CHAPTER SEVEN21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYokEtv7YGM
Jabari sat alone in the council room, the late afternoon sun glinting off the brass school crest on the wall. As student council president at Kisumu Boys and co-chair of the Order of Hermes, he was no stranger to power or secrecy after all, he occupies a powerful but precarious position-balancing official leadership with the clandestine influence of the secret society he helps run. The Order, much like real-world student secret societies that often overlap with student government leadership, operates in the shadows, orchestrating unsanctioned activities and quietly shaping campus affairs.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksRBcwRryO
He liked to think of himself as the god of fire, metalworking, and craftsmanship-Hermes’ own forger, the one who shaped raw chaos into order, who built the tools others used to wield influence. It was a private conceit, but it gave him a sense of purpose, a sense that he was more than just another student in a starched uniform.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4fYzIloYz
The case across the wall at the girls’ school had started as a spark-rumors of missing furniture, whispered accusations, a girl named Kim who refused to let the matter drop. At first, he’d dismissed it as another minor scandal, the sort of thing the Order handled quietly. But as Kim’s investigation gained momentum, Jabari realized she was no ordinary student. Her persistence, her knack for finding what others missed, made her a problem-or perhaps something more. 21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYhEe03DZa
Jabari had seen plenty of sparks before. He was used to secrets-used to the weight of decisions that never made it into the official minutes. But the case unfolding across the wall at the girls’ school was different. 21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSw81o7t48m
It had a sharpness, an unpredictability, that unsettled him. Usually, he was the one to hammer them out before they became flames. But this time, the fire had caught. Kim’s investigation was more than a nuisance; it was a challenge to the careful machinery he and his counterpart had built in secret.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAy2MrgHL7
He requested a dossier on her, a discreet request to his counterpart on the girls’ side, as any craftsman would examine a new alloy before forging it. The response came quickly, a thick envelope slipped under his door. Jabari opened it methodically scanning the neatly typed pages and handwritten notes. Kim’s academic record was impressive, her grades were strong, but it was her extracurricular exploits that intrigued him: a reputation for cleverness, a stubborn streak that bordered on defiance, a stubborn refusal to back down. She was a spark with the potential to become a blaze.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3z8vK9SRn3
Jabari leaned back, the gears of his mind turning. He was impressed. He respected ingenuity, the way a smith respects a well-made tool or a rare metal. Kim had managed to uncover patterns and connections that even the Order’s own members had overlooked. She was a force-one that could be dangerous if left unchecked, or invaluable if brought into the fold.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HApoeMZzm
For the first time, Jabari faced a problem he couldn’t simply melt down and reshape to his will. Should he try to recruit Kim, to bring her fire into the forge of the Order? Or should he quench her curiosity before it threatened to burn everything down? The choice would define not only his own legacy, but the future balance of power between the schools.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMzKXLoKTM
He smiled, feeling the old thrill of creation and destruction. Kim had his full attention now. In the secret world of the Order of Hermes, the god of fire was ready to test the mettle of this new contender. The game, at last, was worthy of his craftsmanship.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigKeESVsRM
Juma21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VzYWknWy1
Juma lingered by the window of the old science block, watching the clouds drift over Kisumu’s rooftops, his mind racing beneath a mask of calm. He knew the Order’s eyes were everywhere now-especially after his last attempt to contact Kim had nearly exposed him, but the Order’s own clandestine network, with its tradition of secret drop points and coded messages, offered him a risky lifeline.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzdNZDk3E1
He needed a way to get a message to Seline. They both had crossed paths many times-debate tournaments, joint club meetings, even the occasional shared joke about the absurdities of school politics whenever on the rare events when the two schools met. But this was different. He’d never needed to reach her like this, never needed to trust her with something so dangerous.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbpWT7LW7L
Direct contact was impossible; the wall between their schools was more than just bricks and wire. Juma enlisted the help of a junior courier from the girls’ school, someone who owed him a favor and knew Seline by sight. He prepared the message with care, writing it in code on the inside of a folded origami crane-a nod to Seline’s reputation for loving puzzles and art. The crane was slipped into a sketchbook with a blank page marked by a single blue thread, in careful block letters on the back of a bookmark-a pressed wildflower between two layers of card, something Seline would recognize as a nod to the time they’d both skipped a meeting to wander privately in the unfinished construction of form one dormitories a year ago at his school. The message itself was coded, but not so obscure that she’d miss the urgency: a subtle signal only Seline would recognize as meant for her.
