Property of the Ice King
Episode 1
The Main Corridor of Saint Jude's University
In Saint Jude’s, there are two types of people: those who follow the rules, and those who make them.
⚠️ Warning: Unidentified luxury vehicles spotted at the West Gate.
Aria(fl)
Maya, where are you? The cafeteria is totally empty. It’s creepy. (typing fast)
Maya(fl's friend)
Aria! Stay in your classroom! Didn't you hear? He is back today.
Maya(fl's friend)
No, you idiot! Rayan. The guy who literally owns the shadows of this city. People say he didn't go on "vacation"... they say he was cleaning up a mess for his family’s "business."
Aria(fl)
You read too many webtoons. He’s just a rich student who thinks he’s in the Mafia. I'm going to the library. I have a thesis to finish.
Maya(fl's friend)
ARIA! DON’T—
A group of five men in black suits stands like statues outside the library. In the center stands a tall figure in a leather jacket, his dark hair messy, a cigarette unlit between his lips. This is Rayan.
Rayan(ml)
(Looking at his watch) You’re late, Leo. I told you I wanted the files by 10:00.
Leo(ml's subordinate)
Sorry, Boss. The "package" was stubborn. We had to... persuade them.
Rayan(ml)
I don't pay for excuses. I pay for results. If it happens again, you’ll lose more than just your bonus.(coldly)
Aria freezes. She’s only five feet away. She tries to shrink into the wall, hoping to be invisible. But her keychain—a small silver bell—refuses to stay silent.
Rayan(ml)
Stop..(Eyes narrowing)
The guards instantly turn. Aria’s heart hammers against her ribs like a trapped bird.
Aria(fl)
I—I’m just going to the library. I didn't see anything! I promise! (stepping out, trembling)
Rayan(ml)
(Walking toward her slowly) You didn't see anything? Then why are your hands shaking, Little Mouse?
Aria(fl)
I’m just... cold. Please, let me pass.
Rayan(ml)
(He stops inches away, his shadow towering over her. He leans down, his breath hitting her ear.) You have a very loud heart, Aria. I can hear it from here.
Aria(fl)
How do you know my name? (gasping)
Rayan(ml)
I know everything that enters my territory. And right now... you’re standing on my shadow.
He reaches out, his fingers hovering near her neck. He doesn't touch her, but the threat is heavy. He reaches past her and grabs the library door handle.
Rayan(ml)
Go inside. Lock the door. And if you tell anyone what you heard... I’ll make sure your "thesis" is the last thing you ever write.
Aria(fl)
(Running inside without looking back) ...
Rayan(ml)
Interesting. She didn't cry.(Smirking darkly as the door slams)
Leo(ml's subordinate)
Boss? Should we handle her?
Rayan(ml)
: No. I think I found a new way to entertain myself this semester.
Aria collapses against the cold wooden door of the library, her breath coming in jagged hitches. The silence of the rows of books feels heavy, like they are witnesses to her near-collapse.
Aria(fl)
(To herself) What was that? Who is he?
She looks at her reflection in the glass of a trophy case. Her cheeks are flushed, not with romance, but with the raw adrenaline of survival. She can still feel the ghost of his presence—the scent of expensive cologne mixed with the faint, sharp metallic tang of something she doesn't want to name.
Aria(fl)
(Hands trembling as she answers) Maya? I’m... I’m in the library. I’m safe.
Maya(fl's friend)
Aria, thank God! I saw the black SUVs leaving the courtyard. Did you see him? Did he look at you?
Aria(fl)
He... he’s terrifying, Maya. He knew my name. How could he possibly know my name?
Maya(fl's friend)
(Whispering) They say he has files on everyone. He doesn't see students; he sees "assets" or "liabilities." Aria, stay away from him. If Rayan marks you, your life at this college is over.
Suddenly, the library door swings open. Aria screams, dropping her phone.
Jovan(university's goldenboy)
Whoa! Easy there! It’s just me.
Standing there is Jovan, the Student Council President and the "Golden Boy" of Saint Jude’s. He’s the polar opposite of Rayan—bright eyes, a warm smile, and a reputation for protecting the students.
Jovan(university's goldenboy)
Aria? You look like you’ve seen a ghost. Or worse.
Aria(fl)
(Breathless) President Jovan... I... I just had a run-in with someone in the hallway.
