Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Vana's POV
The match ended with the sound of the bell ringing. It took me a minute before I move my sickle away from Ezra’s neck, cautious of her movements. I took a wary step back, eyes lingering at her in case she suddenly ambushes me.
Surprisingly, Ezra only stood up her feet in silence. I can’t see much of her expression because of her hair that covered her face. Either way, her silent treatment doesn’t make anything anymore uncomfortable between us.
We walked back to the gates we entered out of in silence, going to separate directions with no words exchanged between us. There wasn’t even a friendly handshake. I walked back inside the arena’s inner labyrinths, the sound of voices echoing behind me.
It was the spectators of the match, more of them than I anticipated. I made my way through the long curve hallways, searching for the stairs that leads to the bottom floor of t
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 63: Gown
Vana's POV “What the hell…” I cussed in the air, my eyes gazing at the gown neatly folded inside the box. After Storm told me about the gift he prepared for me, I rushed back to our dorm room to check it out. I expected it to be something along the lines of a jewelry or a magic stone, or a mystery-genre book by one of my favorite novels. But instead, what awaited me is a box with a blue and silver gown inside of it. It took me a while to process it, realizing what the gown is for. Our graduation ball. Besides our graduation ceremony that will be held in three days, there would also be a graduation ball that will be held in the evening of the graduation day. “That’s a lovely dress,” Jamra commented, peering next to me as she scans the gown. The gown had a haltertop, glittering blue top and a bottom A-line skirt in the shade of silv
The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 64: Ezra's Game
Vana's POV I huffed, panting as I search for Jamra inside the gymnasium. My heart skipped a beath, thumping rapidly in worry and panic. I gritted my teeth as I read the note again, running out of the gymnasium and heading to the location written on it. I removed my robe and cap on the way out, leaving it on my seat as I rush my way. There’s no time for me to waste. There’s only one person who can threaten me like this and to think she would go to such lengths. “Ezra, and here I thought she had given up,” I muttered as I ran across the pavement. Because of her, Jamra’s in danger. Her target is me, and only me, how dare she involve her in her schemes. Jamra did nothing wrong. I won’t forgive her for using underhanded methods. It only took me a few minutes before I arrive behind Professor Zander’s training ground. The training ground was located in between
The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 65: Vana's Saviors
Vana's POV “Jerome…” Jerome stood right next to Jamra, gun held at headpoint as a dark and grim look flash in his eyes. I gulped, clamping my mouth as I search for the letters and words in my head. My throat felt dry, and my lips were frozen. He freed Jamra from her tied chair, helping her out. My emotions were all over the place after he arrived, my chest tight and stirring in many emotions. Uncertainty. Shock. Joy. Dread. My eyes found its way to Jerome’s gaze, and our eyes stared at each other for a long while. I can see it in his eyes. The pain and the fury that boomed through his pupils. It was frightening, his expression dark and cold and unrecognizable. But more than that, his presence and appearance reassured me. I don’t know how he found me. I don’t why he showed up to save me. I don’t know anything about him… yet I’m so glad he was here. I am
The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 66: A Queen's Power
Vana's POV “Leave your brother to me, Vana,” the lady whispered with assurance as she drifted next to me. My eyes widened as I quickly trailed my eyes to the lady. She disappeared in a split second, reappearing behind brother in lightning speed. My jaw dropped, realizing what kind of people they were truly. This… this is the power—the true power—of a hero from the Dark War. Storm’s power was apparent, but that lady’s magic is overwhelming already despite not putting it in display yet. Her aura simmered in the air like the smell of cherry blossoms, sending a gentle feeling that wriggled my muscles out of stiffness. I gazed at the lady’s direction, finally recognizing the lady’s identity. I gasped, unable to believe my eyes. No way, that was… Queen Maria Hyacinth Claverie-Alicry. Queen Hyacinth of Norn. The Qu
The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 67: The Graduation Ball
