Fated to the Quadruplets

PROLOGUE

I knew I should just run away; I couldn't.

I was torn, wanting to believe it was all a nightmare and fighting with reality. It was becoming an act of major willpower not to scream at the top of my lungs, not to run into the burning flames.

My heart dipped towards my stomach, and it felt as if my entire world was crashing all around me. My body was exhausted and numb, except for the pain in my heart that was so fierce I was afraid to recognize it. But it wouldn't just go away. It grew stronger by the second. My mind was becoming even more coherent, savagely so, yelling at me.

She was strapped in that prison; she's dead!

I realised I was gripping my uniform and trying everything in me to deny it when I knew there was no way on earth she had survived. I was tired of crying. Goodness! I've cried my heart out, cried my guts out. If only tears could bring her back.

I raised my fist to the sky and cursed the moon goddess I did not believe in. Then I cursed myself, blaming myself, blaming myself for aiming too high.

In the chaos of the night, I was standing alone even though I was surrounded by the same people who've sworn to destroy me ever since I stepped foot in this damn school.

I vowed never to let them win.

How was I stupid enough to think they'd back down from their plans and accept me?

Four identical pairs of eyes watched me with so much hatred amidst the crowd. My heart slammed to a stop. I wasn't dreaming; they were there, in the middle of the crowd! And it took everything in me not to tremble under the heat of the four brothers' gazes.

Once upon a time, just like in every romance novel, I was the love of their life, and I couldn't just see how I'd live without them. It was the most beautiful thing I'd ever experienced. One of them taught me what it meant to trust completely.

To love.

The other showed me companionship like I'd never known in my life.

And the last... My gaze instantly settled on Ryan; my heart was tumbling. I knew it was hatred I saw in his eyes.

But now, all I know is the pain in my heart that wouldn't just go away.

You shouldn't be here, you shouldn't have accepted that scholarship. But be my guest and watch me crush you to the ground. That's what he said to me once. I was a fool for not believing him. It was a mistake I'd never make again.

They used me, and without hesitation, they tossed me aside like trash. Made me believe their stupid lies, but now I know better.

"I wonder what was going through your head thinking you'd ever be with someone like us," Raven smiled. I stopped. He was so close, and his eyes commanded that I stare at him. I looked at his mouth, sensually sculpted, parted slightly, and for a split second, I felt that forbidden desire that brought me to this very point. My damnation. "I knew the acting was good, but what made it easier was the fact that a slut like you was aiming so hard."

Slut? That was the first time he had ever called me that. It used to be 'princess' or 'my love,' but it took a few hours to destroy everything we shared. Every fucking thing he made me believe we shared.

My gaze shifted to Caspian immediately, and then I asked, "Do you also think of me as a slut?"

He stared.

When he did not respond, I grew hopeful. But that was not for long.

"No, I don't think of you as just a slut. I think of you as a lowlife. Cheap. Slut." He muttered out loud for everyone to hear, and instantly my breath caught in my throat, and I swiped at the tears rolling down my cheeks.

My eyes finally met Asher, standing right beside Raven with both arms crossed over his chest. He was wearing a plain shirt today, making his tattooed arms stand out like he’s a living, breathing work of art. But no! He was a deaf bastard! The most mischievous one at that.

I wondered for a moment if the matching tattoo we both had was also a part of the game. If he drew his with ink just to last long enough to have the effect he wanted. Just as always, he stood there and said nothing! Enjoying every bit of my pain.

Ryan took a few steps away from the crowd; I knew he wouldn't miss a chance to torment my soul, to curse me with more pain. When you get in a fight with Ryan, he makes sure to leave a scar on you, claiming his victory.

I didn't dare give away the fear that gripped my very soul when he came closer.

I went very still. Goddess, how would I ever survive this day? My heart was slamming too fast and too hard. I didn't like the feel of his body close to mine, not when I'd remember everything I'd done to that body. He came so close to my ear and whispered, "I told you, you don't belong here; now look at you."

"Go to hell!" I growled at him.

"I doubt I will, not when you're not coming with me."

"Now listen to me and listen real good. Run! Run as far as your legs can carry you, because the next time I set my eyes on you, that will be the last!" He groaned, and instantly I flinched backward.

I was weak; I couldn't do this anymore. I wiped my eyes with a bare, salt arm. I inhaled, exhaled. I looked at the four of them, at the moon, anywhere but not at the now glowing skeleton of the prison where she lay dead.

Finally, I looked at the prison again; tears quickly blurred my vision. And then I turned back to the four brothers. "Are... Are you guys also aware of this?" I finally asked the one question that had been in my heart, but I was so scared to know the answer.

"I'd say we aren't, Evelyn." He continued out loud for everyone present to hear, "but it's not in my reputation to lie."

No, he doesn't. Or maybe now he does.

"The clock is ticking, Evelyn. Run!" he said softly, even though his eyes were burning with fury.

I turned away from everyone. Slowly I began walking away from Kyreosis prep. Behind me, in her death throes, the prison began to collapse. I did not look back.

To hell with the Devilari. Fuck every spoiled kid in this school who's only here because of the power and influence of their parents. And fuck Kyreosis prep's hierarchy.

Today, they've made the worst mistake of their lives, one that will cost them so much.

I will be back.

I will make them feel just as much pain as they made me feel. I'll play them for fools the exact way they did to me and stand by and watch them wallow in pain and misery.

It was the only thing I could think of as I walked slowly, and with how clearly their faces had been ingrained in my mind, I was certain that I would never forget their faces until I had made them twist in agony just as they made me do today.

"The Blackwood brothers will beg for my mercy!"