Aiden is the killer.

Those four words strike me like lightning, creating a vicious storm inside my head. My jaw drops and my mouth hangs open, speechless. Lukas is still gesturing to Aiden, and I then turn to see him, looking nervous and flushed at the same time.

"W-what?! That's ridiculous-" he stammers, and then shakes his head. "That's not true!"

I don't say anything, except look down at the ground, letting the sword fall from my hands with a slight clang.

"Just admit it, Aiden. You've been trying to gain her trust just to stab her in the back again." Lukas argues, clenching his fists.

"Do you have any evidence?" I finally ask, quietly, still not looking at them. I can feel Aiden's eyes boring into me.

"Jesse, don't tell me you actually believe this-" he starts, but Lukas interrupts.

"The facts, Jesse. Why do you think someone tried to kill me right after they showed up? I followed the path of poison droplets from the bottle used to make the poison arrow, and it led to the part of town where they're staying. And just look at their past! They've tried to kill you then, and he's trying to kill you now."

"You really are a prick, aren't you?" Aiden asks coldly. "You wouldn't accept a flower after it's ugly form of a sprout. Just like how you wouldn't even spare us a second chance."

I look up to see something in his eyes-desperation.

"We've changed. How much do I have to say that? What do I have to do to prove that I'm not the guy who I was? The guy who teased, and ridiculed you, he's gone. I promise you that."

Jesse, Jesse, Jesse-

Stop.

"Jesse, listen to me. I found glass shards from the potion bottle that was used to make the poisoned arrow. I gave them to Ivor to examine, and someone stole them all tonight. But they left one shard behind, and that has the killer's blood on it."

"And how do you even know that it's his blood?" I ask, an edge to my voice. "Are you even sure it's him?"

He opens his mouth, stops, and then closes it. After a second of thinking he opens his mouth to speak again.

"Well, no-but-"

"Then it's settled. No one is guilty until proven." I say, coldly. I bend down to pick up my sword, squeezing the diamond so hard it pricks my skin.

So much for a relaxing night.

"Yeah, and I'm not guilty." Aiden says harshly, folding his arms across his chest.

"Then I guess you wouldn't mind taking a blood test." Lukas replied, matching his tone.

"Not at all. I have nothing to hide."

"We'll see about that."

"Can you guys just-" I exclaim exasperated, sighing. "Let's just-go home."

I place a hand on my forehead and run a hand through my hair, the ache in my head starting to grow to a throb. I can feel their eyes on me as I walk back into the forest, hearing their footsteps behind me.

I should've known. Nothing can be easy. And it never will be.

**********************

"That was where you got the cut, wasn't it?" I ask Aiden, my voice monotone, showing no emotion. I kick at the floor, annoyance and frustration surging through me at the same time. I didn't believe it, and I don't. He is not the person who almost killed me with a poison arrow.

We're outside of Ivor's house, waiting for him and Lukas to talk something out. They called the others over, along with the other Blaze Rods. Petra, Axel, Olivia should come soon, along with Maya and Gil.

I have only one thought: we're going to find out what's going on. Here and now.

Aiden folds his arms and shakes his head, a frown on his face.

"No, it's not. I swear to you, and-I know it looks bad, but-"

"You didn't do it." I finish for him, making him stop, and then nod. Then he sighs in relief and gives me a sad smile.

"Thanks for believing in me Jesse, for being a true friend."

I nod back as well, and then grab his hand.

"When the blood test results come back, we'll prove them wrong. And then they'll see that you're not the killer."

Lukas P.O.V.

"I know it's him, I just know it." I growl under my breath as Ivor gets his materials ready. Some cloths, a syringe, and a few other items. The bloody glass shard is sitting on the table in a little container as to keep the blood wet.

I feel a surge of anger as I play the scene in my head over and over, unable to delete it. Aiden leaning in, their lips almost touching-

I'm...jealous. No, he's the killer, that's why I stopped him.

But he was only about to kiss her...

It was just a kiss. Just a kiss...

I clench my fist unknowingly. God dammit I am jealous.

"I'm ready." Ivor exclaims, making me snap out of my daze.

"Huh?" I ask and he rolls his eyes.

"Bring them in. It's about time we've got to the bottom of this."

WoAh guys guess what? This story just hit 5k reads and 100 votes!!! *squeals crazily*

Well, it hit that mark sorta a little while ago but eh, still excited!

Anyway, thanks so much! For motivating me to continue this story and push through the thick walls of writers' block.

I'm happy how this story is turning out :D and I hope you guys enjoy what I have planned for future chapters. See you then!