Vana's POV   “After that, Master Sergis took care of me for four years before sending me away to the academy,” I said as I recollect the terrible memories I had buried in my heart.   I lifted my eyes at Jerome, his expression blank and unexplainable. He blinked after realizing that the story ended, flinching as he meets my gaze. I raised a brow, wondering if he truly listened to everything I said.   He averted his gaze, pursing his lips as his expression tense up. “I… don’t know what to say…” he mumbled, unable to give any response. “I don’t want to say something like ‘it was hard’ when I know it has been hard for you.”   “It’s not like I’m asking you for any pity or any response. Just being there to listen to it and letting myself open up about it to you proves how much I trust you now,” I stated, gazing at him.   He tilted his head at me, mouth gaping at the un

Vana's POV   I was escorted by Dio and Elfien back to the guildhall, eyes all on me as we enter the hall. I rolled my eyes as I dart an eye on the people around me, impatient and irritated at the disgusted and disdain looks they are throwing at me. I sighed out of frustration, lifting my eyes in front as I glance at Master Sergis.   Master Sergis was standing at the end of the hall’s aisle, near the bar counter at the back of the hall. He had an upset and disappointed look on his face, eyes glowering at me with fury and anger. I averted my eyes out of fright, but forced myself to swallow my fear after enduring enough.   We walked down the aisle until the three of us were face to face with Master Sergis. It was Elfien who stepped forward to spill the beans to the Master, taking a scoff before narrating the events that took places minutes ago.   “I heard you’ve been following Vana, Dio

Vana's POV   I held my wounded arm as I walk my way home, feeling beaten up as I feel the swelling of my cheeks in both sides. My left cheek was swollen red from Master’s slap, and the other bruised from his punch. I tasted the blood the trickled down my bleeding lips, the inside of my mouth having a small cut from the impact.   The blood that dripped down my arm didn’t dry despite the long minutes that passed, my hand soaked in my own blood as I walk down the streets of the city. My arm fell limp of energy, and I can feel my body exhausted from the pain.   I heaved a breath, eyeing down the street that leds to our house. My vision blurred for a moment, dizziness striking my head. I guess I got light-headed after being hit twice in the face and slicing myself on the arm. I don’t regret doing it.   Though, despite the dizziness, my eyes completely caught glimpse of a recognizable figu

Vana's POV   My eyes widened as the entire hall burst with greetings, flustered as voices echoed around me. My head spun in confusion; lsot and astounded by the sudden welcoming.   “Welcome to Golden Scorpion!” the whole guild howled in unison.   I took a step back as I look around my surroundings, seeing smiles and warm expressions plastered on the members’ face. I turned my gaze at Jerome, who look as baffled as I am. What in the world is going on?   “Okay, I think we’re missing something here, what’s going on?” Jerome asked, demanding an explanation in our strange situation. In my strange situation.   “Whether Vana joins the Golden Scorpion or not, it means she is welcome to come here whenever she wishes to,” Master Ashmere stated. And it does not explain anything.   “Welcoming you is one way for us to acknowledge that you are always welco

Vana's POV“I’ve been waiting, Vana. Take a seat and tell me everything you’ve been up to these past few days.” I gulped, trembling as I make my way on the seat across from Storm. I sat down, my mouth pursed as I obediently listen to his stern request. My head lowered, and my hand on my knees. My gaze lowered to the ground, unable to dare to glance at brother’s direction. “I’m asking you again, Vana. What happened while I was gone?” Storm repeated, his voice cold and bleak. “A lot…” I murmured. “And those are…?” “Being seen together with Jerome Gallamon and leaving Green Serpent,” I answered, conceding to his question. I can see brother’s shadow down on the floor, his silhouette moving as though he changed his sitting pos