Chapter 52: Chapter 52

Sierra pov.

My hands were tied tightly with a coarse rope, cutting into my skin, and a similar restraint encircled my neck, making it difficult to breathe. I was bound to a towering tree, my body exhausted and trembling.

I endured relentless stoning, assaulted by a barrage of rocks and debris from every direction. My clothing was tattered and soiled, a testament to the hatred the villagers harbored towards me. Ashamed, I lowered my gaze, avoiding the piercing stares of the crowd.

The physical pain inflicted upon me paled in comparison to the heart-wrenching ache of being rejected by my own kind. The torment of knowing my loved ones now regarded me with regret sliced through me like a thousand blades.

Examining my hands, battered and caked in dirt and wounds, I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to escape the reality that haunted me since the day I was born.

Outside, the clamor of people's angry shouts echoed, but gradually, a hushed presence enveloped the surroundings. Opening my eyes, I caught sight of my mother.

"Mom," I called out desperately, attempting to rush towards her. However, the rope pulled me back, thwarting any progress. "Mom," I pleaded once more, witnessing my mother's tear-streaked face.

As she neared me, the villagers intercepted her, cruelly labeling her the mother of a murderer. Anger surged within me, and I raised my voice in protest.

"I didn't mean to do it."

I observed my mother's persistent efforts to reach me, but they forcefully restrained her, hurling insults her way. Once again, I felt the isolation seeping into my bones.

Tears streamed down my face as I yearned to escape, to flee from this torment and everyone who judged me. Regret consumed me for not seeking solace with Nora, for the ill-fated decision to accompany Alex to the hospital, and for abandoning my mother to return to the confines of the castle. What had I been thinking?

The sun began its descent, casting an ominous shadow over the landscape. I sat there, famished and weakened, my eyes briefly shutting, only to be met with visions of anguish.

"Sierra," I heard my name being called, and I glanced up, locking eyes with William. Avoiding his gaze, I turned away, unwilling to engage with him. What was his purpose in coming? What did he want from me this time?

Attempting to silence his voice, I found his persistent call growing louder, invading my thoughts.

Opening my eyes, I mustered what little strength remained within me and responded, seething with anger, "What?"

He approached slowly, kneeling down beside me, and uttered softly, "Are you hungry?"

I gaze at him once more, and in that moment, my eyes fixate on the food nestled in his hands. I shift my gaze back upwards, locking eyes with him, and in that instant, a sense of rejection washes over me.

"Why did you come? Don't you have a wife to take care of right now?" I question him, my eyes raised, seeking answers.

I turn my face away, a surge of anger pulsing through me. "Get out," I say, my words sharp and resolute, my indifference palpable.

Having rendered him silent, I pay him no mind, my eyes averted as I observe his departure.

"When you're hungry, just eat something, okay? I'm sorry once again."

He walks away, and I remain unmoved, my face turned even further away.

Nightfall descends upon me, and I find myself alone in my position, devoid of any companionship. I remain rooted in that spot, closing my eyes in an attempt to sleep and escape from it all. However, the biting cold pierces through, making it a challenging endeavor.

I survey my surroundings, noting how no one pays the slightest attention to my presence. They retreat to the comfort of their homes, leaving me feeling isolated and constrained.

As I shut my eyes tightly, willing myself to drift into slumber, I anxiously anticipate what tomorrow will bring.

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The next day, I was abruptly awakened by a cascade of water pouring onto my face. Blinking my eyes open, I found myself surrounded by a swarm of children, pointing their accusatory fingers at me and calling me a witch.

Gazing down at my body, I noticed a blanket delicately draped over me. It became apparent that someone had covered me during the night, allowing me to find a moment of solace in sleep. However, the children had maliciously spoiled that respite.

Turning my gaze towards the children, I observed their jeering laughter, their mockery piercing through the air. When I attempted to move even slightly, they scattered in fits of laughter, retching and hurling insults at me.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out my name. As I turned, I beheld Alex, a bandage adorning her head, gazing at me with a smile.

"Well, I suppose this situation suits you perfectly," she remarked with a mischievous grin.

Surveying my surroundings, I couldn't help but notice the respect everyone accorded to Alex — the reverence I was meant to receive, but which she had effortlessly claimed for herself.

"Sorry," I whispered to her, my voice barely audible. Alex chuckled and bent down to my level, leaning closer to my ear.

"Your apology means little to me. All I desire is to witness your pain, for only then will I find happiness," she whispered with a sinister undertone.

Her words struck a chord within me, and as I looked into her eyes, she maintained her wicked smile before rising to her feet, her voice resonating loudly.

"My fellow villagers, we are all aware of the consequences for those who commit sin. We shall inflict upon them the agony that will compel remorse for their deeds."

With those words, she seized a nearby fruit and hurled it at my face. I watched helplessly as she laughed, the others joining her in this cruel game, launching their projectiles at me. Soon enough, my body was encrusted with a layer of filth.

I witnessed the remnants of the food Williams had brought for me the previous night now scattered across the floor, their purpose obliterated.

Resigned to my fate, I remained seated, my mind detached from the assault I endured. Though I knew I had committed no crime since meeting Williams, nor had I harmed another soul, deep within me, I harbored the certainty that Alex would come to regret the pain she had inflicted upon me.

As the barrage of objects continued, I rested my head down, silently enduring the punishment, waiting for it to come to an end.