**Justice for Lucy: A Tale That Began with Betrayal**
*”Why do you let him treat you like this, Lucy? You’re not his property! You’re strong—you can break free,”* whispered Kate, curled up on the sofa.
Lucy let out a weary sigh and murmured in reply,
*”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 rich—he’s powerful. No matter how far I run, he’ll always find me. This is a loop I can’t escape.”*
*”Then while you’re stuck here, at least help me. I’ll pay you—fair and square,”* Lucy winked conspiratorially.
*”I’d have helped anyway,”* Kate smiled. *”But I won’t say no. I could use the money once I’m free again. I don’t need magic to know what’s happening. But to confirm the dream—I’ll need a lock of your hair.”*
Kate swiftly pulled out a tiny knife and clipped a few strands.
*”By morning, it’ll all be clear. What potion they slipped you, why you got green melancholy instead of protection—we’ll figure it out.”*
The next day, Lucy couldn’t find Kate. She dodged her, hid in corners, vanished during treatments.
*”Why are you avoiding me?”* Lucy cornered her in the garden. *”We had a deal!”*
*”You won’t believe me,”* Kate muttered darkly. *”You’ll think I’m spinning fairy tales for cash.”*
*”Enough. Tell me what you saw.”*
Kate led her to the most secluded path and sat her down.
*”Listen closely. I dreamed…”*
James stretched lazily in bed.
*”Wake up, sleepyhead! I’ve found our next mark.”*
*”Let me rest…”* he groaned.
*”Sleep later. Look at this—see her? Lucy. Co-owner of a corporation, no family, except… a future husband. If all goes well, that’ll be you.”*
*”Marriage?”* James’ throat went dry.
*”Yes. But first—make her fall for you. Play the humble, hardworking pauper. She’ll help you, invest in your ‘business.’”*
*”Then I vanish with the money?”*
*”Then I step in,”* Emily stroked his hair. *”Once she agrees to a ritual, thinking she’s helping you—I’ll slip in a curse. The demon will eat her mind. Then—an ‘accident.’ The inheritance is yours.”*
*”If it works…”*
*”It will. We’ve got magic. And each other.”*
When Kate finished, Lucy stood silent, lips pressed tight.
*”Well?”* Kate prodded.
*”I’ll act. First, we banish the demon. Then—vengeance.”*
*”Warn you now—if we delay, they’ll flee. People like them don’t wait.”*
*”I’m ready. Help me cast it out.”*
Kate snipped another lock.
*”Be ready. When it leaves, Emily will know. You’ll have little time.”*
That night, Lucy barely slept. Something shook her, whispered in her ear. But by dawn—it was gone. The world felt brighter. People seemed ordinary again.
*”Molly! It’s gone!”* She rushed to her friend’s room—but Kate had been moved. Something happened overnight.
*”She’ll return when she’s better,”* the nurse promised.
Lucy couldn’t reach James or Emily. Their phones were dead. They’d fled. But now, she had to leave—and thank Kate.
*”You’re alive!”* Lucy cried when Kate returned.
*”Barely. Sent the demon back, but almost got stuck with it,”* Kate rasped. *”Your turn?”*
*”They’re gone. Vanished. I’m recovering. Doctor says I’ll be discharged soon.”*
*”I’m staying. Daddy extended my sentence. But you’ll visit?”*
*”Of course. How do I reach you?”*
*”Here’s my line,”* Kate pulled out her knife, cut another braid, and handed it over. *”Tuck it under your pillow—I’ll hear you.”*
*”And revenge?”*
*”I won’t dirty my hands. Let fairness decide.”*
*”Then trust me. I’ll ask those higher up to judge what’s deserved.”*
**Six Months Later**
Lucy lounged with a glass of wine, flipping through a private investigator’s file.
James and Emily had bolted. Lucy returned to an empty flat, drained accounts. Every penny she’d sunk into his *”business”*—gone.
Emily quit her job and disappeared. She and James fled abroad. But their paradise crumbled. Money wasn’t enough. They fought, split the loot—and parted ways.
Emily tangled with the wrong sort. The investigator hinted she’d been *found*—or rather, not found. Likely at the bottom of the Thames.
*”Magic didn’t save you, Emily,”* Lucy whispered.
And James? Fell back into schemes. Gambled. Lost. Ended up in debt—with nothing left to sell but his own organs.
*”At least he saved someone’s life,”* Lucy tipped her head. *”Fair’s fair.”*
As for Kate? She lived deep in the woods where Lucy’s father once planned to build holiday homes. Lucy bought her the land. A hideaway. A refuge. A home.
Lucy pulled out the braid from a small box and smiled.
*”Well, old friend… Fancy a chat? I’ll visit soon. We’ll have a magical holiday.”*