Juma knew Seline’s habits well enough. She always claimed the same window seat in her school’s library, where the afternoon light was best for sketching. She always left her battered sketchbook in the library’s “reserved” cubby, a privilege she’d earned with a wink and a favor to being editor in chief of the school magazine.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEx3ZCo3t4
The message, hidden in the crane’s wings, read:21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOGhmPvYFq
The phone that found you is not what it seems. Check the first number dialed after midnight-the answer will lead you to the hand that wrote the exam papers. Trust only what you can prove.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RBLkVrcJJ
From his side of the wall, Juma could only wait. He’d never used this kind of channel with Seline before. He could only hope she’d recognize the gesture, decode the message, and act before the Order closed in. If this failed, he’d be out of options-and Kim would be out of time.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7J09x9JIS
But Juma believed in Seline’s intuition, just as he believed in the power of a well-placed secret. Sometimes, the only way to fight the darkness was to trust someone else with your light.
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Seline21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryUVTv2DdZ
Seline spotted the book at the back of the library, exactly where she expected. The pressed wildflower bookmark tucked inside was her first clue-something only Juma would think to use. The moment she saw the Order’s cipher on the back, her pulse quickened, but so did a swirl of emotions she wasn’t ready for.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHWviNwamL
She carried the book to her dorm, hands trembling. Why was Juma reaching out through the Order, of all things? Did he know how dangerous this was for both of them? And why was he helping Kim so persistently-was it just loyalty, or something more? Seline’s mind raced with questions she’d never dared to ask. She and Juma had always been friendly, sometimes even close, but never on this level. She’d nursed a quiet crush on him for what felt like forever, and now here he was, risking the Order’s wrath to send her a secret message.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcCdLaBIAO
Seline forced herself to focus. She deciphered the code, her mind slipping into the familiar logic of ciphers and hidden meanings. The message was urgent-a warning and a clue about the phone in the Deputy Principal’s office. Juma knew things he shouldn’t about what was happening on their side of the wall. He must have sources in the Order here, or maybe he’d been watching more closely than she realized. Either way, he was risking everything to help Kim.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ904CigRejT
The personal questions pressed in, but Seline pushed them aside. She had a job to do. She found Kim in the corridor, pulled her into an empty classroom, and together they pored over the message, decoding its meaning line by line. Kim’s eyes widened as she realized the clue pointed to the phone’s call log.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWrYpFpNx3
Seline hesitated, then blurted out, “Why is Juma doing all this for you? Is there something going on between you two?”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCwRo9meUs
Kim stared at her, genuinely baffled. “Honestly, Seline, I have no idea. I don’t know why he’s helping me-or how he even found out what’s happening. I haven’t told him anything, and it’s not like we’re close. Maybe he just… I don’t know, maybe he likes playing hero, or maybe he knows something we don’t. But I swear, there’s nothing going on between us. I’m as confused as you are.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWX9LS1YLbO
Kim’s voice trailed off, frustration and uncertainty plain on her face. The truth was, Juma’s motives were a mystery even to her, and the fact that he seemed to know so much about her situation made everything feel even more surreal and unsettling.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg4QenMnuS
Kim squeezed her hand, smiling. “You don’t have to worry about me. Let’s just get to the bottom of this-together.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdAqrgqGMx
With the air cleared between them, Seline felt lighter, more focused. She explained her plan to involve Shiko, knowing Kim’s best friend had the access they needed. For the first time in days, Seline felt hope flicker. Juma’s message-risky, coded, and heartfelt-had brought them closer not just to the truth, but to each other.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2WNZWFTi8
Kim21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVfbpZRs6Q
My head is still spinning from the accusations, the threat of expulsion hanging over me like a storm cloud. 21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FhV0TUw5T
I can’t stop replaying the Deputy Principal’s words: “This is a serious offense, miss Kimberly. You could be suspended-or worse.” 21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBM2qf7CIA
I know what “worse” means. In this school, getting caught with a phone isn’t just a slap on the wrist. It’s a Level 5 offense-expulsion territory. If I can’t clear my name, I’ll be kicked out, my record stained, my future in ruins. No university, no scholarships, no second chances. The shame would follow me everywhere.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxaTehyU1y
But Seline’s determination gives me something to hold onto. When she explains the clue from Juma, I feel a flicker of hope-maybe my life isn’t over yet.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGOHmdrsDh
I find Shiko in the lunch hall, sitting alone, scrolling through her notes. I slide into the seat across from her, keeping my voice low. 21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡci26oDPsIA
“Shiko, I need your help. The phone in your dad’s office-it’s the key to clearing my name.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjzW2StMLU
