adds softly. "Always. Even if it takes years, even if you think you've escaped – he finds a way to make you pay whatever you owe."

The weight of their words settles over us like a physical thing, making the festive decorations seem almost mocking in their cheerfulness. Because how do you celebrate holidays when there's something this dark spreading through your world?

"There's more though," Sia continues after a moment. "The timing of all this... it's not random. All these new cases, all these 'experiments' – they're building to something."

"The event after New Year's," I say, understanding dawning. "That's why everyone's so insistent it happens, even with all this chaos."

Ishya nods slowly. "It's like... a demonstration maybe? A way to show what happens to those who don't fall in line with whatever new order is being established."

"Or a way to gather all the players in one place," Sia suggests darkly. "To make some kind of point we probably won't enjoy learning."

I think about my Kings – about Matteo's careful planning, Zander's increased surveillance, Ares's public facade hiding deeper concerns. Marcus has been stuck at the lab day and night, saying he’s been trying to find a way to slow the progression of Scarlett’s Cancer which despite treatment has moved onto stage III. Then there’s Ren being called in by his Dad to help because there’s been such a spike in crime that the police department is overwhelmed. I try not to think about it because despite assassins and police work being so similar in very instances, I feel Ren’s at greater risk of getting hurt as an officer then as me slaying criminals as an assassin.

Even Domino seems more haunted lately, like he's counting down to something inevitable.

"We need to be ready," I say finally, meeting both their gazes. "Whatever's coming... we need to be prepared."

"How do you prepare for something like this?" Ishya asks, real fear creeping into her voice. "How do you fight an enemy who can literally design diseases to destroy you?"

"We work together," I say firmly, surprising all of us with my conviction. "No more playing by their rules, no more accepting these twisted games as normal." I lean forward, mind already racing with possibilities. "The real question is confirming the verdict and how we can contradict whatever this is. Obviously, bringing it up to the heads of each University could help?"

Sia's laugh carries no humor. "And tell them what exactly? That someone's weaponizing disease for fun and profit?"

"We'd need proof," Ishya adds, her accent thickening with frustration. "Real patterns, documented evidence that everything is connected. Right now all we have are whispers and coincidences."

The sound of the door opening makes us all tense, but it's Hannah who steps through – and the sight of her makes me do a double-take. She's wearing the Leighton University uniform, the sight so jarring I have to blink several times to make sure I'm not hallucinating.

"Hannah?" I straighten slightly, concern immediate. "Is something wrong?"

She closes the door with her usual silent efficiency, though something in her posture seems more alert than usual. "Negative, Miss Prescott. The uniform was necessary for blending in during certain investigations."

Sia and Ishya exchange loaded looks, clearly uncertain about discussing sensitive matters in front of someone they don't know. But Hannah, ever observant, catches their hesitation.

"This room has already been secured," she states matter-of-factly. "All surveillance equipment has been disabled, white noise generators are active, and I've implemented additional countermeasures to ensure nothing discussed here leaves these walls." Her lips twitch slightly. "I took the liberty of arranging this when I learned which study room you'd reserved."

A smile tugs at my lips despite the gravity of our situation. "Always three steps ahead, aren't you?"

"At minimum," she agrees mildly. "Though recent events have required increased vigilance."

"Sit," I gesture to the empty chair beside me. "Tell us what you've found."

Hannah takes the offered seat with her usual grace, though I catch the slight tension in her shoulders that suggests whatever she's discovered isn't good.

"There has been a statistically significant increase in reported illnesses across all three universities," she begins, her tone clinically detached though her eyes carry real concern. "Student attendance has dropped by approximately fifty percent in the past month alone."

"Fifty percent?" Sia whistles low. "That's fucking insane."

"They'll blame it on the holidays," Ishya mutters, running a hand through her hair. "Say everyone's just taking off early for break."

"Correct," Hannah confirms. "The official stance is that the approaching holiday season has prompted many students to depart campus earlier than usual. However," her expression grows more serious, "the medical records tell a different story."

"What kind of story?" I ask, though something cold settles in my stomach at her tone.

"One of systematic targeting," Hannah says carefully. "The patterns suggest calculated distribution rather than natural disease progression. Different dormitories experiencing different symptoms, specific social groups being affected while others remain untouched."

"Like test groups," Sia realizes, horror dawning in her expression. "They're using different populations to test different... products."

Hannah nods once, sharp and precise. "The evidence suggests multiple concurrent trials, each targeting specific demographics with unique pathological agents."

"In English?" Ishya requests, though her pallor suggests she already understands more than she wants to.

"They're testing different poisons on different groups," I translate grimly. "Seeing which ones work best on which populations."

"But why?" Sia demands, genuine anger coloring her tone. "What's the fucking point of all this?"

"Control," Hannah answers simply. "Fear is an excellent motivator, but the threat of watching loved ones suffer slow, painful deaths?" She shakes her head slightly. "That's an entirely different level of psychological warfare."

The clinical way she describes it somehow makes it worse. Because this isn't just violence or power plays anymore – this is calculated cruelty on an institutional scale.

"The timing can't be coincidental," I say, watching Hannah carefully. "With the event coming up after New Year's..."

"Indeed." Hannah's expression gives nothing away, but something in her tone suggests deeper concerns. "The current hypothesis is that these incidents are meant to demonstrate capabilities. To show exactly what kind of consequences await those who fail to comply with whatever new regime is being established."

