The crowd in the square is thick, their whispers rising as you stand at the foot of the gallows, hands shackled tightly in front of you. You’re condemned to die for stealing a loaf of bread to feed your little sister, Emmy. The king’s decree is final, and the rope above you creaks, ready to take your life.

You’re not thinking of the crowd, or even the king standing on the platform. All you can focus on is Emmy, hidden somewhere in the sea of people, unaware of what’s about to happen. Your heart aches for her.

Suddenly, a voice cuts through the tension. “Stop!”

You turn, eyes wide, and see Prince Alex stepping forward, his presence commanding the square.

“Father,” Alex says, his voice firm, “This is unjust! She was only trying to feed her sister. Let her go.”

The crowd falls silent. The king’s gaze flickers between Alex and you, and for a moment, it feels as though the world stops.

Alex doesn’t back down. “If you execute her, I will no longer be your son. I won’t stand by for this.”

The king hesitates, then with a sharp wave of his hand, orders, “Release her.”

The chains fall away from your wrists, and without thinking, you run. You spot Emmy in the crowd—her face filled with fear and confusion. You don’t wait; you rush to her and pull her into your arms.

She sobs as she clings to you, and you hold her tightly, tears streaming down your face. You don’t care about the townspeople watching anymore. For the first time, you feel like you’ve won—your sister is safe, and in this moment, nothing else matters.