Jovan(university's goldenboy)
(His smile fades instantly. He steps closer, checking her for bruises.) Was it the group in the leather jackets? Was it Rayan?
Aria(fl)
Yes. He told me to lock the door. He said... he said I was on his shadow.
Jovan(university's goldenboy)
(Clenching his fists) That arrogant... Listen to me, Aria. Rayan thinks he owns this campus because his father funds the new wing, but he doesn't own you. I won't let him intimidate my students.
Aria(fl)
You don't understand, Jovan. It wasn't just intimidation. It felt like... like he was a predator and I was just a toy he decided not to break yet.
Jovan(university's goldenboy)
(His voice dropping to a serious tone) Then we make sure he never gets the chance. Stay with me today. I have a council meeting, and you can study in my office. He won't dare cause trouble there.
Outside, hidden by the tint of a black sedan, Rayan watches through the library window. He sees Leo put a protective hand on Aria’s shoulder.
Leo(ml's subordinate)
Boss, the Council President is interfering. Should we move him out of the way?
Rayan(ml)
(Lighting his cigarette, a dark glint in his eyes) No. Let him play the hero for now. It makes the fall much more satisfying when the "Golden Boy" realizes he’s protecting something that already belongs to me.
Rayan exhales a cloud of smoke, his eyes locked on Aria’s distant figure.
Rayan(ml)
Run all you want, Little Mouse. The more you run, the more I enjoy the hunt.(to himself)
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Episode 2
The Grand Lecture Hall,
8:05 AM.
The room is buzzing with the sound of 200 students, but as soon as the back doors creek open, the silence is instantaneous.
There is a specific kind of silence that follows Rayan. It isn't out of respect—it’s out of a deep, instinctual fear.
Aria(fl)
(Whispering to Maya) Is he... is he in our Economics class?
Maya(fl's friend)
(Hiding her face behind a textbook) No, he’s a Senior. He’s not supposed to be here. Aria, don't look up. Just keep your head down.
Rayan walks down the tiered steps of the lecture hall. His black boots strike the floor with a rhythmic, predatory thud. Leo follows behind him, carrying a silver briefcase and looking at the other students like they are bugs..
Rayan(ml)
Stopping at the middle row) This seat is taken.
student
(Stammering) B-but I’ve sat here all semester, Rayan—
Leo(ml's subordinate)
(Leaning over the student, cold) It was your seat. Now it’s the Boss’s. Move. Now.
The student scrambles away, nearly tripping over his own bag. Rayan doesn't even watch him go. His eyes are fixed on the back of a girl with dark hair sitting two rows ahead. Aria.
Aria(fl)
He’s right behind me. I can feel his gaze on the back of my neck.(Heart racing)
Suddenly, the front door opens and Jovan walks in. He looks polished, wearing a crisp white shirt and a Student Council blazer. He spots the tension immediately.
Jovan(university's goldenboy)
(Loudly) Rayan? This is a Junior-level course. I believe you’re in the wrong building.
Rayan(ml)
(Leaning back, crossing his arms) I felt like learning something new today, President. Is there a rule against expanding my horizons?
Jovan(university's goldenboy)
(Walking toward Aria’s row) There is a rule against intimidating students into giving up their seats.
Jovan stands next to Aria, putting a hand on her desk. It’s a gesture of protection, but it’s also a challenge.
Jovan(university's goldenboy)
(To Aria) Are you okay, Aria? You look pale.
Aria(fl)
I’m fine, Jovan. Really. (Quietly)
Rayan(ml)
"Jovan," is it? You seem very comfortable with my Little Mouse, President.(Darkly)
Jovan(university's goldenboy)
(Eyes narrowing) She isn't yours, Rayan. She isn't anyone’s. This is a university, not your family’s shipyard.
Rayan(ml)
(Laughing, a dry and dangerous sound) Everything in this city has a price. Some things are just more expensive to keep than others.
The Professor enters, but no one is looking at the chalkboard. The air is thick with the scent of a brewing war.
Aria(fl)
(Typing a note in her notebook) I need to leave. I need to get out of here.
As the lecture begins, Aria feels something hit the back of her head. A crumpled piece of paper. She opens it under the desk.
[Written Note]: If you leave with him after class, I’ll burn his office down with him inside. Stay in your seat. -R.
