Chapter 68: Everly

Chapter

Sixty-Eight

EVERLY

I stand frozen as Cenric's men lead Alvina to a raised wooden platform in the center of the camp. The structure looms before us, a crude altar of logs stacked high.

Alvina glares as they bind her to the central post. She holds her head high, green eyes flashing with hatred as they sweep over the assembled warriors.

Cenric turns to me and holds out a bow and a single arrow. "The first blow belongs to you for what she did to you and Finn."

My heart races as I take the bow, needing her to die for what she did to Finn.

I nock the arrow and raise the bow, aiming it at Alvina. She meets my gaze, her eyes full of contempt. My arms shake as I draw back the string. But as I stand there, poised to release, something shifts inside me.

This won't bring Finn back. It won't undo the pain or fear I've endured. Striking a bound woman won't make me feel better or safer.

So, I make a choice to let go—not of the arrow—but of the anger and fear that has gripped me for so long.

The only thing I can do is forgive her and take back the power she held over me.

I lower the bow. "No. I won't do it."

Cenric nods and takes the bow from me.

He turns to address the warriors. "May the gods forgive her. For we do not."

He nocks the arrow and draws back the string. I hold my breath as Cenric releases the arrow. It flies true, burying itself deep in Alvina's heart.

A strangled gasp escapes her as she jerks against her bonds. Blood blooms across her chest, staining her pale surcoat.

Cenric looks at Praxis, and his brother steps forward, torch in hand. He touches the flame to the kindling. The dry wood catches instantly. The flames climb higher, consuming the platform, reaching for Alvina's still form.

I watch as the fire engulfs her, the heat searing my face even from a distance. Smoke billows into the sky, carrying with it the acrid scent of burning flesh.

It's over. Now, she cannot hurt anyone.