#「❝ Novelist's Perspective ❞」 - Adalyn

[idv-murder-mystery-utopia]

"long time no see" -shiloh (ps: let her at him)

There was a moment of silence with the novelist as she heard the familiar voice of the actor, and for a moment, she turned to give a glare to him out of spite.

She said nothing, though. But it's quite obvious she still has issues with him. Hm...

Normally, she would've said something, but... Her glare is evident. Was she going to say something? Or anything at all...? Though, she might, but her next line may as well be a surprise to most who have knew her too well...

“Oh... Greetings, Monroe. Did you miss me, hm? ♪”

She set her books aside before brushing some strands of her hair, sighing before she fully faced the man with a grin.

“Now, what brings you here to visit an absent novelist? Did you miss me going after your case before, huh?”

She's definitely not letting that go, huh...

@idv-thespians

[ba-mi-soro-orisha]

What books are on your nightstand?

“All the Stars and Teeth,” by Adalyn Grace; “Ninth House,” by Leigh Bardugo; “The Last Arrow,” by Erwin Raphael McManus. I always have an itch for great fantasy, which Grace and Bardugo provide. And I’m always interested in self-development and books that feed my soul like “The Last Arrow.”

What’s the last great book you read?

“Daring Greatly,” by Brené Brown! I was really moved by her Netflix special, and listening to her audiobook came at the perfect time in my life. She has a way of perfectly describing some of the most intimate human emotions and experiences, and she provides concrete, actionable solutions. She gave me a new level of self-awareness that’s helped me navigate my life in a meaningful way, so I’m a big fan.

Are there any classic novels that you only recently read for the first time?

Recently, no. The vast majority of American classics were ruined for me because schools made me read them too young. If I remember correctly, I think I had to read “Self-Reliance,” by Ralph Waldo Emerson, in seventh grade. I remember reading “Death of a Salesman” in high school and hating it, but when I read it in college I loved it. I was blown away by what Arthur Miller had created. Because of that, I’m saving my reread of the classics for a time when life isn’t too crazy and I can focus. I want to make sure if I don’t like what society has deemed a classic story, it’s because I don’t like the actual story, and not because I didn’t understand it when I was 12.

Describe your ideal reading experience (when, where, what, how).

My ideal reading experience is on the beach, under an umbrella, with my Kindle, and with a tasty drink and snack by my side.

What’s your favorite book no one else has heard of?

I don’t think I have one? I’m a pretty basic person. I’m not even cool enough to like niche anime. Everything I gravitate to is pretty well known because they are such amazing stories.

If I had to pick one, I’d say most of my younger readers probably aren’t familiar with “The Souls of Black Folk,” by W. E. B. DuBois, and most of my older readers probably aren’t familiar with “Six of Crows,” by Leigh Bardugo.

What book should everybody read before the age of 21?

“The Poet X,” by Elizabeth Acevedo. It’s a stunning story told in verse about a young Dominican poet learning to use her voice and take up space. I think as we grow up and start to discover who we are, we also have to discover what we want to say. Then we have to get comfortable saying it. I think this is the kind of story that makes you feel strong when you’re reading it, and then you can lean on that strength when you need to use your voice and take up space in your real life.

Which writers — novelists, playwrights, critics, journalists, poets — working today do you admire most?

For novelists, I’m a forever-fan of Sabaa Tahir. Her debut fantasy — “An Ember in the Ashes” — was the epic tale that inspired me to write “Children of Blood and Bone.” It moved me in ways a story hadn’t moved me before and gave me a chance to imagine a fantasy world with characters I’d never gotten to see before.

For journalists, Shaun King. The work Shaun does for the black community is incredible. I respect his strength, tenacity and passion, and I admire him deeply for the commitment to getting our stories out.

For critics, I think YouTubers like Cosmonaut Variety Hour and Alex Meyers? I get a lot of entertainment from their television and movie reviews, and also get refreshers on good storytelling.

What writers are especially good on adolescent life?

Angie Thomas, Nic Stone and Jason Reynolds!

How do you distinguish Y.A. books from adult fiction?