"Like Scarlett," Ishya says quietly. "Making an example of her for failing their task."

"Precisely." Hannah reaches into her bag, pulling out what looks like a tablet. "Though Ms. Barbieri's case appears to be merely a prototype. The new variations are far more... sophisticated."

"Sophisticated how?" I ask, though part of me doesn't want to know.

"The latest cases show evidence of highly targeted delivery systems. Diseases that affect specific genetic markers, that can be activated or deactivated at will." Hannah's fingers move across the tablet's screen with practiced efficiency. "Some victims appear to be experiencing symptoms that shouldn't be possible according to current medical understanding."

"What do you mean?" Sia leans forward, tension evident in every line of her body.

"Cellular degeneration that occurs in patterns rather than random deterioration. Organ failure that follows precise timetables. Blood disorders that manifest in mathematically perfect progressions." Hannah looks up from her tablet, real concern breaking through her professional mask. "These aren't natural diseases – they're engineered weapons."

The implications of that hit like physical blows. Because if someone can create diseases this precise, this controlled...

"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..."

"After that, we start holiday festivities early," Sia concludes, something like relief crossing her features. "Take advantage of the break to figure out what the fuck is really going on."

"And when the new year comes," I add, meeting each of their gazes, "we hit the ground running. No more reactive measures – we need to get ahead of whatever's being planned."

Hannah's expression shows subtle approval. "A reasonable approach. Though I must stress the importance of extreme caution. The Blind One's reach appears to extend further than initially estimated."

"How exactly do we stay safe though?" Ishya asks, real concern in her voice. "If he can engineer diseases specifically targeted to individuals..."

"We maintain distance from potential exposure vectors," Hannah states practically. "Avoid common areas, minimize contact with unknown substances, ensure all food and drink comes from verified sources."

"Basically paranoia as a lifestyle choice," Sia mutters, though she doesn't actually disagree.

"Prudent caution," Hannah corrects mildly. "There's a difference between paranoia and appropriate protective measures."

I think about all the security features in our new home, all the careful protocols Hannah's implemented. How what once seemed excessive now feels barely adequate.

"What about the event after New Year's?" I ask, watching Hannah carefully. "We can't exactly skip that."

"No," she agrees, something dark flickering in her expression. "That will require... special preparations. But we have time to develop appropriate countermeasures."

The Christmas lights continue their cheerful twinkling, making everything feel slightly surreal. Here we are, three Maidens and a security expert, planning how to avoid being used as test subjects in some twisted medical experiment. All while holiday music plays faintly in the distance and tinsel catches light like captured stars.

"So we're agreed?" I look at each of them in turn. "We finish this week's obligations, then go dark until after Christmas?"

Sia nods slowly, real concern breaking through her usual sharp edges. "Yeah. Much as I hate running from anything, this isn't a fight we can win with normal methods."

"And it gives us time to gather information," Ishya adds, her accent thickening slightly with stress. "To understand what we're really dealing with."

"Speaking of information," Hannah interjects smoothly, "I'll need detailed lists of anyone who's shown unusual symptoms. Patterns only become clear with sufficient data points."

We spend the next few minutes sharing everything we've noticed – which students have gotten sick, what kinds of symptoms they've displayed, how quickly things progressed. Hannah takes notes with mechanical precision, her expression growing more concerned with each detail.

"This will help," she says finally, tucking her tablet away. "Though I strongly recommend you all leave campus as soon as possible. The pattern suggests escalation is imminent."

"Meaning?" Sia prompts, tension evident in her posture.

"Meaning whoever is conducting these trials appears to be moving into more aggressive testing phases." Hannah's voice carries careful warning. "The holiday break provides perfect cover for more... extreme experiments."

The implications of that settle over us like a physical weight. Because this isn't just about avoiding classes anymore – this is about potentially saving our own lives.

"I'll make arrangements for increased security at all your residences," Hannah continues, already typing on her phone. "Though I suggest varying your routines and locations as much as possible."

"Running and hiding," Sia mutters, though there's real fear beneath her bravado. "Some fucking holiday this is going to be."

"Better alive and hiding than dead from some engineered plague," Ishya points out grimly. "At least we have somewhere safe to go."

I think about our mansion, about all my Kings under one roof, about Hannah's careful protocols and endless contingency plans. "You're both welcome to visit," I offer suddenly, surprising everyone including myself. "If you need somewhere secure..."

Hannah's expression shows subtle approval, though she adds, "After appropriate screening protocols, of course."

"Of course," I agree, managing a small smile despite everything. "Can't have any mysterious illnesses ruining Christmas dinner."

"Speaking of which," Hannah rises smoothly, checking her watch, "we should conclude this meeting. The longer we linger, the more attention we risk drawing."

We all stand, the weight of everything we've discussed settling around us like heavy cloaks. But as we gather our things, I catch something else in their expressions – determination maybe, or carefully contained fury.

Because whoever's behind this, whatever their ultimate goal – they've made a serious mistake in targeting our world this way.

They might have diseases and poisons and carefully engineered plagues. But we have something potentially more dangerous:

Three Maidens with nothing left to lose, and everything to protect.

The Blind One might think he's demonstrating his power, proving his control over life and death itself. But he's forgotten something crucial about the women in our world:

We're really good at turning men's weapons against them.

Even if those weapons are microscopic.