Aria(fl)
(Gasping, looking back) ...
Rayan is watching her, spinning a sleek black lighter between his fingers. He winks—a slow, terrifying gesture that promises he isn't joking.
Aria(fl)
He’s crazy. He’s actually insane.(to herself)
Jovan(university's goldenboy)
(Whispering) Don't listen to him, Aria. I’ll walk you to your next class. He won't touch you while I'm there.
Aria is trapped. On one side, the "Golden Boy" who offers safety but might get hurt because of her. On the other, the "Gangster" who looks at her like she’s a prize he’s already won.
Click. Click. (The sound of Rayan’s lighter opening and closing)
The 50-minute lecture feels like a lifetime. When the bell finally rings, Aria stands up too fast, her books spilling onto the floor.
Rayan(ml)
Simultaneously) Let me.
Jovan(university's goldenboy)
(Simultaneously) Let me.
Both men reach for her book at the same time. Their hands meet over her textbook. The tension is so sharp it could draw blood.
Rayan(ml)
Let go, Jovan. Unless you want to lose that hand. (His voice a low growl)
Jovan(university's goldenboy)
(Not flinching) Make me.
The tension in the air is thick enough to choke on. The surrounding students, once eager to leave for their next class, are now frozen in place, watching the silent war between the "Golden Boy" and the "Wolf."
Jovan(university's goldenboy)
(His grip on the book tightening)
I said, let go, Rayan. This isn’t the street. You can’t just take whatever you want because you have a loud car and a few thugs.
Rayan(ml)
(A slow, dangerous smile spreads across his face) You’re right, Jovan. This isn’t the street. If it were the street, you’d already be screaming.
Leo(ml's subordinate)
Boss, do you want me to clear the room?(Stepping forward, his hand moving toward his inner jacket pocket)
Rayan(ml)
(Not taking his eyes off Jovan) No, Leo. Let the President show everyone how "brave" he is. I want to see how long his backbone lasts when I start snapping his ribs.
Aria(fl)
STOP IT! Both of you! (Voice trembling)
Aria lunges forward, grabbing the book from both of their hands. She pulls it away with such force that she stumbles back, hitting her hip against the edge of a desk.
Aria(fl)
It’s just a textbook! It’s not a trophy! Jovan, please... just let it go. And Rayan...
Rayan(ml)
(His gaze snaps to her, intense and burning) And Rayan, what? Finish the sentence, Little Mouse.
Aria(fl)
(Swallowing hard) Just leave me alone. I don’t even know you.
Rayan(ml)
(Leaning in, whispering so only she can hear) You don't know me yet. But by the end of this week, you’ll be dreaming about me. And they won’t be "sweet" dreams.
Rayan stands up straight, adjusts his leather jacket, and gestures for Leo to follow him. He walks out of the lecture hall without a backward glance, leaving a trail of expensive tobacco and dread in his wake.
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If you like my story, keep reading, do support and inspire me with your comments...☺️
Episode 3
The Student Council Office.
It is late afternoon, and the sunset casts long, bloody shadows across the floor.
Aria sits on a velvet sofa, a cup of tea in her hands that has long since gone cold. Jovan is pacing back and forth, his phone pressed to his ear.
Jovan(university's goldenboy)
I don't care who his father is! He threatened a student in broad daylight. Get the security footage... What do you mean it’s "missing"? (Into his phone)
Jovan slams the phone down on his mahogany desk. He looks frustrated, his usually perfect hair disheveled.
Aria(fl)
Jovan, maybe you should stop. If the security footage is gone, it means he’s already three steps ahead of us.
Jovan(university's goldenboy)
(Coming over to sit beside her) I can’t stop, Aria. You don't understand the kind of monster Rayan is. His family, the "Vane Syndicate," they don't just own businesses. They own people. I’ve seen what happens to those who get in his way.
Aria(fl)
Then why are you helping me? You're putting yourself in danger.
Jovan(university's goldenboy)
(Taking her hand, his expression softening) Because since the first day I saw you in the orientation hall, I knew you didn't belong in a world like this. You're too... pure. I won't let him ruin you.
For a moment, Aria feels a sense of warmth. Jovan is the hero every girl wants. But deep down, a dark shiver runs through her. She remembers the way Rayan looked at her—like he could see every secret she ever hid.
