Serena’s POV
I stood at the edge of the stronghold, the heavy iron gate looming above us like a silent sentinel guarding our uncertain fate. The villagers clustered around me, their faces a mixture of fear and hope. The chill of the evening air only added to the tension, making each breath feel labored. Baird had gone inside to speak with Marcus, and the waiting was agony. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat echoing the dread and confusion that swirled within me.
Moments later, Baird announced to the villagers, his expression stern but resolute. “Everyone,” he announced, “you are free to go. You have done nothing wrong, and you do not deserve to be punished.” His voice carried the weight of authority.
A collective sigh of relief swept through the villagers. Some villagers even began to weep openly, clutching their loved ones.