How to Handle a Yandere Harem - Chapter 29

Under the shroud of night, Elizabeth approached the maximum-security prison that loomed on the outskirts of Tokyo. The facility was notorious, a labyrinth of cutting-edge security designed to contain the most dangerous individuals. The high walls, crowned with razor wire and dotted with watchtowers, stood as silent guardians against the world outside. Yet tonight, an eerie stillness hung in the air, unsettling in its quietude.

As she neared the entrance, Elizabeth noticed the guards at the main gate were slumped over, their bodies unnaturally still. Her eyes narrowed. The guards weren’t dead—they were asleep. The surveillance cameras that should have been tracking her every move swiveled aimlessly, their red recording lights dimmed. A chill ran down her spine. Something was off.

“Monika…” she whispered to herself, sensing the palpable aura of control that emanated from within the prison walls.

Navigating through the outer defenses proved unexpectedly easy. Electronic locks clicked open at her touch, biometric scanners accepted her unauthorized fingerprints, and laser grids flickered off as she approached. The prison’s formidable security seemed to bow to her presence, or rather, to someone else’s will.

Elizabeth moved swiftly through the corridors, her footsteps echoing softly against the cold, sterile floors. She passed more guards, all in deep slumber, their breathing steady but unnaturally synchronized. The facility was under someone’s control—Monika’s control.

Descending deeper into the heart of the prison, she found herself in an open courtyard transformed into a serene garden. Lush greenery and vibrant flowers bloomed under artificial lights that mimicked the gentle glow of moonlight. The scent of jasmine and roses filled the air, a stark contrast to the harsh environment she’d just traversed.

In the center of the garden stood a small pavilion adorned with intricate carvings and surrounded by a tranquil koi pond. Elizabeth’s eyes scanned the area, alert for any sign of a trap. She approached the pavilion cautiously, her hand hovering near the hilt of her dagger.

“Is she even here?” Elizabeth muttered, her voice barely audible over the soft trickle of water.

“Looking for someone?” a melodic voice chimed from behind her.

Elizabeth spun around to see Monika seated gracefully on a stone bench beneath a blossoming cherry tree. She wore a simple white dress that fluttered softly in an unfelt breeze. Her long, dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing a face that was both youthful and ancient.

“Monika, I see you’re… comfortable,” Elizabeth said, her tone measured.

Monika smiled enigmatically. “Prison is what you make of it.”

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. “Given the state of this place, I’d say you’re more guest than prisoner.”

Monika stood slowly, her movements fluid and deliberate. “I’ve been waiting for you, Elizabeth. It’s been quite some time.”

“Waiting for me?” Elizabeth scoffed. “I find that hard to believe.”

“Oh, but it’s true. I need your help,” Monika insisted, taking a step closer.

Elizabeth’s eyes flickered with suspicion. “And why would I help you?”

“I want to win back Akuma,” Monika stated plainly, her gaze unwavering.

Elizabeth couldn’t suppress a bitter laugh. “You want me to help you get back with Akuma? The same Akuma who left you and put you in here?”

Monika’s smile didn’t falter. “Details. Minor setbacks.”

“You’re delusional,” Elizabeth retorted. “Besides, I came here to offer you information on his whereabouts—for the right price.”

Monika waved a dismissive hand. “I already know where he is.”

Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed. “Then why am I here?”

“Because we have a common interest, and perhaps, more importantly, I wanted to see you for myself.”

“Is that so? And what grand insights have you gained?”

Monika circled her slowly, her eyes appraising. “You’re chasing after Adriel, aren’t you? Trying to make Adriel all yours. Isn’t it boring, having to share him with the other two—Emma and Seda?”

“That’s none of your concern,” Elizabeth snapped.

A soft chuckle escaped Monika’s lips. “But it is. You see, you’ll never have him all to yourself. There’s Seda and Emma—far more formidable rivals than you.”

Elizabeth bristled. “I can handle my own affairs.”

“Can you? You’re strong, Elizabeth, but not as strong as Seda. It’s almost… sad.”

“Coming from someone who was abandoned and imprisoned by her own lover, that’s rich,” Elizabeth shot back.

Monika’s eyes flashed momentarily, but she maintained her composure. “Akuma’s actions are… complicated. You wouldn’t understand.”

“Enlighten me,” Elizabeth challenged.

Monika leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Tell me, do you really think I’m trapped here?”

Elizabeth hesitated, recalling the dormant security systems and the sleeping guards. “It does seem like you’re calling the shots.”

“Perceptive,” Monika praised. “This place is my domain now.”

“Then why stay?” Elizabeth questioned. “Why not leave?”

“Because certain games require patience,” Monika answered cryptically. “And certain pieces need to be in place.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “I don’t have time for riddles. If you don’t need my information, then we’re done here.”

“Not quite. There’s much you need to see.”

Before Elizabeth could react, Monika snapped her fingers. The garden around them dissolved into a cascade of light and shadow. Elizabeth felt a lurch in her stomach as the ground shifted beneath her feet. Colors blurred, and sounds warped until, suddenly, they stood on the grounds of an unfamiliar school.

“What is this?” Elizabeth demanded, steadying herself.

“The place where I first met Akuma, where it all began.”

Elizabeth looked around, taking in the quaint buildings and the students milling about, oblivious to their presence. “Why bring me here?”

“Because you need to understand the full story if we’re to move forward.”

Elizabeth eyed her warily. “And why would I care about your past?”

“Because it’s entwined with your future. More than you know.”

The final bell rang in the distance, and the sky above shifted from bright blue to the warm hues of sunset. Shadows stretched across the courtyard, reaching toward them like fingers.

Monika turned to face Elizabeth fully. “So, shall we begin?”

Elizabeth met her gaze, a mix of curiosity and defiance in her eyes. “Fine. But know this—I’m not easily swayed.”

Monika smiled, a hint of mischief playing at the corners of her mouth. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the school in twilight, the two women stood poised on the brink of revelations that could alter the course of their intertwined destinies.