The crowd gasped. Someone screamed. But no one moved to intervene.
How could they? They were watching a legend unfold. The Witch of Solmire, the stories made flesh, the nightmare their parents had whispered about in the dark.
"You have five seconds," Eris said. Her voice was still pleasant. Still calm. As though discussing the weather. "Run, or suffer. Your choice."
An opening appeared In the fire circle. Just large enough for one person.
Bianca didn't hesitate. Didn't pause to consider honor or righteousness or any of the pretty words she'd thrown around moments before. She scrambled through that opening on her hands and knees, sobbing, her fine dress dragging through the dirt.
The opening sealed behind her.
Leaving only Isolde inside the circle with the Villainess.
"No!" Isolde shrieked, throwing herself toward the flames, then recoiling from the heat. "Bianca! Bianca, you coward! You... "
But Bianca was already gone, fled into the crowd like smoke, and Isolde was alone.
