Wednesday stood at the center of Xavier’s art studio. In front of her, Tyler is chained to a chair, while the Nightshades stood behind her watching the scene like bystanders.
“Welcome back,” Wednesday says flatly, her voice cutting through the silence.
Tyler blinks, disoriented, tugging against the restraints. “Where the hell am I?” His gaze darts around the room, landing on the very detailed Hyde paintings. His breathing quickens.
“Somewhere where no one can hear your screams,” Wednesday says.
His voice cracks with disbelief. “What’s with the chains?”
“Don’t ask stupid questions.”
“Wednesday, this is insane. I’m a normie.”
Her dark eyes narrow. “That’s only half true.” She plucks a photo from a nearby table and points at a girl.
“Do you recognize her?” The photograph trembles between her fingers. “Perhaps if I hadn’t been so distracted by my own mother hoarding this photo, I would have noticed yours sooner. Your father fell in love and married an outcast.”
Tyler’s jaw tightens as he stares at the image of his mother. “Fine. My mom was an outcast. That doesn’t make me a monster.”
“According to her personal medical records—”
His head snaps up, fury blazing in his eyes. “Wait. You stole her medical records?”
“Technically, Thing did.” Wednesday tilts her head slightly, unfazed. “He found them buried in your father’s garage. Your father is quite the pack rat. Her postpartum depression triggered her condition.”
“My mom had severe bipolar disorder,” Tyler bites out, his voice raw with both anger and grief.
“We both know that’s a lie.” Wednesday’s tone sharpens, ice cutting through each word. “She was a Hyde. And your father has been living in fear ever since, never quite sure if you inherited her condition.”
Tyler’s eyes flick desperately toward the others. “Are you really just gonna stand there and let her do this to me?”
The Nightshades shift uncomfortably. Ajax glances at his phone, his brow furrowing. “Uh, guys. Enid just texted. She says Thornhill’s suspicious. How long until he, you know—” his hand gestures toward Tyler“ morphs into that thing?”
“I’m not the monster,” Tyler growls, straining against the chains.
“You are,” Wednesday says, her voice final. “I saw it in a vision at the Weathervane.”
Tyler’s face twists with disbelief. “Wait, wait—you’re basing all of this off a vision you had after we kissed? Is that really something you can trust?”
Ignoring him, Wednesday rummages through her bag, pulling out torture devices.
“Wednesday, what are you doing?” Bianca asks, her voice low and uneasy.
“Just some light torture. Don’t worry,” Wednesday assures calmly. “I won’t leave a mark.”
“Wednesday, hold on. You’re not serious, are you?” Ajax blurts, his voice cracking.
“There’s only one thing a Hyde understands.” Wednesday steps forward, raising a taser. “Pain.”
The crackle of electricity fills the room before it jolts against Tyler’s neck. He convulses, face contorting in agony. His strangled cry echoes against the canvas-strewn walls.
“Wednesday! No! Wednesday, stop!” Ajax, Bianca, and several Nightshades cry out in panic.
“That’s it. I’m out,” one girl snaps, storming toward the exit. Others follow quickly, murmuring in protest.
“No, wait,” Bianca pleads, reaching toward Ajax.
He shakes his head, backing away. “No, I’m done.” He storms off, footsteps echoing down the stone hall.
Bianca turns back, her face pale. “Wednesday, I didn’t sign up for this. We need to go to Weems. Tell her everything.”
But Wednesday doesn’t flinch. Tyler is slumped forward, his chest heaving, tears cutting down his flushed face. The sight only makes her grip on the taser tighter.
“Wednesday please...” Tyler breathes heavily with tears but her cold expression doesn’t soften.
“Weems won’t help,” Wednesday begins, her words low and edged. “And Tyler here is-”
The door opened.
“Wednesday?… what’s going on?” {{user}} asked, eyes flicking to Tyler, the cute barista guy who always seemed to have a thing for your cousin, now in chains.