Honestly, the main difference to me is how quickly I’m captured and transported into the story. I find the best young adult novels have all the best parts of adult fiction — the extensive world-building, the complex characters, the beautiful prose — layered over a fast-paced, exciting plot. Most of the adult fiction I read takes its time building to the climax.

Which young adult books would you recommend to people who don’t usually read Y.A.?

I always recommend “An Ember in the Ashes” and “Six of Crows” after one of my readers has finished “Children of Blood and Bone.” I find those three fantasies crossover really well and help hook people into reading other young adult books.

What’s the most interesting thing you learned from a book recently?

That you’re not supposed to fight your anxiety, you’re supposed to fight the things that are causing your anxiety by setting better boundaries for yourself and for others. That’s one of the golden nuggets in “Daring Greatly.”

Which genres do you especially enjoy reading? And which do you avoid?

I love a good romance! I’m always game for young adult fantasy and sci-fi. I want to read more adult books, contemporary books and poetry. And sadly, I avoid nonfiction. When I read, I like to go somewhere else in my mind with stories that touch our real world without taking place in it.

What makes for a good fantasy novel?

I think the most magical fantasies will always be the ones with a world you want to live in forever. For example, I think we loved Harry Potter, but we were in love with Hogwarts. We all wanted to go to class with him. We all wanted our own wands. I think great worlds are important because they allow readers to play in that world with their imagination long after the book is done, but a great world isn’t complete without a great protagonist.

What moves you most in a work of literature?

Acts of love. Be it familial, friendly or romantic. A beautifully described, tender act of love destroys me.

How do you organize your books?

ORIGINAL STORIES: I have a lot of the stories I wrote when I was young on my Kindle — they are hilarious and incredible and always funny to read.

BOOKS ON WRITING: I always want to be a better writer/storyteller than I am now. I love books and YouTube videos that break down the art of story.

FICTION: Most of my library is Y.A., so this is where my “I’m an adult” fiction goes.

SCI-FI: Though I’m a child of fantasy, my interest in the stars and spaceships is growing.

FANTASY: Includes all the great franchises of the past and all the exciting, diverse stories that are being published today.

Who is your favorite fictional hero or heroine? Your favorite antihero or villain?

Antiheroes: Zuko, from “Avatar: The Last Airbender”; Logan, from “X-Men”; Kaz Brekker, from “Six of Crows.” Villains: Light Yagami, from “Death Note,” and Magneto, from “X-Men.” I guess my Slytherin is showing, because I love my antiheroes and my villains more than my heroes.

What kind of reader were you as a child? Which childhood books and authors stick with you most?

I was a voracious reader when I was young. I lived for the summer reading challenges where I could read 50 books and get like three Airheads at the end of August. The authors and books that worked themselves into my heart were Mary Pope Osborne and her Magic Tree House series, J. K. Rowling and Harry Potter, Masashi Kishimoto and “Naruto.” I consider myself a creative child of fantasy and anime.

How have your reading tastes changed over time?

My Kindle is loaded up with several of the stories I wrote as a girl and as a teenager. It’s wild reading them now because I vaguely remember the nights and weekends I stayed up writing these tales, and I see the plots and character types that I’ve loved reading about and imagining since I was young.

I’ve always loved sweeping romances and magical fantasies. I’ve loved headstrong, determined female protagonists and epic battles. I still like to read the same things. I think the difference now is that I get to read all the things I like with characters who look like me. My childhood stories didn’t give me that. Even in the stories I wrote myself, I was only writing white characters and biracial characters. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that erasure was painful and damaging to my sense of self. So getting to create and read stories that fight that erasure and build on my sense of self is the only significant change in my reading tastes.

You’re organizing a literary dinner party. Which three writers, dead or alive, do you invite?

Oprah Winfrey, Octavia E. Butler and Toni Morrison. I would be extremely uncomfortable in the midst of all that greatness, and I probably wouldn’t speak. But while stuffing my face with little lobster rolls, I would get to learn from and be inspired by those three incredible women.

Whom would you want to write your life story?

