Vana's POV   Tacia and Cella are… dead…   A tremor coiled inside my stomach as I saw the bloodied bodies of Cella and Tacia lying inside the room. My breathing became shallow, and my knees barely managed itself from collapsing. Jerome’s grip tightened at my arm, and a horrified expression contorted on his face.   Detective Claude and Jamra quickly arrived at the scene, dashing as they tail behind us. Jamra gasped in terror and horror as she saw her stepsisters lifeless inside the room, screaming in fear and agony.   A few quests rushed down the hallway to find out what occurred, but were immediately stopped as Mr. Reiki, one of the Dark War heroes present and King Gregory’s aide, Ms. Yuna, block their way from moving forward. Queen Hyacinth sprinted towards us, ignoring us as she planned to walk straight into the room.   Detective Claude prevented the queen from

Jerome's POV   Vana was taken out of the crime scene by the royal guards of King Gregory, sending her to a room a few blocks away from the crime scene. My eyes lingered at her as she leaves the room, uneasy and doubtful. To think she’d be the first prime suspect just because she was last seen with the victims.   It’s ridiculous.   It’s not that I’m saying Cella and Tacia deserve their deaths, but they should’ve at least seen it coming after they were exposed as Ezra’s accomplices in all her bullying reports. Ezra’s lucky that Mr. Storm didn’t killer her earlier, too.   “Shall we continue with our investigation?” Mr. Claude wondered, glancing at me. “I do hope you won’t be biased.”   Unfortunately, I can’t promise that. “I’ll try my best,” I said.   “Storm, go back to the ballroom and switch with reiki. With your unstable emotions and biased o

Jerome's POV   “Now tell me, where were you at the time of the sisters’ death?”   I gulped for a moment before answering the question. “When Ezra talked to the sisters, I followed them after I found their actions suspicious. I eavesdropped on their conversation like Ezra mentioned,” I explained, stating my answer as truthful as I remember.   “Is Ezra telling the truth about her conversation with the sisters?” Mr. Claude wondered.   “She basically summed it all up,” I replied.   The King and Mr. Claude nodded, satisfied with the answers I gave them. “What’s your relationship with the sisters, Jerome?” Mr. Claude asked.   “None. Only an acquaintance through Ezra,” I answered.   “After you eavesdropped to them, did you talk with the sisters?” Mr. Claude interrogated, following the question.   “I did… I t

Jerome's POV   I went back to the crime scene after I concluded my conversation with Vana, identifying the next step in solving the case. Loud noises echoed from the room of the crime, followed by a familiar voice of a person shouting. Oh, it took him some time to trespass into the crime scene.   “I can’t believe this. How can a victim of bullying be the person you’d suspect the most?” Professor Zander bawled, his voice booming across the hallway.   I halted outside of the room, stopping in front of the door as I observe Professor Zander and Mr. Reiki march towards His Majesty and Mr. Claude. Professor Zander pushed his glasses back against his nose, crumpled as he glares at the authorities present in the room.   “Since when did they arrive?” I asked.   “Just now, while you were busy talking to Vana,” Ezra answered. “I still can’t believe that Vana is Professor Z

Vana's POV   Jerome’s footsteps disappeared as he walks away after our conversation, the sound lingering in my ear. I lean against the door, taking in the remains of his presence outside the room. Never in my life have I thought that I would be so comforted by the presence of a guy I don’t consider as my friend or family.   It felt weird. Strange. The thought of it etched on my mind, sending a tremor on my stomach. I know I should never rely on just anyone. And I’m aware that I shouldn’t trust anyone blindly for them to prove my innocence.   I know all of those things, and yet… I… I trust Jerome and believe he’ll get me out of this mess.   But that doesn’t mean I’d sit here and do nothing.   I turned to face the door, leaning my forehead against it. I heaved a deep breath, knocking my head against the door to knock some senses into my brain. I closed my eyes for