She looks up, alarmed. “Kim, are you serious? If my dad finds out I even touched that phone…” Her voice drops to a whisper. “He’d never trust me again. And if the school finds out, I could get suspended, maybe even expelled. You know how strict the rules are. They don’t care if it’s your first offense or if you’re innocent. Phones mean trouble here.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHhhjxzY3U
I swallow, fighting the urge to break down. “I know it’s risky. But Shiko, if I don’t prove I’m innocent, I’ll be expelled. It’s not just a few days’ suspension. I’ll lose everything-my place here, my reputation, my future. Please. You’re the only one who can help me.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCss9k4Jyz
Chico hesitates, torn. I see the fear in her eyes, but also the loyalty. We’ve been through so much together-late-night study sessions, secrets, promises. Finally, she lets out a shaky breath. “You’re my best friend, Kim. I hate this, but I can’t let you go down for something you didn’t do. I’ll try. But you have to promise me you’ll be careful too.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRa1FZLlRt
Relief floods through me. “I promise. Thank you, Shiko. I won’t forget this.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTChnXKnda
As she nods, I realize just how high the stakes are. Clearing my name isn’t just about surviving school-it’s about saving my future from a shadow I don’t deserve. And for that, I’d risk anything.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStZ6Fv2Huh
*********21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEt2zvShvDD
Shiko-whose full Kikuyu name is Wanjiku-carries a name steeped in history, strength, and beauty. In Kikuyu tradition, Wanjiku is one of the legendary daughters of Gikuyu and Mumbi, and the name itself is rich with meaning: “one who belongs to the flowers,” “the daughter born at dawn,” or “the beautiful gift of God.” 21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdDEsmcRII
It speaks of resilience, new beginnings, and the enduring power of Kikuyu women. Shiko loves this legacy, but she also likes to see herself as Aphrodite: goddess of love and beauty, a force of charm and allure in the sometimes-grey corridors of school life.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWFbAWBCeH
Her father, Mr. Mwangi, was a veteran teacher whose career had taken him across Central Kenya and Nairobi, from Kagumo High School to his last posting at Upper Hill School in Nairobi, before the Ministry of Education transferred him to his new role as Deputy Principal. Wherever he went, he brought Shiko along, proud of her wit and beauty, and always introducing her as “my clever Wanjiku.” 21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxAKbj6rv8
He adores her-everyone can see it. To him, Shiko is not just his only daughter but a living link to their Kikuyu heritage, a symbol of hope and continuity. When the Ministry of Education transferred him from their quiet home in Central Kenya to become Deputy Principal at this new school, he insisted Shiko come along. He wanted her close, to share in the new beginning and to make sure she thrived in unfamiliar territory.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gwyyB9svX
Their move to this new school was sudden but not unwelcome. Her father’s reputation for fairness and his deep love for his daughter meant Shiko was both protected and expected to shine. She knew the school’s rules inside out, and she also knew that her father trusted her-sometimes too much. Shiko adapted quickly, her confidence and warmth winning over teachers and classmates alike. But she never forgot where she came from, or the expectations that came with her name.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLQLQuE0IW
Today, as she walks toward her father’s office, Shiko feels the weight of her friends’ trust. Kim’s future depends on what she can find. She pauses at the door, smoothing her hair and summoning her most dazzling smile-the one that always melts her father’s sternest moods.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wjWe4lcZ6
“Daddy, do you need help with the files?” she asks, her voice light as she slips into the office.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDQ58RhyEV
He beams, proud as ever. “Ah, Shiko! My flower. You always know when I need a hand.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qMQ3cN03q
As he busies himself with paperwork, Shiko’s eyes dart to the confiscated phone on his desk. She makes small talk, distracting him with stories from class and a question about Kikuyu proverbs. When he steps out to answer a call, trusting her to tidy up, Shiko moves fast. She unlocks the phone-her father’s password habits are no mystery to her-and checks the call log, just as Kim and Seline had asked.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwz6UAoCN0
There it is: the first number dialed after midnight. 21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFQBuOwWW5
Shiko jotted down the extension and the message on a scrap of paper, then quietly returned the phone to its place. 21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwsatK6gLQ
The first call made after midnight was to a local landline number-the school’s staffroom extension.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmnomQnwgZ
The most recent text message, sent just before the phone was confiscated, read: “Exam papers ready. Locker 14.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQDVxfbkDw
By the time her father returns, she’s back to sorting files, all innocence and grace. He ruffles her hair, calling her “my clever Wanjiku,” and she feels a rush of pride-not just for herself, but for her friends and the legacy she carries.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKcnixlZHS
Later, when she slips the clue to Kim and Seline, Shiko knows she’s done more than just help a friend. She’s honored her name, her heritage, and the love her father has always shown her-a true daughter of the flowers, and a quiet force for justice and beauty.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqbYj7FhiR
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