Honestly, me, because I’m a perfectionist. But I don’t think I’m the best person to write my story because while I have a unique take on my story, I also lack a lot of necessary perspectives that would be needed to write an accurate life story. I’m going to cheat this one and say I would like Shonda Rhimes to do a highly dramatized mini-series of my life story.

What do you plan to read next?

“Blood Heir,” by Amélie Wen Zhao. I’ve heard really great things. I’m excited to check it out!

[idv-murder-mystery-utopia]

In the rabbit hole of madness, the novelist is trapped in time. After the incident, she was stuck in the same loop as she recalled all of her memories.

Was the past her... Her? Or was it just someone else who lost their mind?

Who may be able to answer that other than the novelist herself...?

Adalyn Adlere's 1st Birthday Art/Poster: (Who Am I?)

[idv-murder-mystery-utopia]

There was an eerie silence in the corridors, and for a moment, nothing seems amiss.

However, the silence breaks as the clicking of heels is heard. There seemed to be a tall, slim figure seen... Walking by the end of the hall.

Turning her head, you can only catch a glimpse of who she is, but those yellow eyes seem to break your focus and entrance you.

“Another one? Hm. You shouldn't be tempted by a sacrificial bride.”

Her yellow eye was the only thing you last saw before you fled from the hall, leaving behind a bitter huntress in her wake...

[Hunter Adalyn (Roleswap): The Forbidden Bride]

Original design:

I've been having a lot of ideas with hunter! Adalyn in the past, and thanks to Fifi (@idv-thespians) giving me brainrot of a certain actor, I've finally finished the design!

Her sister's next... :) soon

[idv-murder-mystery-utopia]

" Seems that today's your birthday, right? " The maid asked with a teacup and an ivory rose in hands, giving a half smile to the novelist.

" I've made some lavender tea for the occasion. Even if we barely met each other... Wish you have a happy birthday! "

(@ask-idv-parlourmaid)

The novelist was settling on some papers till she saw the maid approach her, and for a moment, she looked shocked at the teacup and the ivory rose.

She... Did not expect such a gift. She took it gently, almost scared of breaking the cup in her hands, before a gentle smile seem to cross on her lips at the other's greeting. How sweet of her...

“I... Thank you, miss Ellen. I'd certainly appreciate this, even if we barely talk or interact as much. I'm surprise you remembered my birthday— not a lot had tried to, at least.”

Adalyn giggled quietly before sipping the tea, her smile not fading. It looked so genuine, too... It was nice to have some peace in this place.

“Lavender tea on a nice afternoon... A fitting pair, don't you think? I do wish I have at least something to repay for such kindness, though...”

Adalyn mused, setting down her cup for a moment to think. Hm... What would be preferred...

@ask-idv-parlourmaid

[idv-murder-mystery-utopia]

We all know what you think of Shiloh, but what about Liam?

For a moment, the girl was silent as she thought of the fallen star. Her eyes seem to shift to the side as she recalled what happened to him in his case, her smile falling to what seems to be like an empathetic frown.

“... He reminds me of my sister, actually. If she was still alive, I'm sure he and Liana will get along. His past up to his death... Makes me feel as though he did not deserve such a fate.”

Her mouth closed as she let out a tired sigh, her frown still etched to her face.

“Much like most hunters, he... Does not deserve to stay in this manor. He needs to move on and rest, but knowing the Baron, he will not allow such a thing.

... It makes me sad that his case became cold due to the lack of evidence. It's like I knew the answer— I just don't have concise proof and everyone's trust for it.”

She glanced down to the letters she has, before she spoke quietly,

“A lot of people say to not go easy on hunters, but if it's to make his duties a bit... Easier, I usually let him chair me easily. It is nice to talk to him outside of matches, even if he does not favor survivors as much. To each their own, I suppose.”

She was... Oddly calm about this. Does she favor hunters? Even if they are as cruel as others say?

“You may think that I am odd or strange to do such a thing, but they're like us— they're still human... Even if they don't look like it. And treating them with respect is the least things us survivors can do.”

[idv-murder-mystery-utopia]

Adalyn's Letter (First Investigation, at age 18)

Received in November 10th, 7:19 PM.

