Meanwhile, at Gilbert’s Mansion, Maria sat alone in her room after dinner. The mansion was quiet now, everyone having retired to their chambers. But sleep refused to come easily to her.
Her mind was heavy with thoughts of the next day, Elijah Simons’ trial. The tension had her stomach in knots. She curled beneath the blanket, staring blankly at the ceiling.
"I’ll be so relieved when that man is finally out of the way." Her thoughts were sharp, echoing in her mind as her eyes fluttered shut.
Soon, fatigue won. Maria drifted off into a restless sleep.
**In the Nightmare** She was running. Her heart pounded against her chest like a war drum. Trees blurred past her vision as she dashed through the darkness, lungs burning, legs trembling.
Terrified voices followed closely behind her, shouting with hatred.
"She must die today! Her blood must cleanse the evil she has caused!"
Maria’s breath hitched. Her body felt like it might collapse any second. She stumbled toward a massive tree and threw herself behind it, praying for silence. A few of her pursuers sprinted past, oblivious to her hiding place.
Just when she dared to breathe again—
"She’s here! We’ve found her!" a voice cried from behind her.
noveldrama Strong hands yanked her up roughly. Panic surged through her as they bound her wrists and ankles. She kicked and screamed, her voice raw with desperation.
"Please! Let me go! I haven’t done anything! I’ve never hurt anyone innocent!" Her tears flowed freely, but the mob was deaf to her cries.
They dragged her toward a clearing, placing her inside a strange white circle etched into the ground. She collapsed onto the earth, breathless and defeated.
Then, from a distant building, a tall, commanding figure stepped into view. Every member of the crowd bowed their heads in reverence.
Maria’s eyes widened in horror as the man approached the center.
"No... it can’t be..." she whispered. "Dad?"
Her father—her late father—stood before her, expression cold and unfamiliar.
"Please, it’s me! Maria! Don’t let them hurt me!" she screamed, crawling toward him.
But his voice cut like ice.
"I am not your father. You are cursed. Pain and ruin follow your every step. Your blood is the only redemption for the lives you’ve shattered."
Maria’s soul broke apart with each word. "No! I’m your daughter! I’m your only child!" she pleaded.
But the verdict had been given.
"Your death will bring peace to the pack. Spill her blood!"
A massive executioner approached, sword gleaming.
"No! Please! Don’t kill me!" Maria cried out, her voice echoing through the night.
Just as the blade lifted high, Maria jolted awake, breath ragged, drenched in sweat.
Her scream rang out into the silence of her room. She sat up, heart racing, hands trembling.
It had only been a nightmare... but it felt far too real.