Chapter 53: Rewritten

"Telling the future by looking at the past assumes that conditions remain constant. This is like driving a car by looking in the rearview mirror."
- Herb Brody

Disclaimer: I should say that this story varies between 13+ and 16+, rating-wise, depending on every individual chapter, but still, it is rated "T" and that's pretty much self-explanatory. Just putting it out there for sensitive readers.

*This chapter, as usual, involves strong language, adult dialog&themes*


Leonida rocked the princess on her knees as her wandering gaze got lost in the distance. She was full of thoughts as of late. Full of questions. She was even more pensive ever since Phobos had chased Visser and Emery out of the Palace and officially proclaimed them enemies of the crown. Enemies of theirs' and Opal's… That wasn't necessarily untrue. She, herself, had started having second thoughts about her union with her supporters when they had told her that in order to obtain the full power the Dark Descendant needs, she ought to kill her baby daughter.

She still saw the image of Visser, pulling her aside with an odd spark in his eye:

"…If you wish to serve the Dark Descendant if you want to look out for your people, those who are really loyal to you, princess, you must make a sacrifice. You must sacrifice Opal…I'm sorry, that's the only way for you to go beyond the regent level. I know it must look impossible to you now, but think long-term. Do you really want to choose that diabolic prince's seed over true power and righteousness? Just think of how much you hate Phobos and how he and that baby are just one more hindrance standing between you, ultimate power, and the happy ending you deserve."

Yes, that had been…something. It really made her think. On Phobos's words, that was.

"Can you not see how they're using you to fulfill their unachieved goals? Their pathetic dreams of dominance? They don't care for you, Leonida, they want to use your birthright and potential to revive lost aspirations and have some success in their forlorn lives."- the prince had said. "Once you've served their cause, once they no longer have any use of you, of us, they will throw you away like a filthy napkin. Point of the matter? You're being gullible and foolish, you need to realize the truth before it's too late, because I got them to leave this Palace, but- they're no novices; they will try to reach to you and you will have to think what matters most. Your life and our daughter or the false love, loyalty and promises the father and son throw dust in your eyes with."

For the first time in years, she was conflicted. Things had changed. They had changed a lot after she had given birth and now, she couldn't think of murdering her child ever. No matter whose seed it was, it was a part of her, she loved Opal. Just like she loved Dua, but her mother had snatched him away from her. Her mother had tried to destroy her many times… She had to die and suffer, she deserved to go down together with her favorite son, Andan. But her Opal? Leonida looked down at the sleeping infant in her lap. Opal was a part of her heart. How did Visser expect her to destroy a piece of her own heart?! Was Visser really her supporter or was Phobos right about him?

She frowned. For as long as she could remember, Visser had always been there. He had taken her under his wing. From an early age, he cared for her in the same way he cared for her mother. Or rather, he had pretended to care for Magana. In fact, he hated the Queen and her way of ruling over Coronia. The old man had justified his hatred with the fact that she had dethroned her own daughter, the rightful ruler, but was that the truth? The princess frowned even harder. If he could deceive her mother and pretend so well in front of her, what prevented him from pretending in front of Leonida too?

"Your tea."

At first, Leonida flinched at the sound of Taranee who had entered the big room with a full tray in her hands. But then she giggled.

Enthralling Taranee had been her best move in a long time – now she could torture her, leaving her mind functioning just enough. Blocking her free will and subduing it to hers. The fire guardian was a prisoner of her own body. Her mind was almost entirely free, but her body, her muscles, and reflexes, her powers were all under Leonida's control. That way she was perfectly aware of everything that was happening and she was doing, but she couldn't change a thing about it. She was forced to do whatever the honey-haired woman desired, even if she didn't agree with it, because she had lost to her game and had willingly bowed down in front of her will, allowing herself to be enthralled by the golden magic of the princess. It was a different type of mind-control hypnosis than what Nerissa had done in the past. Yes, it was still about the will, but Nerissa hadn't let her slaves be completely aware of what was happening for the most part. Leonida was much crueler when it came to that. She wanted Taranee to experience every drop of her service to her. It was a degrading way to live, and she had spent the last month like that.

Taranee looked deathly at the princess, who smiled widely at her and made her wait with the tray. She didn't seem to be in a hurry to take her cup or the sugar, or anything. She just sat there and watched her with a self-glad expression and Taranee had to wait with her hands getting more and more tired from holding the tray up.

"Tell me something, Taranee."- the princess began with voice sweeter than sugar. She left Opal in her cradle and focused her attention on the guardian: "How much do you hate me already?"

The other woman squinted her eyes. Leonida loved to play with her, knowing that she was obliged to speak her mind no matter what. The spell made her speak the truth and only the truth, each time the deranged princess asked for it:

"Words can't describe how much I hate you for what you did to me. What you're doing to all these innocent people with the battles you and Phobos are initiating, striving to get more land and power."