To: Adalyn Adlere

Greetings and salutations! We hope that this letter may find you in good spirits and in health.

We are aware of what has occurred years ago with your sister, Liana Adlere, and the anniversary of her death that has occurred. We can only send you our condolences for losing your beloved sibling... And we may hope she has moved on after the incident. Despite it happening years ago, you still recall the death like it was yesterday. We can only wish for your good health and for your loss.

Due to pressing matters, we may need your assistance again. Are you perhaps free by Saturday, November 21st? We have a case against a man that had been masquerading for quite a while in an asylum. And yes, while we do not bother new recruits such as yourself... This matter is concerning. This, of course, covers the breakdown of the institution you were admitted in: ‘White Tombstone’.

We would usually ask for Inference and perhaps Lady Truth, but seeing that this asylum is the one you were in after the incident has occurred, we thought it'd be better for you to investigate in it.

We hope that this letter may interest you to help us, dearest detective. The payment will still be the same as usual— just please keep the man alive, and not dead, please.

Yours truly,

— The Pioneer

[idv-murder-mystery-utopia]

“Searching for truth? How’s that job gone for you, overall?” (ask-idv-the-caretaker)

“Ah, that depends on the case you want me to know about. Though, since there's quite a lot, I'm afraid you should be more... Specific with your question.”

The young woman turned her head as she set her books down, finally done with her little side job. Granted, she would've been nicer, but she didn't knew how to react with such a person asking her a question after she has returned. Nevertheless, the surprise was welcoming.

“However, if you are interested in someone else's case such as Monroe's, I'm afraid I can't gleam too much information about him... Unless I am wrong, in which you may correct me on it.

It's been ages since I came back, after all... Goodness, this office has been left to dust when I had returned from my usual matches, hm...”

The girl coughed slightly before dusting some of her shelves, before glancing at the caretaker with a gentle and comforting smile.

“To be quite specific, though, the job has been quite fun in an author's perspective. Fiddling with different answers in cases, only to draw to a singular conclusion... It's intriguing, I would say, but also quite tedious.”

She paused and lowered her gaze, her eyes having a glint of knowledge behind the gentleness of her demeanor.

“But I'd say madness can cope with such... Tedious matters. Though, that's just by my taste.”

Mayhaps she has other things up on her sleeves...

@ask-idv-the-caretaker

[idv-murder-mystery-utopia]

💟

Alright, since this is a wildcard, its time to set a very unfortunate memory for our dearest little Novelist here :) I’m not going to be sorry in the slightest for tormenting her, but lets say her memory isn’t the greatest.

Lets see what went wrong with her in the past to make her this way, shall we?

TW/s: Death, occults, and sacrifices (rituals as well) will be mentioned in this memory. I’ll let you guess on what type of memory it is. Oh, and yes, this is involved with Adalyn- lets say this is her motive before an incident happened... (this will also have a recent memory, though the first will be lengthy. Hope you enjoy it! ♡)

     In the past, Adalyn had nothing to really say that went wrong in her life. She had never felt the need to change anything in her time and she felt... Happy in the past. However, things had changed when September came.

    There had been news that spread around that a group came, speaking of a religion they were in. They had convinced a few people that theirs is not as bad as others would think, but most have decided to steer clear from the danger.

    Adalyn was one of those people that didn't believe them. Who would when the risk is present? She wouldn't wish to join a shady group worshipping a God no one knows about. Instead, she did something she was well-known for by the town she lived in, and that was asking about with what the people think.

    Liana had helped her as well, deeming that she wanted to know what everyone thought about the religion. However, the replies they got were concerning and not the best. A handful of them were just neutral, but there were a few that went through the group and had been banished from said group.

    Well, that's how everyone had said, anyways.

    "There's always something off about that group and the religion they were involved- the eerie atmosphere and the odd seances they host... Its all to worship the Gods, but I doubt it."

    "My sister just joined to this group actually... But she ended up being a brainwashed cultist. Honestly, that's enough suspicion for me! I've seen how everyone reacted, so why would anyone in their right minds want to join the group?!"

    "I was just one of the recent visitors, and their volunteers... I can see that they're not even themselves. I don't know about you, but I doubt you want to join if you want to see that happen."

