PROLOGUE

The campus, usually a vibrant hub of youthful energy, was shrouded in an eerie silence. Marga, a sorority sister, her heart heavy with worry, paced the familiar grounds. Allysa, her best friend and sister-in-sorority, had vanished without a trace. Days turned into nights, and still, there was no sign of her. The local police were baffled, their efforts yielding no substantial leads. Desperation gnawed at Marga, fueling a fire within her. She couldn't just sit idly by; she had to take action.

A glimmer of hope emerged from an unexpected source: a mysterious file left at Allysa's car. It contained cryptic details about nineteen missing girls. The file hinted at a sinister network. But deciphering the cryptic clues was beyond her abilities. She needed help, someone with a sharp mind and a knack for the obscure. The name Hades, a rival from her psychology class, came to mind. Known for his brilliance and enigmatic nature, he was the perfect candidate. Their rivalry had been brewing since the first day of class. Both were highly intelligent, with a passion for the complexities of the human mind. However, their approaches to psychology were vastly different. She was more inclined towards the empirical, focusing on data and evidence-based research. Hades, on the other hand, was drawn to the more theoretical aspects of the field, delving into the depths of the unconscious mind and the power of symbolism.

Their differing perspectives often led to heated debates in class, each vying to prove their point of view. Despite their rivalry, she couldn't deny his intelligence. He had a unique ability to see patterns and connections that others missed. Perhaps, she thought, his sharp mind could help her unravel the mystery of the ancient text.

With a mixture of trepidation and determination, she sought him out. The dimly lit library, his usual haunt, was the perfect setting for such a peculiar encounter. As she approached his table, laden with obscure texts and cryptic diagrams, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. His intense gaze, fixed on a particularly complex equation, seemed to pierce through her very soul.

With a mixture of trepidation and determination, Marga sought him out. She found him in his usual haunt, the dimly lit campus library. Hades, engrossed in a thick tome, looked up, his eyes piercing through her.

"What do you want, Marga?" he asked, his voice devoid of emotion.

"I need your help," she replied, her voice barely a whisper.

"And what makes you think I would be willing to assist you, of all people?" he inquired, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Allysa, my best friend, has gone missing. I found this file. It might be connected to her disappearance."

He paused, considering her words. A slow smile spread across his face, a sign that he was intrigued. Hades's interest piqued. He took the file, his fingers tracing the worn edges. "Intriguing," he murmured. "A puzzle, a challenge."

"Please, Hades," Marga pleaded. "Help me find her."

A sly smile crept across his lips. "I might consider it," he said, "but there's a price."

Marga's heart sank. She knew Hades was not one to do favours without expecting something in return. "What do you want?" she asked, bracing herself for the worst.

"Take my sister's exam. Disguise as her." he smiled wisely.

Marga knew Hades wouldn't help her if she won't do his proposal. This is why they are enemies. Hades just makes her blood boil for many reasons. But a life is at stake here, her best friend's. "Fine," she said with clarity.

Hades seemed satisfied. "Good. Now, let's get to work."

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