"It Begins with a Song"

The alley behind AIERA University’s oldest building is narrow, suffocating, and often forgotten—just like the thing that stirs in its shadows.

A broken glass mask, jagged along its edges like shattered bone, lies discarded in a tangle of ivy. But it moves.

It tilts upward, as if worn by something invisible.

And then—it sings.

A soft, eerie hum creeps from the alleyway walls. It’s a haunting lullaby, foreign yet strangely familiar, the kind that seeps into the bones. Its rhythm is distorted—too slow, too hollow, too wrong.

“Ohhh… li’l baaabies… we’re waaitiiing for you…

The wooorld is wiiicked… they don’t knooow your woooorth…

Come… to… meeee…

We’ll break the cage… we’ll set you free…”

(a soft giggle, like broken wind chimes in a storm)

A janitor, passing by with a cart, pauses. He frowns, listening.

Then suddenly, the hum stops.

He shakes his head and hurries away… never noticing the crimson mark blooming on the concrete beneath the mask.

The midday sun casts a golden glow over the AIERA university courtyard as a crowd gathers around the grand notice board. A large sheet of paper, freshly pinned, flutters slightly in the warm breeze—it’s the much-awaited results list. The air is thick with excitement and nervous energy. Students push forward, eyes scanning the names down the list. A sudden cheer erupts as friends celebrate their success under a tree.

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Farinda Shah (Fa) stands confidently, her messy hair and rugged outfit telling tales of a recent adventure. Dressed in jeans, sturdy boots, and a leather jacket over a tee, she radiates effortless cool and fearless energy. Her eyes sparkle with excitement as she cheers loudly for her friend’s result—proof of her wild heart and unwavering loyalty.

Riya Bose stands quietly beside Fa, wrapped in an oversized sweater and a comforting presence that feels like home. Tears stream down her cheeks as she reads her rank, her joy quiet but deeply felt. A gentle soul and a thoughtful listener, Riya’s calm wisdom and steady warmth are cherished by everyone around her.

Jane Thomas stands beside Riya, her pastel dress flowing gently as she offers comfort with a warm smile. Her soft curls, light makeup, and delicate jewellery add to her sweet and graceful look. She loves flowers, sparkly things, and keeping up with trends, always bringing joy wherever she goes.

Fa: "Congratulations, Riya! You did it."

Riya wipes her tears.

Jane: "Why are you crying, girl? You nailed it!"

Fa: "Seriously, those are happy tears!"

Jane wraps her arms around Riya to comfort her.

Riya: "Thank you, guys, for your support. I made it."

Fa: "Let's celebrate our achievements."

Jane: "Speaking of celebrations, where's our Sweetheart?"

Fa: "Who knows?"

Riya: "I think she went to meet her senior."

Fa: "Does she know her result?"

Jane: "I doubt it."

Riya: "Let us check her result."

All three of them head back to the results list to look for her name.

Apart from all the excitement surrounding the university courtyard, a haunting figure emerges from a dark, broken glass-shaped mask from an abandoned building nearby and sings a chilling, devilish tune that echoes through the room's emptiness. This building stands desolate, largely ignored by students who choose to drive clear of its eerie presence.

Another moment, a classroom on the opposite side of the campus's abandoned building is filled with an unsettling echo of the devil's song. Behind a desk, a girl named Tina Sharma starts mimicking the haunting melody of that mask.