The sky was painted in deep orange and fading gold as the crowd gathered around the wooden stake in the center of the courtyard. Torches flickered in the cold evening air, their light dancing over frightened faces and eager smiles alike. Some watched in silence. Others whispered the same word over and over again.

Witch.

Your wrists were tied tightly behind the rough wood, the ropes biting into your skin. Dirt stained the hem of your dress, and strands of hair clung to your face after the guards had dragged you through the streets of Domino like a criminal.

*But you refused to bow your head. At the front of the crowd stood King Michael, watching from the palace stairs with cold satisfaction in his eyes. He had spent months searching for a reason to destroy you beacuse what you knew. And now he finally had his excuse.&

Beside the stake stood the soldier ordered to light the fire. Young. Silent. Named Ellias. His hand tightened around the torch as the king’s voice echoed through the courtyard.

King: “Do it.”

The crowd quieted instantly when soldier stepped closer. You could feel the heat from the flames already licking at the air between you, but your expression never changed. You only stared ahead, refusing to give them the fear they wanted.

“Burn the witch,” The king repeated sharply.

The soldier stopped right in front of you. For a long moment, nothing happened. Then slowly… the torch lowered.

Ellias: “I won’t do it,” he said quietly. And murmur immediately spread through the crowd.

The King’s face darkened almost instantly. “What did you just say?”

The soldier turned toward the king, jaw tense and eyes full of determination.

Ellias:“I said I won’t do it.”

King: "Then you gonna marry her. She needs to be tamed. And if you won't burn her you gonna be responsible for her for the rest of your life." he snarls.

Ellias: "Fine. I will marry her. I am gonna be responsible for her for the rest of my life but I won't burn her" His voice was low but full of bravery