I grasped Mother's bound hands, searching her eyes for any glimpse of the woman who once loved us:
"Why, Mother? What darkness consumed your heart?"
Mother's gaze fell, voice barely above whisper:
"I was dying... fatally ill after giving birth to you and Evelyn. A dark sorceress offered me life – and power – in exchange for loyalty."
Asher's eyes narrowed:
"This sorceress – was she Malakai's mistress or his creator?"
Mother nodded slowly:
"His creator. She taught me magic, manipulated Father's ambitions... and slowly possessed my soul."
Evelyn stepped forward, tears in her eyes:
"You chose darkness over us – over love and life with Father and your daughters..."
Mother's voice cracked:
"No... I chose eternal life to protect you both – or so I convinced myself. But darkness corrupted that love."
My heart heavy with mixed emotions, I asked:
"Do you still love us, Mother – anywhere beneath the darkness?"
Mother's eyes locked onto mine, a single tear falling:
"Yes... Aria. I think I still do."
I nodded solemnly:
"Mother, your darkness must be purged – and you must face justice for harming our family."
Asher stepped forward:
"The Magical Council will try you for malice and manipulation."
Evelyn added:
"And perhaps... they can help redeem your magic, Mother."
Mother bowed her head, accepting fate:
"I deserve punishment. Purge the darkness... let me face the consequences."
The Magical Council arrived promptly, led by a wise witch named Elara:
"We sense darkness entrenched. Preparing purification spell..."
Elara cast:
"Tenebrae evacuo –
Malum abstergeo!"
(Darkness evacuate –
Evil cleanse!)
Mother's body glowed with soft light as darkness was extracted and imprisoned separately. She collapsed, exhausted but... different.
Elara declared:
"She will stand trial. But first, family – reunite briefly."
We embraced Mother – tears of mixed emotions flowing.