Leonida smiled, satisfied with her reply.

"And would you ever help me?"- she went on. "Willingly?"

"Of course not and why would you ask that; you have full authority over my will."- Taranee growled. She tried her best to give vague replies, but the obliging spell made it hard for her. It all depended on the way Leonida formulated her questions….

"Uh-huh, and what if I was the victim?"- Leonida continued with a dangerous note in her voice, approaching Taranee so much that their noses almost touched.

Thankfully, over the last month, her questions had all been like that. Half-witted. Aiming to annoy and humiliate her rather than to give the princess information, to the point where Taranee started wondering as to why the other woman didn't just ask her straight-forwardly about all she and her friends had found out over time. Perhaps she… feared the answer? To the point of not caring at all? Was she totally convinced she was going to find success at the end of her path? She couldn't be that blinded by the cult, could she?

"You are a victim."- Taranee trailed. "Of your insanity. You need help, Leonida. Professional help."

The princess threw her head back in a laugh.

"So, you think Phobos is right?"- she suggested with a little smile.

"About what?"

"Oh, you know about what."- Leonida sneered, placing her hand on Taranee's head. Her entire face changed, losing all the cheerfulness and playfulness she usually exuded. She was serious now.

Taranee's eyes darted away from the indigo ones, but Leonida clicked her fingers in front of her face, forcing her to restore the eye contact:

"You know everything that's been going on around the Edifice, Taranee, I know you're trying to convey it to your friends."- Leonida spat. "You've been trying to reach them in your dreams, your telepathy powers make it that much harder for me to control you fully because you never stopped fighting. You're still fighting me."- the princess hissed. "But that's why I wanted you here. I wanted your big brain because of its immense abilities; not only will that be of benefit to me during the fights against your friends, it will help me form the most valid strategy regarding myself. You're one of the smartest guardians, with mind powers like no other, and you will help me, trust me. So that I don't fall victim, again."

Taranee gulped. She didn't like what she could sense coming. The real questions. Leonida was ready to ask the real questions:

"So, is Phobos right about Visser? What do you think? Have they been dec-"

"He is."- Taranee replied reluctantly. "He's right."

Leonida's eyes widened and then squinted, testingly, but she nodded:

"I knew it. You and your friends have been aware of that for a long time, haven't you? Hence you left us with Opal… To destroy the cult, as you call it, to destroy Visser and Emery, you had to let us win. I already knew that, but I didn't know that they were just using me too. Why are they using me?"- she asked suddenly. "What do I lack that they are pretending to want me as their queen, how long have they been pretending to have my back?!"

"If I tell you, they win."- Taranee said through gritted teeth.

Leonida just stared at her:

"What do you mean?"

Taranee sighed. She couldn't hide the truth when the princess demanded it. She couldn't, but she could try to win time:

"Visser doesn't care about you, because you're the daughter of an ordinary man. Your father was not an aristocrat before he married your mother, you're not one of the gold-blooded."

Leonida looked at her as if she had just told her that the planets are flat.

"But you don't care about those things, do you, Leonida? I know you want power and dominance, but you don't even share Visser' ideas about the class division, what did you expect? That he'll tolerate you just because you're the rightful Queen? If he didn't compromise for your mother, why would he do it for you?"

Leonida had to take a seat as she processed what she was hearing. Yes, some of these questions had crossed her mind before but now she was beginning to doubt… no, she was actually doubting everything. Everything in her life so far. Had it been a lie?!

"But…but he did so much for me. Why did he do it, why did he help if he never saw me as the rightful ruler of Coronia-"

Taranee looked away, but Leonida yelled at her, forcing her to reply:

"Tell me everything that you know about Visser! Now!"

"Do you want him to win?"- Taranee clenched her teeth. "Don't ask me to tell you, you will ruin everything! You will basically serve him victory on a gold platter, is that what you want?! Stick with Phobos, he's-"

But the thought she suddenly had made Taranee stop. What if… What if she was wrong? Her approach had been wrong. What if Leonida could actually help defeat the cult…It was a brave, almost impossible-sounding suggestion, but if her experience had taught her something it was that sometimes the key to dealing with your enemies was hidden in teaming up with their other enemies. Or, in this case, creating new enemies for the enemy… An enemy of my enemy is a friend…. sort of. Taranee's heart skipped a beat. It was a good thing Leonida's magic didn't reach as far as giving her the ability to read her thoughts.

If we can take down Visser and the cult first, taking the power back from Phobos and Leonida will be easier when Avani comes along.

