RINA

sperate to reach the prison yard where they held her. The woman I had known as Aunt Jo all my life-the woman I had trusted, loved, and

ighteen years of lies, secrets, and stolen truths crashed down on me like a tida

ricate spell on the ground with his finger, glowing runes pulsing faintly in the dim light. The moment I crossed the enchanted boundary, an invisible

d. If only I weren't just a powerless human. I collapsed onto the cold stone floor, my body s

the Queen-the woman who had orchestrated this nightmare. But the palace g

d, yes, but she had been a loving figure all the same. Now, I only wanted the truth. I sank onto the marble stairs,

ishes, my eyes heavy with exhaustion, but my heart felt unbearably he

e had been a maze of secrets and pain. And now, as the final hour approac

o from her cell, shackled and weary. The town square was already filling with villagers-curious, fea

ushed as they awaited the Queen's arrival. I caught sight of Liza first-her eyes cold, her smile cruel. I ran to Aunt

s both today," I whisp

ou're just like your father." Tears traced slow paths down her

wallowed hard, struggli

echoed through every witch's ear so loud, nothing could b

breathed, the truth se

her words. Questions flooded my mind-why had she fallen for a human? Why bear a child in a world that would pu

barely a whisper. "They know this. I know they've made you feel worthless,

commanding, and merciless. She raised her hand, and the swords in the guards'

sword, ready to strike. The villagers began chanting in Ancient-their voices rising in a powerful spe

through the chaos as she joined the chant. Then, with a s

otherless, all for a crime I never committed. My scream unleashed something wild and u

ss body, dread choking me.

hild!" the Qu

ed through me, fierce and undeniable. I turned to the Queen, eyes blazing wit

ughter!" I slapped her hard. She crumpled, uncon

ou! Every single one!" I vowed, then vani