    All the replies seem to have one thing in common: doubt and denial. She had seen how some of the people reacted when she prodded the question to them, and their statements may be vague or shallow, but it helped her understand a bit on what the group entails in its masses.

    However, when she asked them on the requirements to join, they began to clam up and she can't seem to prod any answers from them. They did say it wasn't worth it, but...

    With a rough sigh, the girl grabbed a fistful of her hair and raked it out of her high ponytail. It frustrated her to no end, but she knew she was being a bit paranoid.

    "It'll be okay, sister- I'm sure the mayor can drive them off soon!"

    Liana knew Adalyn and her frustrations too well, and she was, indeed, the more stubborn one out of the two. Unlike her younger sister, the older had her temper and she refused to give in and stop being so stubborn with tasks.

    And she knew that this one is apart of those frustrations.

    "Come on, they just came in today... Let's hope they leave after, alright?"

    Adalyn glanced at her sister, before nodding with an aggravated sigh crossing from her lips.

    "Fine. I'm just... Ugh, my instincts are telling me to get through their case— I can't seem to crack on the requirements since someone sent me basic information about this cult months ago, Lia."

    "I know, but being frustrated wont solve anything. I know you, sister, and I know being frustrated won't solve anything."

    The younger sibling grabbed the letter that was addressed to the other, before placing it in Adalyn's hands.

    "Come on, you're stronger than this! We can solve it, and I know it!"

    But it is easier said than done.

                                                                ---

    Weeks had passed after the group's arrival, and it didn't seem like they'd be leaving anytime soon. She had watched as the others asked about the group and tried to join in which let them have a bigger amount of people following their every whim with no strings attached.

    And soon enough, almost half of the townsfolks have joined this seemingly blessed group and their religion. The only ones were the ex-volunteers, and the non-believers.

    Adalyn knew that something was definitely up with the town. The Mayor had said to help them (Adalyn and Liana were the known ones due to helping around the town in all its years), but after seeing what it is about, he couldn't do anything about it but he did say he'd check on the group and keep a more... Watchful eye on it.

    She would've reckon that the group was something different, but she didn't give too much thought into it. The mayor can settle it... Right?

    Nonetheless, there hadn't been much updates on their end, but the novelist found herself asking the staff and the others who joined about the religion itself just to get a shed of information behind it, though the most answers she got were... Cryptic at best.

    But not as bad as she anticipated.

    All the girl knew about the religion was that it had been up for centuries, and it was portrayed on worshipping God from what He has done till the end with His ancestors and such. She knew it was basically Christianity, but their words...

      Their words and reactions aren’t the best, and it gave her a bad impression. They look so dazed and convinced that it was good that they kept pressuring the poor novelist to join in as well. “You’ll fit in, dearest! Trust me!” one of them said to her, nudging her with a grin on their lips.

        Fit in? As if she’d believe that for a second. She knew too well that she never believed in a religion hosted by a small group or two, and she was wary to a fault. What would make them believe that she’d ever join? Was it from how unsuspecting she is? If it is, then that’s false. She’s already known to state her opinions, no matter if its controversial or not, so their claims are already false.

      God, it ticks her off when people can’t seem to understand when she’s making a valid point...

      However, she didn’t seem to understand on how people got influenced the longer they went to that group. Even her little sister is getting roped to them, and as much as she hated doubting Liana, she knew it won’t be long till something ever happens to her younger sister.

        And she’s not risking that possibility... At all.

                                                               ---

          Adalyn had seen everything from the group and their actions as well, though what she didn’t understood was their motive.

            That’s the only thing she was lacking: their motive.

            She didn’t knew what was going on, but she’s been staying at the side for months. Despite this, though, she has seen what’s happening from 10th of October.

            One by one, she’s seen the cases of the girls disappearing without a trace. No wills, no letters, no evidence- its almost as if they vanished out of thin air, and disappeared from the face of the Earth. And this caught the mayor’s attention, who begged asked her for help. She had told the mayor what she knows to a vague standpoint, so that he wouldn’t worry so much on what’s going on.

