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
Jerome's POV “A dagger. A bloody dagger,” I muttered. I chortled, bursting into hysteria. This is madness. To think that the killer hid their tracks inside the same room they committed the crime. I’m starting to think that the murderer is not intelligent enough. Inside the bottom drawer, was where the murder weapon was hidden. The dagger used to kill the sisters is inside the bottom drawer, covered in blood. And I’m positive that even the murderer’s fingerprints are also in that dagger. The dagger was covered with a white cloth, that was also probably used to wipe the blood that dripped to the floor. The cloth was soaked in blood, dyed in red from so much blood. I dared not to touch the weapon yet, waiting for Professor Zander to approach and see it for himself. The dagger was identical to the dagger Vana is carrying, with the only difference being the
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
Vana's POV “Vana!” Jerome shouted as I held the branch. I clamped my mouth as I reached the branch, curling my fingers around the rough edges of it as I use my strength to hold tight. I grunted as I haul my other hand up, trying to grab hold of the branch. I struggled as I perch my other arm on top of the branch, pulling myself on top of it. I grappled to pull my weight on the swaying branch, panting after feeling my energy draining by a quarter after my crazy stunt. Maybe I should have done this in a better way. This is exhausting, and now, even my arms feel sore and hurt. My eyes landed on the dove that sat still on the branch, chirping on my side as it steps away from me. The dove was calm despite the ruckus I’ve been making on the branch. I observed the bird, face coiling as I gaze at the gouged eye on its beak up close. Now, how in the world will I
Vana's POV “There’s aura and magic inside. And it points us directly to the murderer,” I said, turning my head to their direction. “There’s aura and magic inside the room?” Jerome bawled, stepping inside the room in haste. He circled around the couch, face perking in a different direction in hopes to sniff out the aura and magic I was talking about. I rolled my eyes at him, entering the room with Agusto the Dove still wrapped around my arm. And with the gouged eye still resting on my palm. “Maybe you should take that thing off of your hand, Vana,” Professor Zander suggested, walking closer as he takes the gouged eye from my hand. He squeezed the eye on his two fingers, placing it on his handkerchief. “I don’t sense anything, though,” Jerome commented, tilting to me with a baffled look. “Does it have anything to do with the heavy a
Vana's POV “The killer of Cella and Tacia Cindre is not Vana, Detective Claude. The real killer is their stepsister, Jamra Cindre,” Jerome muttered. “Jamra Cindre,” Mr. Claude mumbled, eyes lifting at Jamra. “Me?” Jamra said in disbelief, stepping inside the room to join the revelation. “What are you talking about? Why would I kill them?” “Yeah, why? I think out of all of us, she’s the least capable person to murder someone,” Ezra retorted, scowling. “Never judge a book by its cover. Maybe I should’ve listened to that phrase,” I said, quoting. “Don’t lie, Jamra. Don’t you see that Vana is holding your familiar? And we have the murder weapon,” Jerome stated, revealing the most crucial evidence he found at the other room. “You found the murder weapon!” Mr. Reiki exclaimed in wonder and awe. “Where did you find
Vana's POV “I did it, knowing that you would figure out its me,” Jamra stated, taking me aback by her response. My guess was correct, and I feel relieved to know that. But there was a shattering noise that broke in my heart, a sadness that made me realize something. Jamra suffered just like me. We may have suffered differently. Our lives may have been miserable for different reasons, but it was what drove both of us to be friends. It’s like a magnet, pulling us to each other. Because we understand each other’s pain and misery more than anyone else. Because we needed each other as a support in our broken lives. Unlike me, who has made progress in moving forward from my broken past, Jamra is still living in her own hell, in her own misery and agony in the hands of her stepfamily. It drove her to madness. “I never planned to frame you, Vana. But after Ezra
Vana's POV “Lady Jamra Cindre, Coutess Main Cindre, both of you are under arrest. With Lady Jamra for the crime of murder, and in the case of Countess Maine, for the crime of bribery, illegal gambling, abuse of power, and domestic abuse.” “Wh-what does this mean, Your Majesty?” Countess Maine howled, struggling at the royal guards’ grasps. “I have done nothing, Your Majesty, whoever informed you of those claims are lying.” “No, they’re all true, Your Majesty, if you need me as a witness for it, I’ll gladly accept,” Jamra objected, revealing the claim to be the truth. “The Countess is involved in several illegal gambling business and does illegal gambling herself.” “Those are not true, and you know that, Jamra,” the Countess hissed. Jamra gestured over her shoulder to peer at her stepmother, gazing at her with a mischievous gaze. “Like mother, like daugh
Vana's POV “Which is why… I would like Jerome Gallamon here to bring you back to your dorm room,” Storm said, eyes darting at Jerome as he studies him. “That’s fine with you, right?” “Yes, Mr. Storm. I also have something to talk to her about,” Jerome replied, glancing at me. I raised a brow at the both of them, mouth gaping in astonishment. Since when are they in good terms? And from what I know, Jerome and I have nothing to discuss. “Good, both of you go back to your dorms. I’ll visit you in your tomorrow morning, Vana,” Storm implored. “Are we clear?” “Yes, brother,” I grumbled. He nodded, patting me on the head before leaving. Jerome and I head out of the ballroom to walk our way back to the dorm. I reluctantly agreed to this set up, but in the end, I surrendered after thinking of the reason why Jerome wanted to talk to me.