Chapter 31: Bonds Severed and Shadows Rising

The edge of the forest was quiet now, the crowd dispersed, leaving only the High Court mothers standing behind Mother Gudit. Their faces reflected a mix of tension and resignation, as though the verdict they had reached carried more weight than they cared to admit.

Mother Malta broke the silence, her voice steady but questioning. “What about the boy? We still don’t know why those three risked everything for him. He’s no ordinary man to have caused this much division.”

Mother Gudit turned to Malta, her expression sharp. “It doesn’t matter anymore. All of them—the three girls and the men—will be exiled from Overa the moment they recover.”

Mother Malta frowned. “You still believe in them, don’t you? Despite everything?”