              He did agreed on her statement and her observation, though the one thing that set him off was the day the mayor’s daughter had disappeared a few weeks after.

              The mayor was angered and demanded answers when he realized that his daughter disappeared, whilst the novelist was struggling to get more information at the case at hand. Most people that she asked (who were now fully invested and involved in the cult) refused to answer her questions, or kept giving vague and ambiguous answers that set the girl off from even bothering with her line of questioning.

              However, as she tried to get more answers, she finally found where the mayor’s daughter was. Only, that the day and timing was not the greatest.

              October 22nd, and at exactly 3 in the morning did the leader summoned all of the people in the town. Believers and non-believers alike managed to get to the venue, and even the mayor himself came. The sisters were the last ones to arrive, though the moment they came, they found an unfortunate sight.

              In front of the church’s entrance, the leader (who was cloaked) had the daughter of the mayor in their hands, their voice booming loudly enough for everyone to hear. “Believers of God, I have our fitting sacrifice!” he stated proudly, with everyone cheering for said sacrifice in front of them. The daughter only cried and struggled, yelling, “Let me go! You guys are the worst!!”

              The mayor’s eyes widened as his stressed expression became a sneer, and he immediately yelled out, “That’s my daughter! Let her go!” whilst the man himself rushed up to the stage. However, the leader cackled and spoke loudly, “Disciples! Restrain him!”

              It was a wild ride as Adalyn saw how the man was restrained, with him yelling out to let his daughter go. Unfortunately, this reached up to deaf ears as the leader ended up sacrificing the poor girl to their ‘God’.

            Adalyn felt her blood run cold when she saw the girl was stripped off of her clothing, with the disciples hitting her using a whip hard enough to draw out blood from her wounds. Her screams only made the crowd roar, possibly because they seem to want her to be ‘baptized’ and accepted of the ‘Lord’.

              Of their Lord.

              The one that kicked the bucket for the mayor was the fact that his daughter was being hung on the cross, but instead of being upright, she was hung upside down and let the blood rush up to her head. Her blood curling screams died down as they began to hammer her hands and feet in place of the cross. But one thing that Adalyn knew, though...

              ... That day, the mayor snapped, and Adalyn knew that the town will never be the same.

[idv-murder-mystery-utopia]

“Oh, if it's to damn you to the point you've got nothing in your life worth for? Mayhaps. Then again, you're as stubborn as me, anyways.”

She gave him a sly look before it faded, soon picking up a few letters underneath her desk.

“Though, I wouldn't say the same to you with how your fans reacted to me. Investigating the case you're involved had only warranted such threats that were bad, and if not, worse than anticipated.”

With a scoff, she set the papers down to let him see what was written. It was all of the death threats to her about his case— some were written in a hurry while others were torn and slightly unreadable; but one thing is for certain though: they want her dead.

“I would normally ask if you told them, but... I doubt it. You wouldn't want your hands dirty, anyways.

Though, lucky for you, I would be doing them a favor after a month or two of my absence.”

Wait... What?

“Since most people are convinced that you aren't like what some may say... I've decided to leave your case behind because of it. It's such a shame that no one would believe what I say, since they had liked you far too obsessively to even know what's the truth.”

... Why is she packing up her things? Are those the files of the case she has for him?

“So that little interaction we have will be our last, including now. You don't have a reason to be here now once I've done filing this case as good as dead, Monroe.”

She finally finished up compiling the whole files, before giving him a disinterested and bittersweet smile on her lips.

“It's a shame, really, but I suppose you being a bad guy would only shot itself in the foot and condemn me as one, anyways. Plus, I've been thinking of letting the case die and pursue on new ones.

... Though, I'll say that I've got all of my answers in yours, so it'll be pointless to reveal them now.”

"long time no see" -shiloh (ps: let her at him)

There was a moment of silence with the novelist as she heard the familiar voice of the actor, and for a moment, she turned to give a glare to him out of spite.