Vana's POV “There, all done,” Jamra said after she finishes applying makeup on my face. “You look beautiful.” I looked at myself on the mirror, doubting if I’m really looking at myself. Jamra did a good job on the makeup that I almost can’t recognize myself. She only put light makeup on me, with a little blue accent to combine with the color of my gown. “You look gorgeous. I’m sure everyone will drool when they see. Plus, that aura,” Jamra complimented, squealing with a smile. I smiled back. I wore the gown brother prepared for me, which I was surprised to find out to have pants underneath the skirt. The bodice of the gown fitted my body’s shape perfectly, the skirt’s silhouette flowing down my legs the way I wanted it to be. Jamra wore a lime green mini dress that has a heart-shaped top and a puffy skirt on the bottom. It’s yellow-green color glamoured
The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 68: A Dance with Him
Vana's POV “Mind letting me show you how to properly dance?” he offered, a hand extended towards me. I chuckled, gently with a smile as I take his hand without hesitation. “I hate how you saw how ridiculous me, and my brother are,” I remarked. “Just follow my lead,” he said with a wink as he guides me to the dance floor. I stepped forward, facing him as his hand held mine. He curled a hand around my waist, making my skin tingle in the places he touches. A hot sensation crippled down my body, and he pulled me closer to him, our bodies barely grazing each other. My heart pounded against my ear. Not in the way of being nervous or anxious. It was similar to the feeling I have when I receive a gift or one of my favorite books. A thrilling feeling mixed with something gentle and loving. I raised my face up at him, and his face was inche
The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 69: Conversation Before Death
Vana's POV I hesitantly followed the Cindre sisters down the south hall, making our way to one of the lounge rooms in the lounge hall. I left Jamra at the ballroom a minute ago, assuring her that I will be fine on my own. The two sisters led me to one of the rooms in the middle of the hallway, opening the door as they guide me inside. My eyes lost count of the doors I passed by down on the corridor, distracted by the flaring lights from the hallway chandeliers. I slipped inside the lounge, taking a step inside. Cella led us to a sofa in the center of the room, while Tacia closed the door behind us. They both wore a ball gown that weighs down on their body, with Tacia wearing a light blue gown, while Cella wore a pink gown. I took the opportunity to sit down on the couch, resting my feet from standing all evening. My feet are sore from standing up in these heels, I ought to sit down
The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 70: Death of the Sisters
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
Latest Chapter
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Epilogue Part 3:
Vana's POV“I do. I plan to return to Ashern after I graduate. I also plan to publicly leave the Shadows and remain its member in the dark. Then, I’ll open my own detective agency—”“You’re opening your own agency!” Jerome exclaimed, slamming his hands on the table, which startled me. “Seriously?”“Y-yes?” I stammered, bewildered. “Something wrong with it?”“Not really, but you’re going to do that alone?” Jerome scowled.“No, why do you think I’m telling it to you?”“It’s not what I think, is it?”“More or less. It’s what I need your opinion—or your answer, in this case. I can’t do it alone, and that’s a fact. That’s why, if you would like, I would like to have a partnersh
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Epilogue Part 2:
Vana's POVI stared in front of Green Serpent’s guildhall as I arrive at their doorsteps, contemplating myself. I gulped, pursing my lips as I hesitate to take a step forward. Maybe it’s a wrong idea to be here.The last time I stepped foot in this place was when I left the guild. Since then, I never tried or dared to return or join any other guild. I have other plans for the future. None of them includes joining another guild, even if it is Golden Scorpion.“Vana, I thought you wouldn’t arrive,” a voice called, and I turned to face who it was. Cara plastered a smile on her face as she came up to me, her hair flailing on her bare shoulders.“Good afternoon, Cara,” I greeted with a thin line on my face.“Why haven’t you entered?” she wondered.“Well…” I hesitated, gla
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Epilogue Part 1:
Vana's POV9 months laterI got off the train with my suitcase rolling on the ground, lifting my hands up in the air as the sun beamed above me. It’s been six months since the last time I was in Auregon. It’s been nine months since the Case of the Serpent and Scorpion came to an end.Many things happened in the past nine months. Many to be even count in my hands. I don’t even know where to start. After Chairman Zerondale’s arrest, he was jailed in the palace dungeons and was investigated for nearly a whole month by the royal investigators.He was put in trial the following month after the investigation, with all the charges we filed to him. It took almost two months for all his crimes to be verdicted, and in the end, he was sentenced to death.Lifetime of servitude or liftetime in prison wasn’t enough of a verdict for all
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Chapter 178: Conflict Resolved