Aria’s phone lights up on the coffee table. It’s an unknown number.
[Text Message]: Your 'hero' has a very pretty sister, doesn't he? It would be a shame if she had an 'accident' on her way home from middle school. Tell Jovan to stay in his lane, or I start playing dirty.
Aria(fl)
(Dropping the phone) Oh no...
Jovan(university's goldenboy)
What is it? What did he say?
Aria(fl)
(Quickly hiding the phone) Nothing! Just... just a spam message. Jovan, I think I should go home. I need to be alone.
Jovan(university's goldenboy)
I’ll drive you. My car is armored, and I have—
Aria(fl)
NO! (She stands up abruptly) Please. Just let me go by myself. If we’re seen together again, it only makes it worse.
Aria rushes out of the office, her heart hammering. She doesn't go to the bus stop. She doesn't go to her dorm. She walks toward the West Gate, where a single black sedan is idling in the shadows.
The back window rolls down. Rayan is sitting there, a glass of amber liquid in his hand.
Rayan(ml)
Good girl. You're smarter than the President. You knew exactly which threat would make you run to me.
Aria(fl)
(Standing by the car door, tears in her eyes) Leave Jovan’s family alone. They have nothing to do with this.
Rayan(ml)
(Patting the seat beside him) Get in. We’re going to dinner.
Aria(fl)
I’m not going anywhere with a criminal.
Rayan(ml)
(His voice turns ice-cold) Every second you waste standing there, my men get closer to that middle school. Choice is yours, Aria. Be my guest, or be the reason a family is destroyed..
With a trembling hand, Aria opens the car door and slides into the leather interior. The door locks automatically with a heavy thud.
Rayan(ml)
(Smirking as he signals the driver) Welcome to the dark side, Little Mouse. I promise... it’s much more fun than being "pure."
The interior of the sedan is a world away from the dusty chalkboards and idealistic dreams of Saint Jude’s University. It smells of expensive leather and something sharp—like ozone before a storm.
Aria(fl)
(Pressing herself against the far door) Where are you taking me? You said dinner. You didn't say we were leaving the city.
Rayan(ml)
(Swirling the ice in his glass, his eyes reflecting the passing streetlights) I don't remember giving you the right to ask questions. You’re here because you realized that Jovan’s "heroism" is a cardboard shield. It looks good, but it doesn't stop a bullet.
Aria(fl)
(Her voice shaking) You’re a monster. Using a child to get what you want?
Rayan(ml)
(Leaning over, his face inches from hers) I didn't use her. I used you. I knew exactly which button to press to make you crawl into this car. You think you’re different from the people I deal with every day?
Rayan(ml)
You’re not. Everyone has a price, Aria. Yours just happened to be the safety of someone else.
Aria(fl)
(Looking out the window, tears blurring her vision) I hate you.
Rayan(ml)
Hate is a very strong emotion. It’s almost as exhausting as love. I can work with hate.(coldly)
The car pulls up to a secluded, high-end restaurant..The restaurant is an underground sanctuary for the city’s elite—a place where the waiters move like ghosts and the windows are reinforced with steel. Aria sits across from Rayan, the crystal chandelier above them casting sharp, jagged reflections in her glass of water.
Aria(fl)
(Her voice barely a whisper) Aren't you going to eat? The food is... it's getting cold.
Rayan(ml)
(Leaning back, his heavy boots crossed under the table) I didn't come here for the food, Aria. I came to see how you taste the fear in every bite.
He doesn't touch his silver fork. Instead, he rests his chin on his hand, his dark eyes tracking the way her throat moves when she swallows. It’s a predatory gaze, the kind a wolf gives a lamb before decided where to bite first.
Aria(fl)
(Setting her fork down with a clatter) Stop it. Stop looking at me like I’m... like I’m a specimen in a lab.
Rayan(ml)
(A slow, cold smirk pulls at his lips) Not a specimen. A discovery. You’re the only thing in this stagnant, boring university that doesn't smell like desperate ambition or cheap perfume. You smell like rain and panic. It’s... intoxicating.
He reaches across the table. His thumb brushes the edge of her lip, wiping away a stray crumb. The touch is electric, but it feels like a brand—a mark of ownership that he is placing on her in front of the silent, watching staff.
Rayan(ml)
Drink your wine, Little Mouse. You’re going to need the courage for what comes next..
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