She said nothing, though. But it’s quite obvious she still has issues with him. Hm…

Normally, she would’ve said something, but… Her glare is evident.Was she going to say something? Or anything at all…? Though, she might, but her next line may as well be a surprise to most who have knew her too well…

“Oh… Greetings, Monroe. Did you miss me, hm? ♪”

She set her books aside before brushing some strands of her hair, sighing before she fully faced the man with a grin.

“Now, what brings you here to visit an absent novelist? Did you miss me going after your case before, huh?”

She’s definitely not letting that go, huh…

@idv-thespians

[idv-murder-mystery-utopia]

“I did say I'm not going to investigate your case, aren't I? Maybe you've forgotten about that.”

She laughed quietly to herself, almost as if his words had nerve offended her. It's almost as though she's taking things seriously, but at the same time... She's masking her emotions.

“I'm stating on what I already know. But if you keep insisting your innocent, it'll shot you in the foot if the claim is proven false.”

Her smile seems so... Cold as she said that.

“For now, I have my answers. There's no need for me to investigate your case any longer than I need to. If you're only here to keep proving I'm wrong, then there's little to no point in arguing with you, isn't there?”

With a sigh, she faced him with a blank stare. She didn't felt like continuing the conversation unless he brings up a certain point...

“Oh, and before I forget— who says I'm a saint, anyway? No one is a saint in this world— not even myself. However, I'm not the one hiding what happened and pretending that I wasn't involved in a murder.

Get your facts straight before calling me something that doesn't mean anything, Monroe.”

"long time no see" -shiloh (ps: let her at him)

There was a moment of silence with the novelist as she heard the familiar voice of the actor, and for a moment, she turned to give a glare to him out of spite.

She said nothing, though. But it’s quite obvious she still has issues with him. Hm…

Normally, she would’ve said something, but… Her glare is evident.Was she going to say something? Or anything at all…? Though, she might, but her next line may as well be a surprise to most who have knew her too well…

“Oh… Greetings, Monroe. Did you miss me, hm? ♪”

She set her books aside before brushing some strands of her hair, sighing before she fully faced the man with a grin.

“Now, what brings you here to visit an absent novelist? Did you miss me going after your case before, huh?”

She’s definitely not letting that go, huh…

@idv-thespians

[idv-murder-mystery-utopia]

“I've tried to ask him before, but asking the victim is not likely. He has refused to answer my questions after he knew of her death— so it's unlikely I can do it again.”

She paused when he asked her of what she did this time, making her raise an eyebrow in return.

“... And why would I tell you about my sins? You aren't a judge that can see through what I have done before, nor a priest I have to respect.”

She narrowed her eyes, before speaking again,

“However, I will say I've got my revenge to a group. That's all.”

A group? Hm... How vague.

"long time no see" -shiloh (ps: let her at him)

There was a moment of silence with the novelist as she heard the familiar voice of the actor, and for a moment, she turned to give a glare to him out of spite.

She said nothing, though. But it’s quite obvious she still has issues with him. Hm…

Normally, she would’ve said something, but… Her glare is evident.Was she going to say something? Or anything at all…? Though, she might, but her next line may as well be a surprise to most who have knew her too well…

“Oh… Greetings, Monroe. Did you miss me, hm? ♪”

She set her books aside before brushing some strands of her hair, sighing before she fully faced the man with a grin.

“Now, what brings you here to visit an absent novelist? Did you miss me going after your case before, huh?”

She’s definitely not letting that go, huh…

@idv-thespians

[idv-murder-mystery-utopia]

“... How would you say I've been exposed, Monroe?”

Her tone became flat as she looked up at him, eyes monotonous and dead. It was as if she became a serious woman after he had said those words.

“Tell me: how are we both the same, hm? I'm quite intrigued with your thoughts on the matter. Genuinely.”

A smile seemed to have crossed her lips, despite the spite she's heard and the icy tone he used against her. She knew what to say this time— after all, he doesn't have proof against her faults.

... Unless...

“Do you have a reason on why? If you do, out with it. I've already known everything you've done, unless you have concise proof that can shed some light of what I said.”

"long time no see" -shiloh (ps: let her at him)

There was a moment of silence with the novelist as she heard the familiar voice of the actor, and for a moment, she turned to give a glare to him out of spite.

