**Justice for Emily: A Story That Began with Betrayal**
*— Why do you let him treat you like this, Em? You’re not his property! You’re strong—you can get out of here,* whispered Katie, curling up on the sofa.
Emily sighed deeply and replied softly,
*— He’s my father. And he’s got a signed document that says “unstable” in black and white. That’s why I’m here. He’s not just a man with money—he’s a man with power. No matter how far I run, he’ll always find me. This cycle can’t be broken…*
*— Well, while you’re stuck here, might as well help me. I’ll pay you—fair and square,* Emily winked conspiratorially.
*— I’d help you anyway,* Katie smiled. *But I won’t say no. I’ll need the cash when I’m free again. I don’t need magic to know something’s wrong. But to confirm my dream—I need a lock of your hair.*
Quickly, Katie pulled out a tiny knife and snipped a few strands.
*— By morning, we’ll know what poison they slipped you, why you got despair instead of protection.*
The next day, Emily couldn’t find Katie anywhere. She was avoiding her, vanishing into corners, hiding during treatments.
*— Why are you running from me?* Emily cornered her in the garden. *We had a deal!*
*— You won’t believe me,* Katie muttered darkly. *You’ll think I’m spinning fairy tales for the money.*
*— Enough. Tell me what you saw.*
Katie led Emily to a secluded path and sat beside her.
*— Listen carefully. I dreamed…*
—
James stretched lazily in bed.
*— Wake up, sleepyhead! I found our next mark.*
*— Let me sleep…* he groaned.
*— Later. Listen. Here’s the paper. See this woman? Emily. Co-owner of the firm, no family except… her future husband. If this goes right, that’ll be you.*
*— Marriage?* James’ throat went dry.
*— Yes. But first—make her fall for you. Be kind, humble, poor but hardworking. She’ll reach out, help you, invest in your “business.”*
*— Then I disappear with the lot?*
*— And I show up,* smiled Lucy, stroking his hair. *When she agrees to the ritual—thinking she’s helping you—I’ll slip her a curse. A demon will devour her mind. Then, an “accident.” The inheritance is yours.*
*— If it works…*
*— It will. We’ve got magic. And each other.*
—
When Katie finished, Emily stayed silent, lips pressed tight.
*— Well?* Katie finally asked.
*— I’ll act. First, we banish the demon. Then—justice.*
*— Be warned: if you delay, they’ll flee. People like that don’t wait.*
*— I’m ready. Help me cast it out.*
Katie cut another lock.
*— Brace yourself. When it leaves, Lucy will feel it. You’ll have little time.*
That night, Emily barely slept. Whispers shook her, voices hissed in her ear. But by morning—it was gone. The world brightened. People seemed ordinary again.
*— Millie! It’s gone!* She rushed to her friend’s room, but Katie had been moved. Something happened overnight.
*— She’ll return when she’s better,* the nurse promised.
Neither Lucy nor James answered their phones. They’d fled. But now—Emily focused on leaving. And thanking Katie.
*— You’re alive!* Emily cried when Katie returned.
*— Made it. Sent the demon back, nearly got stuck there myself,* Katie rasped. *Your turn—how are you?*
*— They’re gone. Vanished. I’m recovering. The doctor says I’ll be discharged soon.*
*— I’m staying. Dad extended my stay. But you’ll visit, right?*
*— Of course. How do I reach you?*
*— Here’s how.* Katie cut another lock and handed it over. *Tuck it under your pillow—I’ll hear you.*
*— And revenge?*
*— I won’t dirty my hands. I want it fair.*
*— Then leave it to me. I’ll ask higher powers to judge them.*
—
Six months later
Emily sat on the sofa, wine in hand, flipping through a private investigator’s file.
Lucy and James had fled. Emily returned to an empty flat. Bank accounts drained. Every penny she’d invested—gone.
Lucy quit her job and disappeared. She and James flew off—but the paradise soured fast. Money didn’t save them. They fought, split the loot, and parted ways.
Lucy picked the wrong mark. The investigator said she’d been found… or not found. Presumed at the bottom of the ocean.
*— Magic didn’t save you, Lucy,* Emily whispered.
James? Back to scams. Lost it all. Ended up in debt. His last valuable assets? His organs.
*— At least he saved someone’s life…* Emily sighed. *Fair’s fair.*
Katie? Now lived deep in the woods, where Emily’s father once planned a holiday home. Emily gifted her the land. A sanctuary. A refuge. A home.
Emily pulled the braided lock from a small box and smiled.
*— Well, old friend… Fancy a chat? I’ll visit soon. It’ll be a magical holiday.*
