Justice for Sophie: A Story That Began with Betrayal
“Sophie, why do you let him treat you like this? You’re not his property! You’re strong—you can get out of here,” whispered Emily, curled up on the sofa.
Sophie sighed deeply and replied softly, “He’s my father. And he’s got a signed document that says ‘unfit’ in black and white. That’s why I’m here. He’s not just some bloke with money—he’s got power. No matter how far I run, he’ll find me. There’s no breaking this cycle…”
“Then while you’re here, at least help me. I’ll pay you, fair and square,” Sophie said with a conspiratorial wink.
“I’d help you anyway,” Emily smiled. “But I won’t say no. Could use the cash when I’m free again. Don’t need magic to know something’s off, but to confirm the dream—I’ll need a lock of your hair.”
She quickly pulled out a tiny blade and snipped a few strands.
“By morning, we’ll know what potion they slipped you, why you’ve been drowning in sorrow instead of finding protection.”
The next day, Sophie couldn’t find Emily anywhere—she dodged her, vanishing into shadows, disappearing during treatments.
“Why are you avoiding me?” Sophie cornered her in the garden. “We had a deal!”
“You won’t believe me,” Emily muttered darkly. “You’ll think I’m spinning tales for money.”
“Enough. Tell me what you saw.”
Emily led her to a secluded path and sat down.
“Listen close. I dreamed…”
James stretched lazily in bed.
“Wake up, sleepyhead! I found our next mark.”
“Let me sleep…” he groaned.
“Plenty of time for that later. Look at this paper. See this woman? Her name’s Sophie. Co-owner of a corporation, no family—except a future husband. If all goes well, that’ll be you.”
“Marry her?” James’ throat went dry.
“Yes. First, you’ll win her over—play the humble, hardworking bloke with rotten luck. She’ll fall for you, help you, invest in your ‘business.’”
“Then I vanish with the cash, and you step in?”
“Exactly, darling,” Lily stroked his hair. “Once she agrees to a ‘ritual,’ thinking she’s helping you, I’ll slip her a curse. A demon will feast on her mind. Then—‘tragic accident.’ The inheritance is yours.”
“If it works…”
“It will. We’ve got magic. You and me.”
When Emily finished, Sophie stayed silent, lips pressed tight.
“Well?” Emily finally asked.
“I’ll act. First, we banish the demon. Then—justice.”
“Don’t wait too long. People like them don’t stick around.”
“I’m ready. Help me cast it out.”
Emily cut another lock.
“Be prepared. When it’s gone, Lily will know. You’ll have a small window.”
That night, Sophie barely slept. Whispers shook her, hands gripped her, voices hissed warnings. But by dawn—it was gone. The world felt brighter. People felt… normal.
“Emily! It’s gone!” She burst into her friend’s room—only to find her moved. Something happened overnight.
“She’ll be back when she’s better,” a nurse promised.
Sophie called Lily and James—silence. They’d fled. Now, she just had to leave this place. And thank Emily.
“You’re alive!” Sophie cried when Emily returned.
“Barely. Sent the demon back but almost got dragged with it,” she rasped. “You?”
“They’re gone. Vanished. I’m… recovering. Doctor says I’ll be discharged soon.”
“I’m stuck. Dad extended my stay. But you’ll visit, yeah?”
“Of course. How do I reach you?”
Emily grinned, pulling out her blade. She sliced a braid and handed it over. “Tuck it under your pillow—I’ll hear you.”
“And revenge?”
“I won’t dirty my hands. Let karma decide.”
“Then leave it to me. I’ll ask those higher up to judge what they deserve.”
**Six Months Later**
Sophie lounged with wine, flipping through a detective’s file.
Lily and James had run. Sophie returned to an empty flat. Bank accounts drained. Every penny she’d invested—gone.
Lily quit her job and disappeared. She and James fled together—but the dream crumbled. They fought, split the money, and parted ways.
Lily crossed the wrong person. The detective said she’d been found… or not found. Presumed at the bottom of the sea.
“Magic didn’t save you, Lily,” Sophie whispered.
And James? Fell back into scams. Gambled. Owed more than he could pay. Only thing left of value? His organs.
“At least he saved someone’s life…” Sophie sighed. “Fair’s fair.”
Emily? Now lived deep in the woods where Sophie’s father once planned luxury cabins. Sophie bought her the land. A hideaway. A refuge. A home.
Sophie pulled the braid from a small box and smiled.
“So, mate… Fancy a chat? I’ll visit soon. Our holiday’s going to be… magical.”