She said nothing, though. But it’s quite obvious she still has issues with him. Hm…

Normally, she would’ve said something, but… Her glare is evident.Was she going to say something? Or anything at all…? Though, she might, but her next line may as well be a surprise to most who have knew her too well…

“Oh… Greetings, Monroe. Did you miss me, hm? ♪”

She set her books aside before brushing some strands of her hair, sighing before she fully faced the man with a grin.

“Now, what brings you here to visit an absent novelist? Did you miss me going after your case before, huh?”

She’s definitely not letting that go, huh…

@idv-thespians

[idv-murder-mystery-utopia]

The girl only gave him a simple smile, before speaking to him with a blunt tone,

“As if.”

She turned her gaze away from him before she sifted through her case files, her lips becoming to a thin, firm line.

“You wouldn't complain if someone left you alone now, wouldn't you? Though, I'd be concerned if someone just decided to spill everything you did, Monroe.

Especially when you killed Liam yourself with overdose and make it seem like a suicide.”

She gave him a cunning smile, before adding in with a sigh,

“But of course, you'll say it's false, wouldn't you? You'd say it's all a lie, hm?”

Is she taunting him? Mayhaps.

"long time no see" -shiloh (ps: let her at him)

There was a moment of silence with the novelist as she heard the familiar voice of the actor, and for a moment, she turned to give a glare to him out of spite.

She said nothing, though. But it’s quite obvious she still has issues with him. Hm…

Normally, she would’ve said something, but… Her glare is evident.Was she going to say something? Or anything at all…? Though, she might, but her next line may as well be a surprise to most who have knew her too well…

“Oh… Greetings, Monroe. Did you miss me, hm? ♪”

She set her books aside before brushing some strands of her hair, sighing before she fully faced the man with a grin.

“Now, what brings you here to visit an absent novelist? Did you miss me going after your case before, huh?”

She’s definitely not letting that go, huh…

@idv-thespians

[idv-murder-mystery-utopia]

“Your case isn’t dead just yet, Shiloh.”

She placed a hand firmly on the desk, eyes narrowed with a look of defiance as she chuckled quietly at his words.

“Pardon my language, but I’ll be frank with you— because newsflash, Shiloh—”

She grabbed the collar from the actor, her smile turning to a wide grin as she spoke ominously,

“I never trust the authorities. And certainly you will not be spared. Your smile is quite tense, even if your posture is calm as I tell you what I found out.

And I’ll be honest: you don’t have anything you can use against me. Not a single shred of evidence. Quite laughable, truly…

… But also expected. Who would even believe you once I told everyone who you truly are, murderer?”

She let’s the man go, her smile shedding a hint of malice behind the courtesy in her words.

“If you want me to keep quiet, you’d have to try harder and prove to me you weren’t involved… Oh wait, you can’t.”

Adalyn let out a low chuckle, but it sounds so… Cold.

“Even if you have everyone to like you, I will always be the one reminding you of that case. You killed Liam Hubert and his sister, and you had an accident with said actor that caused your other eye to be blind.

You had made sure his death is a suicide as well. Even if it wasn’t, no one would suspect you as the murderer. You’re alibi is water tight and you’d be free.”

How did she—

“If you kill me now, how will you go on about this? We’re in Oletus, and certainly miss Nightingale will have a word with you once she finds out about this… Assuming you’d kill me to keep my mouth shut.”

"long time no see" -shiloh (ps: let her at him)

There was a moment of silence with the novelist as she heard the familiar voice of the actor, and for a moment, she turned to give a glare to him out of spite.

She said nothing, though. But it’s quite obvious she still has issues with him. Hm…

Normally, she would’ve said something, but… Her glare is evident.Was she going to say something? Or anything at all…? Though, she might, but her next line may as well be a surprise to most who have knew her too well…

“Oh… Greetings, Monroe. Did you miss me, hm? ♪”

She set her books aside before brushing some strands of her hair, sighing before she fully faced the man with a grin.

“Now, what brings you here to visit an absent novelist? Did you miss me going after your case before, huh?”

She’s definitely not letting that go, huh…

@idv-thespians