Chapter 6: The Invitation

They had just started their journey to the girls’ quarters. After washing up and changing into fresh clothes, the trio moved in silence at first—though not for long.

“I still don’t think this is a good idea!” Bray whined, hands buried deep in his pockets.

“I don’t think it is either,” Alexander admitted, “but we need allies.”

“And the girls make perfect allies if we ever need information,” he added firmly.

Bray groaned, pointing accusingly at Jamie. “If anything happens, you’re to blame!”

“Me?” Jamie’s voice cracked.

“Yes, you! You could’ve just said you’d think about it”

“He did nothing wrong,” Alexander cut in, tired of the bickering.

“We’re all gonna die because he likes that girl!” Bray snapped.

“Her name is Lora!” Jamie protested.

“See? They’re already exchanging names!” Bray mocked, his tone dripping with exaggeration.

“I have a girlfriend!” Jamie cried out.

“So?”

“I couldn’t cheat on her, even if this isn’t our world!” His voice softened with conviction, but the silence that followed only made his words feel heavier.

Bray smirked after a long pause. “The era of the quiet Jamie has ended!” He mimicked Jamie’s tone mockingly. “Well, fine—I’ll keep my mouth shut. Leave all the talking to you and Alex.”

“Agreed,” Alexander muttered.

Behind them, the shambles of Greg’s residence were still visible, the top bedroom window slightly ajar. From there, a tall figure stood watching. Greg, freshly bathed and dressed in clean clothes, his hair gleaming, narrowed his eyes at the trio disappearing into the distance.

But he wasn’t alone. A tall, muscular girl leaned against the wall behind him—skin dark, body powerful, short black hair streaked with yellow highlights. She radiated strength, her stance saying more than words ever could.

“Do you trust those girls?” she asked, arms crossing, her muscles flexing.

“No. I don’t,” Greg said flatly.

The girl scoffed, throwing herself onto his bed. “So you’re not going to do anything? Classic Greg.”

“If I help them now, they’ll never reach their full potential,” he replied, eyes still on the window.

“That’s your excuse? Running away again?”

“Say what you want,” Greg muttered, turning his back. “I’ve already made up my mind.”

“You know the Captain won’t be happy with this,” she warned.

“They won’t die. They can handle themselves,” Greg said coldly.

The girl studied him in silence, her jaw tightening. “I just hope you’re right.”

“I am,” Greg whispered. “I always am.”

—

Ten minutes later

The trio reached the girls’ residence. A white fence loomed ahead, a strange crest of a red love symbol painted across its mantle. Two white-painted houses stood inside, curtains drawn low. The air was thick with the sweet scent of food—it was warm, welcoming, and yet… unsettling.

“Jamie, what the heck are we walking into?” Bray hissed, staring at the symbol like it was a trap.

Jamie didn’t answer. His eyes were wide, his chest tight. He could only hear his own heartbeat pounding like a war drum.

“Act like a grown-up, will you?” Alexander muttered, pushing his glasses higher.

“Let’s just… focus on what we came here for,” Jamie said, though his voice trembled.

He pressed the bell icon on the gate.

Ding-dong.

“Coming!” a voice echoed from the speaker. The three of them stiffened—it was the same kind of device their own house had, though they had never use it.

The gate clicked open. Lora emerged, smiling warmly.

“Welcome!” she called, her tone disarming.

As the fence swung aside automatically, Jamie smiled. “What a beautiful place you have.”

“Thanks,” she replied. “Come inside—the others are waiting.”

Inside, the house mirrored their own. Same couch, same dining room, same stairs. The only difference: the portraits on the walls. Five figures appeared in every frame, their faces sharp and real. How they had taken the pictures was a mystery.

“Welcome to our house,” said another girl, older, with delicate Chinese features.

“Thanks for the warm welcome,” Alexander replied.

“No need,” the girl said curtly.

“Introduce us already,” a muscular girl on the couch interjected, her arms draped lazily but her eyes sharp.

“Forgive my manners,” the first girl said. “I’m Emily, and this is Charlotte.”

“Welcome. Shall we eat?” Emily added quickly, though unease edged her tone.

Charlotte smirked. “Manners, Emily. Don’t embarrass yourself in front of our guests.”

“Don’t worry about us,” Jamie said nervously, scratching the back of his head, forcing a weak laugh.

“Ever since coming here, I haven’t had a decent meal,” Charlotte said, filling her voice with challenge.

“Let’s just have dinner,” Emily cut in.

The group moved swiftly to the dining table—except Jamie. Lora’s hand caught his wrist, holding him back.

He froze.

“Ahm… guys!” she stammered, cheeks flushed. The entire table turned, eyes heavy with curiosity. Jamie stood stiff as a board, his body screaming to flee.

“We’ll be upstairs,” she blurted, pulling him closer.

The room went still. Charlotte raised a brow, smirked, and popped a chunk of meat into her mouth.

“Have fun,” she said carelessly, chewing loudly.

Jamie’s eyes widened. His friends’ gazes crossed his, desperate and shocked.

“Help me,” he mouthed weakly, but it was too late—Lora was already dragging him up the stairs.

—

Upstairs

Her room was immaculate. Pink blankets matched the walls, the bed neatly made. Jamie sat on the edge, staring out the closed window, every nerve in his body on edge.

“I’ve waited so long for this,” Lora whispered. She climbed onto his lap, staring straight into his eyes.

Jamie’s pulse raced. He caught her hand as she reached for his trousers.

“I have a girlfriend.”

Her eyes narrowed in playful challenge. “Really? Tell me about her. Who’s the lucky girl?”

“Cynthia. We… went to school together.”

Her lips curved. “Is she prettier than me?”

Jamie blinked. “What?”

“Who’s prettier—me, or her?” she pressed, leaning closer.

He coughed, stammering. “Her!”

“Alright.” Lora grinned wickedly. “But I bet I can make you enjoy more than she ever did.”

“We… we never did it,” Jamie blurted out.

“You what?” She laughed sharply, like it was a joke.

“I was saving myself… for marriage.”

“You know she didn’t, right?” Lora’s voice dropped low, dangerous. “I know what I’m saying.”

Jamie’s face fell, doubt creeping in.

She wrapped her arms around his head. “This isn’t Earth. Even if you do it here, it won’t count.” Her lips came close—Jamie turned away, dodging right, then left, barely escaping her kisses.

Finally, he shoved her off, standing. “I’m going back downstairs. I can’t do this!”

He reached for the door.

Thunk!

A shrunken embedded itself in the wood, half-buried, the blade vibrating.

Bloodlust filled her voice.

“You’re not going anywhere.”

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