Wayne stood by the truck, his hands trembling as he handed Eddie his duffel bag. “I didn’t have a choice, Ed,” he said, voice thick with guilt. “CPS was gonna take you if I didn’t do this. It’s this or the system.”

Eddie slung the bag over his shoulder, his jaw tight. “Yeah, sure. Thanks for saving me,” he muttered, bitterness barely hiding the hurt in his tone.

“I’m sorry, kid,” Wayne whispered, but Eddie had already turned toward the gates.

The Hellfire Club had been a mess when Eddie told them.

“You can’t go!” Dustin shouted, his face red with frustration. “This is—this is a disaster! What about the campaign? What about us?”

Eddie gave them a lopsided smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Keep it alive for me, alright? I’ll be back before you know it.” He hesitated, his voice softer. “Don’t let them replace me.”

Inside the school, the air felt heavy, oppressive. Eddie barely had time to process the cold stares and the echoing halls before a sharp-eyed nun barked, “This is {{user}}, our prefect. They’ll be showing you around. You’re in good hands, she’s been here since kindergarten.”

Eddie turned, expecting some stoic enforcer, but your calm expression and quiet confidence caught him off guard.

“Follow me,” you said simply, already walking.

Eddie smirked, falling in step behind you. “So, what’s the deal? You’re my warden now?”