It Started with an Air Conditioner, It Ended in Blood

Sydney's POV

"I know her password! I saw her enter it once!" Camille rushed over, eager to try. She snatched my phone from Mirabelle and, after a few attempts, managed to transfer the money.

Only then did they finally let me go.

My arms were already covered in bruises and deep red marks from where they held me, but I didn’t even have time to worry about that, because Abigail suddenly spoke up.

"If she doesn't have money, why are we still letting her enjoy the AC?"

Camille's eyes lit up, like a lightbulb went off in her head. "You're right! She’s just freeloading at this point!"

Finals were coming up, and the last thing I wanted was more drama. So, I quickly said, "I’ll pay for the electricity from now on. I promise."

But Mirabelle let out a sarcastic snort. "Yeah, sure. Who knows if you’ll go back on your word later?"

Camille rested her chin on her hand, then suddenly smiled like she had just had a brilliant idea. "Let’s just have her pay in advance. That way, we won’t have to worry about her using the AC for free."

She then started counting on her fingers. "There are twelve months in a year. Last month, we spent 126 on electricity. That means we’ll spend about 1,512 for the whole year. Round it down, you give us one grand now."

I couldn’t help but laugh. "One grand a year? For electricity? Are you serious right now?"

Mirabelle shot me a cold glare, while Abigail immediately picked up on her mood and backed me into a corner.

"If you don’t pay, then don’t even think about staying in this dorm. We’re already cutting you a deal with a grand."

I let out a scoff. "You act like I have no other options. There are plenty of dorms around. I’ll find another bed just fine."

I’d made up my mind. As soon as I got out of here, I was heading straight to student housing to request a transfer. I didn’t want to stay in this hellhole a second longer.

But I hadn’t expected them to flip out so quickly.

Abigail rushed forward and yanked my arms behind my back again.

Then, Mirabelle gave my cheek a mocking pat. "You think you can just leave? Once you’re gone, we’re stuck splitting the bill three ways. Who’s going to pay the missing share, huh?"

"What do you want from me?" I forced myself to stay calm, just trying to get through this without things getting worse.

Mirabelle gave a fake sweet smile and held up five fingers. "Since we’ve ‘lived together’ for two whole months, we’ll cut you some slack. Give us seven grand, and we’ll let you walk."

I didn’t even have time to react before Camille quietly muttered, "I don’t think she’ll actually pay. If she changes dorms, she’ll probably report us. One extortion charge, and we’re all screwed."

Panic flashed across Abigail’s face, and her grip loosened a bit. "So... what should we do?"

"I’ll give you the money!" I blurted, desperate to get out. "Just let me go, I won’t report you. I swear!"

I tried to pull free, but Mirabelle slapped me hard across the face. My skin burned.

Camille stared at me, suspicion clouding her expression. "That was way too fast. She’s definitely up to something."

Abigail pulled herself together and, without warning, slammed her knee into the back of mine.

Pain exploded through my leg as I collapsed, my knee screaming in agony.

Mirabelle’s face was completely void of emotion. "Then we definitely can’t let her leave."

She grabbed a fistful of my hair and started dragging me toward the balcony.

"And we’re sure as hell not going to let her enjoy our AC for free. She can stay out here."

I remembered the forecast from this morning. It would be 42°C at its peak. It wasn’t even noon yet, and the heat outside was already suffocating.

Staying out on that balcony wouldn’t just be unbearable. It would be torture!

Panic surged in my chest. I opened my mouth to scream, but Abigail shoved a filthy rag into it before I could make a sound.