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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Vana's POV “I’m saying that one of us in this room is the killer. One in the four of us, that is,” Ezra stated. “Because you, me, Jamra, and Vana are the last people Tacia and Cella met before they were killed.” My heart thumped, pounding as it dawns in me. If Ezra’s saying the truth, it means that before me, the sisters talked to Jerome, Jamra, and Ezra. And the last person they talked to… is me. “That is a possibility. Looking at how the crime was committed, the last person with them would be capable of this,” Mr. Claude agreed. “But we shouldn’t be hasty.” “The dagger Vana brought with her as an emergency weapon is awfully similar to the murder weapon used in the crime. Isn’t that strange?” Ezra pointed, glancing at me with a devious look. I glared at her, recognizing the game she wants to play. With my dagger compared to the murder weapon, there’s a