Chapter 4

Juliette slammed her staff into the ground and commanded.

"Olivia! You’re still fighting back?! What kind of monster is worth risking your soul for? He’s just a sinner who ruined our best friend!"

Ten years ago, Juliette had yelled at me just like this.

When Chloe’s bloody note was made public, I became public enemy number one.

Everyone demanded a name.

It took Juliette less than a day to go from trusting me, to doubting me, to hating me.

She was the only one who knew where I hid in the city.

When they tore up my parents' portrait, I begged her for help, but she just slapped me.

Staring at me with burning eyes, she said.

"Olivia, we grew up together. We treated you like a sister. What were we to you? For a rapist, you threw away your best friends!"

That night, I was almost stoned to death by the citizens.

Juliette’s mother pulled the furious Juliette away, and two days later, their family moved to another city-state, never to return.

Now, Juliette’s eyes were ice cold.

She raised her hand, her voice sharp.

"Increase the power! I won't stop until I get what I want!"

A junior priest hesitated.

"But, High Priestess, her body is too weak, and she's resisting so hard. If we push the magic further... her soul might shatter completely!"

Juliette scoffed coldly.

"Shatter? I’ve prayed to Athena for ten years just to find out the truth! I don't care if she lives or dies! Scum like her deserves to burn in hell!"

The priest trembled and began chanting loudly.

The Mirror hummed fiercely, and the light stabbed into my soul like daggers.

"Agh!"

My screams tore through the square.

Blood poured from my eyes, ears, and nose. My chest felt like it was on fire as my body thrashed against the pillar.

The priest sweated profusely, his voice shaking.

"High Priestess... should we continue? She... she can't take much more!"

Juliette stared at the projection, her expression dark.

"Keep going," she ordered, her voice devoid of emotion.

The divine power roared. The image shook violently.

It was my consciousness fighting a losing battle.

My desperate screams echoed in the air.

Juliette, eyes red, screamed like a madwoman.

"Olivia, who is it?! Who is worth protecting like this?!"

Suddenly, she broke down, crying as she leaned on my shoulder.

"WE were supposed to be your friends."

She sobbed uncontrollably, her body trembling.

Her warm tears fell onto my hand, and I felt a jolt go through me.

My heart ached.

My friend Juliette was crying.

Without thinking, I tried to lift my hand to wipe her tears.

In that split second of weakness, the memory I had buried so deeply broke through and appeared before everyone.

The crowd gasped.

Juliette turned around in shock. When she saw the familiar face in the projection, all the color drained from her face.