Ice's astonishingly blue eyes are filled with what I think is ... Guilt ? He tells me, aloud.

     " Technically, she stole it. " Camelia, right. I already knew she was the one he was getting the money for. Now, I know she also stole The Pen from him.

     " Why would he give it to you !? "

     " Because Father trusts ... "

     " Trusted ... "

     " Me. And he will still trust me if I get The Pen back quickly enough. "

     " Well, well, well, did you hear that, Jake ? Are you guys really talking about The Pen ? "

We both abruptly turn in Ace's direction. I'd say about 3/4 of The Other World's population knows about The Pen, so it isn't shocking that he knows what we're talking about. The problem here is that we inadvertently announced The Pen is in circulation. It obviously isn't any normal, common, human or machine-made pen. The shell can take the appearance of an ordinary everyday ballpoint pen then turn into a beautiful expensive-looking quill in a matter of seconds. It's basically a shape-shifting pen, what it looks like entirely depends on its current user. The color and texture of the ink also obeys the desires of the mind of whoever is holding it. No one knows what The Pen really was like at first, what color its ink was ... More importantly, the ink has a special power. Anything that is written with The Pen appears. Although, some say it might have a mind of its own since no one ever managed to create something which would cause harm to, well ... To The Pen. It can't trigger events or change the past, The Pen only has shape-shifting powers, as indicated before, and possesses Creation Magic. Then again, it solely works if two specific conditions are met, thankfully. The writer must've never died before and be a telepath. Overall, it might seem too complex or more trouble than it's worth ... But that's utterly wrong. That pen is one of the most powerful enchanted tools to have ever existed. If we consider the fact that at least half of non-humans are psychics and that The Pen has very few chances of ending up in a Realm of Death, it's not too hard to use. Regarding to how our dear old dad got his hands on it ... I'd bet a lot it wasn't a friendly legal exchange.

     " If I tell you we weren't, will you believe it ? " I can already guess his answer.

     " Of course not. "

     " Of course not ... " I sigh.

     " So, your kingdom was the one who kept it ? " asks the other brother.

Ice immediately snaps back.

     " And is gonna keep it. "

Jake cocks an eyebrow.

     " Chill, man. I'm not looking for a fight, or to get The Pen either. "

     " Sure, man. "

" Look, this is a family matter, keep them out of it, Diamond. "

" You're the one who started talking about it aloud like some idiot. "

" Actually, you screamed at me first, idiot. "

" You don't get to call me an idiot. "

" I just did. "

" Ugh, listen to us, squabbling like two six year-olds ! "

" Anyways, the money ? "

" Oh, I'm not giving you a penny, Ice. You brought this on yourself. "

" Who knows what Camelia ..? "

" WHO CARES WHAT CAMELIA'S GONNA DO ?! "

" I do, because that girl isn't just some common black-marketeer. I think she might keep it, or sell it to someone dangerous. "

" What, more dangerous than Father ? "

" I can't believe you're not realizing how serious this is. "

" Yeah, for you maybe, because you can't stand the idea of not being the favorite twin anymore. But I. Don't. Care. Got that ? "

" They're gonna find a way to blame you, Diamond, if you don't help me get it back. "

" ... Alright, I told you I'd help you and ... I guess I'll try my best to do so ... "

" Yes ! Thanks sis, you're not the worst ! "

The door from Miss Goldilocks' office and into the waiting room opens up. Jackie comes out and sits, staring at her feet. " You okay ? " " How could I be okay ?! What is she, an absolute heartless monster ?! " Her thought feels like a punch to the face. That's a pretty bold thing to think loudly like that ... I'm sure everyone in the room perceived it. This isn't helping my emotional instability at all. The school psychologist invites me in.

     " Why did you call Ice up here ?! "

     " Usually, Diamond, I ask the questions. You're also supposed to be seated while I do so. "

I sit on her long green couch and cross my arms, sitting straight.

     " Okay, I'm seated. Why is he here ? "

     " Jackie told me he knew Heather pretty well... And that he could also provide moral support for you. "

     " H-him ?! " I almost choke on my own disbelieving laughter. " Moral support ?! He has the emotional complexity and depth of a ... Of an ice cube, at best ! "

     " Do you think you have a more developed array of feelings ? "

     " I really don't. But he's one of the last persons that'd help me get over the, um, brutal murder of my best friend. " She nods and writes something down in her spiral notebook.

     " Who do you consider would help you get over that ? I'm very open to having someone assist you during a few of our future sessions. "

     " Wait, future ..?! "

     " Of course, Diamond. Once every month, for twelve months, I will meet Azzoxan, Jelrikin, Jackie and you. Accordingly to how you will all be doing personally, we'll organize weekly meetings. "

     " I don't need any of this, Miss Goldilocks ! "

     " I'm not here to treat you, just check up on your health, okay ? Better safe than sorry, right ? "

     " Huh-huh, sure... " She scribbles some more notes and turns the page of her booklet. I suddenly feel a sharp pain in my stomach. " M-may I be excused ? "

     " Of course, I'll send Ice with you... "

I run out and towards the girls' bathroom. I rush into a stall and violently lean forward to throw up. I sob, panting. My throat is burning and even though I'm empty inside, literally and metaphorically, I cough with all my strength into the toilet bowl. Thin drips of disgusting liquid fall out of my mouth, but it's not enough. Heather is dead. I punch the stall's wall and land on my knees against the cold tile floor. My forearms resting on the sides of the toilet, I sigh. I'm ridiculous. I've gotta get a hold of myself. This can't keep happening every day. It's only been two times, but it feels like two times too many for me. I have to stop picturing Heather's slashed body... I scream, startled, as a familiar voice asks me.

     " Hey, do you need me to get someone..? "

Iris. She seems genuinely worried about me. I don't know a lot about her, we're only in the same Demon Language class. Her eyes have a deep dark purple color, with speckles of burgundy. Her wavy chestnut hair is pulled back into a short ponytail that barely sits on top of her frail shoulders. She's shorter than me, even more since I'm considered a tad taller than most.

     " No thanks. "

     " ... You know Azzoxan, right..? "

     " Barely, why ? "

     " You should be careful. Don't trust him with... stuff. "

     " Very vague, but okay, I guess. " He never told me why they were going to meet up secretly yesterday, but it's not like I can just go ahead and ask her. He probably didn't tell her anything... Unless she saw the body.

     " See you around, Diamond. "

The bell announcing the beginning of our lunch break is heard across the whole school as she hastily walks out. Perfect timing. I get out too and almost bump into Ice.

     " We gotta skip Miss Goldilocks' session and find Narbeth and Winnie. "

I scoff, we said that at the exact same time. Twins do think alike. " Winnie, Narbeth, meet us out front. " " Ice ?! Are you in my head ?! " " Huh huh. " " I'm coming, don't worry ! "

I was listening to my brother's telepathic messages and Narbeth didn't answer, but he's also waiting in front of the school when we get there.

     " Hey... " Winnie still seems uneasy in my presence, I don't blame her. I'd be really vigilant around me if I were her. She did murder my best friend. My twin's best friend inquires.

     " So, what's up ? "

I answer him, placing my hands on my waist in a attempt to establish my leadership.

     " We're going to the Happy Ending Orphanage. "