Chapter 9 - JUSTICE FOR THE GUARDIANS

The villagers gasped as they read the glowing text floating above their heads.
"They sold us out..." an elder whispered, staring at Marcus in utter disgust. "They risked the entire valley for gold!"
Marcus pulled a concealed dagger from his belt, his eyes wild with desperation. "You ungrateful wretched girl! I gave you life!" he screamed, lunging off the platform toward Evelyn.
Before Alaric could even step forward, Evelyn raised her palm.
A burst of silver shockwave erupted from her hand, blasting Marcus backward through the air. He crashed hard into the wooden platform, knocking himself unconscious.
Sarah dropped to her knees, weeping bitterly, covering her face in shame.
Evelyn walked up to her parents, looking down at them with neither anger nor pity—only absolute closure.
"The debt of Hollowspire is settled," Evelyn announced. "My father and mother will spend the rest of their days stripped of their land and wealth, serving the village to pay for their greed. Clara will be exiled from the valley forever."
The villagers bowed their heads in quiet agreement. No one dared challenge the new Mistress of Hollowspire.
Alaric stepped up beside Evelyn, extending his hand to her. "Are you ready to go home, Evelyn?"
May you like
Evelyn looked back at the town where she had suffered in silence for twenty-six years. Then she looked at Alaric—the man who had carried her token for nearly two decades, waiting for the girl who had saved him in the fire.
She took his hand. "I am already home."