She vanished… just like that?
Amelia stood in stunned silence, eyes fixed on the space Elara had occupied mere seconds ago. A wisp of shadow, and she was gone—no flash, no sound, no trace. Just gone.
"So… she could escape all along?" Amelia whispered, still staring at the empty corner. "Wait, then why didn't she take me with her?!"
Her voice echoed pathetically through the cold cell. The chains at her wrists clinked as she took a half step forward, realization—and irritation—sinking in.
"She left me behind?! That smug, knife-happy—"
The sharp creak of metal interrupted her tirade. The heavy iron door groaned open.
"Hey, you! It's time for your execution," barked a tall guard from the doorway.
Before she could react, another guard—shorter and leaner—strode inside and yanked her roughly by the chains.
"Move faster," he growled. "You've been summoned to the execution site."
The corridor reeked of mildew and rust as they dragged her forward, iron chains biting into her wrists with every step. Her bare feet stumbled over the uneven stone, but no one slowed down.
"Poor thing," one of the guards jeered. "Rotten luck, being the scapegoat for her parents' dirty work. Hahaha! Though, gotta say—she was decent enough to be sold. I would've bought her for sure."
Amelia's glare could've ignited him on the spot if looks could kill. Her nails dug into her palms. If I had even a drop of power right now… if I wasn't trapped in this broken body…
"They sold her to a black magician," another guard added, shaking his head like he gave a damn.
"Yeah," the taller one muttered. "Anything tied to black magic is banned in this kingdom. Execution's the only option."
"Can't lie, though," said the youngest, walking backward to look at her face. "Black magic's being used everywhere these days. Quietly, of course. People act holy by day and summon demons by night."
"Exactly!" the first one laughed. "The king just wants a few heads rolling to look like he's in control."
Their voices turned into static in Amelia's ears. She wasn't listening anymore—not really. Her mind was racing, spinning, screaming under the surface.
My parents sold me to a black magician? Was that what Seraphina's fate was? Is that why she ended up here? And now I'm—
No. No, I'm not going to die again.
She clenched her fists. A throb pulsed from the cut Elara had made earlier—her thumb still sticky with dried blood.
Elara said she'd meet me at the execution site.
Her heart beat faster. The contract. The deal.
She wouldn't let me die... right?
The square was flooded with people.
A sea of faces stretched across the courtyard, buzzing with morbid excitement, eager to witness the execution of those accused of black magic. The air was thick with judgment and anticipation. Chains clanked. Prisoners were dragged into the open, lined up under the harsh sun. Their faces were pale, resigned, some trembling, others defiantly silent.
Amelia was one of them.
Her heart pounded violently against her ribs. Fear twisted in her stomach like a knot of serpents. She tried to keep her face blank, but her eyes scanned the crowd with growing desperation. Where are you, Elara? You said you'd meet me here…
On the elevated platform, towering above all, sat the King of the nation—King Aldric Valtorion his expression so cold, so emotionless, it felt like death itself was watching. His presence radiated cruelty, as if he relished every execution that took place in his name.
To his right, seated proudly, was the Crown Prince – Prince Kael Valtorion, his chin raised high and his eyes scanning the crowd with bored arrogance. It was clear this entire ceremony had been staged in his honor.
To the King's left, however, sat the Third Prince—Prince Lucien Valtorion. He had an unreadable expression on his face silently observing the whole thing. His gaze stoped wandering when it landed on someone and it was none other then Amelia.
She felt his like a cold knife on her neck.
He wasn't just looking—he was watching. Studying her. His eyes were sharp, unreadable, but there was something unsettling in the way his lips curled slightly into a knowing smile. It was as if he recognized her… no, understood her. As if he could see past her skin, right into her soul.
A chill slid down Amelia's spine. What the hell is his problem? she thought, furrowing her brows. Why is he staring at me like that? Does he think he knows me? Or is he just looking down on me like the rest of them?
She tried to look away, but her body felt frozen—like prey under the gaze of a predator.
A loud voice boomed across the square, cutting through the crowd like a blade.
"Today is the day we remember the glory of God—the savior who freed this land from evil and delivered it from the shadows of black magic!"
The crowd erupted into cheers.
"On this sacred day, we pay tribute to the sacrifices of our ancestors, and we renew our vow to protect this land from corruption!"
A hush fell. Amelia's throat tightened.
"Therefore, in accordance with the law, all who have been found guilty of practicing or abetting black magic—despite its absolute prohibition—will face justice under the eyes of the divine!"
The man paused for dramatic effect.
"And so… for the sake of our ancestors, for the purity of our kingdom, and for our future—these criminals shall be EXECUTED!"
The crowd roared again. Applause thundered across the courtyard like the drums of war. The accused began to be pushed toward the guillotine one by one.
Amelia swallowed, her knees weakening.
Her eyes darted again—desperate, panicked—Elara, where are you?! You promised.