Vana's POV“You’re right. I made a mistake… a lot more than I could have ever imagined,” Master Sergis agreed, muttering.I flinched, my head tilting down at Master Sergis’ direction. His hands crumpled the letter, staring at it with his teeth gritting. A regretful gaze flickered in his eyes, raising it up at the ice wall’s direction.“From the beginning, I should have known something is going on when Zerondale enticed me against Ashemre. I should have… noticed that he fabricated it all,” he admitted, his voice full of sorrow and regret.“I knew Ashmere wasn’t that kind of person, and my wife would never betray me like that,” he mentioned, pertaining to the conversation between Ms. Madison and Master Ashmere that led to a cheating misunderstanding.“I should have… listened to t
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Chapter 177: Two Guilds
Vana's POV“And I have the evidence to prove it,” I boasted.Heads turned and raised up at me as I yell, jaws dropped and irritated looks carved out of their faces. I stood in front of them with my back straight, breath hitching as my actions sink into my head.What in the magic did I just do?“Now you’ve done it…” Jerome mumbled with a sigh next to me.Not only did I used my magic arbitrarily and unexpectedly, but I also revealed the journal right from the start without any prior explanation. It’s already a mess, and I think I only made things messier.“How are the two of you even here? Aren’t you supposed to be executed?” Master Sergis asked in a shout. “Wha—how—” That is exactly the reason why things got complicated.It was surprising
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Chapter 176: Unsettling Feeling
Vana's POV“Case closed…” I mumbled with an unsettling feeling in my chest.“Vana, are you okay?” Jerome asked as he ran towards me in concern.I blinked, flustered as Jerome took my hand as soon as he knelt next to me. My eyes widened, but I remained composed as I pick myself up. “I’m… fine. I just… felt underwhelmed by everything,” I said, standing up from my spot.A soft smile curled up my lips as I assure him. He held my hand gently and we walked down from the stage. The chaos was all over the place, but my gaze fixated on Jerome as we head down the stage together.I followed him from behind, my eyes going back and forth between his back and his bleeding hands that held mine. I paused on my step, unable to stop the urge to speak.“Are you satisfied? About your revenge?&r
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Chapter 175: Case Closed
Vana's POV“Do you see it now? We lured you in a trap, Chairman Zerondale. Do you think I would be stupid enough not to realize that you were planning to assassinate the king?” I stated, a smirk plastered on my face.Chairman Zerondale stepped back, horror and fury stirring in his eyes. His jaw clenched, gritting his teeth with his eyes glaring at me. The Shadows surrounded him at the back center of the platform, our weapons drawn.“You can’t run away from your crimes forever, Chairman Zerondae. It’s time for you to face it,” Jerome said, taking a step forward.A sharp curve cured on Chairman Zerondale’s lips, a hysteric laugh leaving his mouth. He laughed out loud, a grim atmosphere emitting out in the air. He raised his eyes at us, a grim smile plastered on his face.“You can arrest me all you want, but I will alw
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Chapter 174: Trap
Vana's POV“Can you do it?” I asked Gregory as I roam inside his room.Gregory, Jerome, and I gathered inside his chambers to cast the illusion spell as part of our trap against Chairman Zerondale. Thanks to the information Professor Zander provided from the Magic Council Tower, and with a bit of calculation, inferencing, and assumptions, we narrowed down the day the Chairman would assassinate the king.“Shall we start then?” Gregory implored, standing at the center of his chambers.He glanced at me, gesturing for me to move out of the room as he prepares himself to cast the spell. Jerome observed the scene from outside of the room, leaning against the doorframe with his injured body covered with gauze.It hasn’t been a week since we were treated, and his bruises aren’t healed with magic either.I moved ove
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Chapter 173: The Dragon Egg
3rd POVThe halls of Jasper Academy remained peaceful as the new academic year began. It won’t be long for Professor Zander to be asked to return to the academy, having to start teaching his new students. Unfortunately, he’s still in the middle of a mission.He made it an excuse that he’ll be having orientations with his new class, hiding his main objective of heading to the Magic Council Tower. Gregory already made arrangements with Angela about the Special Unit helping them, requesting Angela’s mother, Chairwoman Iris, to access the tower.Professor Zander lurked around the hallways near the Magic Council Tower, observing the people entering in and out of the tower. In the few minutes of his observation, only Chairwoman Iris entered the tower, with none of her assistants following her inside.It was the signal he’d been waiting for; one that Angela and Gregory menti