"What?"- Leonida challenged, standing up again. "What is it? You stopped talking, why? You cannot lie to me, Taranee, don't forget that. Tell me whatever you started telling me. Stick with Phobos? Why, because he's suddenly a knight in shining armor?" – she snapped mockingly.

"No."- Taranee shook her head. "He's evil and twisted, and he can betray anyone at any time, but over that last month, I've seen a change in him. A change related to your daughter. He cares about her. I don't think I've ever seen Phobos care for a person before."

Leonida rolled her eyes and crossed her arms on her chest. Alright already, maybe. Maybe he wasn't all that bad. For her, at least…

"I know. And?"

"And, so do you."- Taranee shrugged. "Visser on the other hand wants you to kill her. You know why?"

Leonida flinched but cocked an eyebrow:

"Why?"

"I guess because there's no other way for him to take control over the power anymore. Phobos's presence loosened his grip on you. I think I may have an idea. I can help you, Leonida. I can help you get rid of that man who's been using you your entire life."

Leonida estimated her with a curious glance before giggling bitterly:

"You said you'd never help me."

She was intrigued and her heart was skipping fast. Knowing that the woman before her has answers to so many of her questions that would change everything forever, made her nervous and nauseous, but it was time. It was time she lost all the illusionary fog that had interfered with her sight for so long…

"I did, but Visser is reason enough to reconsider that statement of mine."- Taranee said earnestly. "And I think that when I tell you everything about him, you will agree with me. Because I can't tell you any lies, but the truth about your ruined life is bitter enough to make anyone lose it."

Leonida's eyes, full of pain and wonder, widened again and glistened.

"Why?"- she asked in a low voice.

"Because there's only one person responsible for every tragedy and every misunderstanding you've ever been through, and that person is indeed Visser."


Heatherfield

When he got dragged down to the police station he hadn't been surprised. It was all over the news. Snowden had been murdered. Brutally. Just an hour after he had left his house. Of course, everyone suspected him. Everyone would've suspected him even if he had been on the North Pole that night, given his reputation in Heatherfield.

His lawyers had advised him to do something that he'd usually never agree to, but given the situation and his new public position, he was cornered. Like a rat.

"This is the best agreement we could reach, Vandom. We have to get you out of the list of people of interest. Judge Cook has personally insisted for you to undergo a polygraph."- his lawyer, Alex Adams, a person he had invested great trust in, said. Alex was a friend who always found a way out for him, but this time even his hands were tied. "If you refuse, you'll have to resign from your position as mayor."

"Of course Judge Cook did that."- Tony snorted in response." She loathes me, she wanted to give me at least ten years at my last trial and was pissed when the jury and the evidence hindered her from doing so. Let her get creative with putting me through shit."- he added cynically.

"Tony, this is serious."- his lawyer then hissed, abandoning the formal tone. "If you wish to escape this situation you have to go through with the public polygraph. Either that or you're fucked and over with. Your choice."

In the end, that's what he did. He followed his lawyer's advice and agreed to the polygraph. The first set of questions were standard, the man that was performing the polygraph waited for the TV crew before starting. Is your name Thomas Vandom, is the 12th of October your date of birth, etcetera, etcetera. They started the test with the basics he had typed in the introduction form they had provided him with beforehand. Of course, the part where he had to confess to being at Marcus's residence just an hour before his murder had his heartbeat go faster, but still, he did say the truth. Tony took a deep breath and just stared at the man performing his polygraph. Even he was surprised when they told him he had passed the test with good results. Then the cameramen turned the camera off and he was dismissed.


Theresa Cook slammed her laptop closed. She wasn't satisfied. She wasn't satisfied because her intuition was never wrong, however, this man had just escaped justice once again, and that on national TV. And she was absolutely certain that justice had to catch up with Thomas Vandom sooner or later. She had just wished it to be sooner...

"He passed with flying colors. It surprised me too, but I think that he had nothing to do with Snowden's murder."

"He's an excellent liar. Perhaps they should repeat the procedure."- Theresa wasn't willing to admit it, but that was very unlikely.

She looked down at Tom Lair who was giving her a look speaking volume of the same. By obliging to their request, Tony Vandom had gotten himself out of the people of interest list.

"We will continue the investigation, of course, we will, it's on state-level now."- the man went on. "But a word of advice, Theresa, as a friend. You shouldn't interfere. The polygraph was a good step but if they see you as having any personal agenda as to get Vandom, then- "

"I understand, Tom, don't be worried about it. I'll leave it all in your hands, not interfering where my authority isn't required."

The man nodded and gave her a smile. Theresa knew why he had approached the topic, and she was glad he did. Someone she interacted with professionally and in her personal life really had her back. She needed that. She didn't need to be taken off a case, even if temporary like the last time Jessie Alexis had photographed her talking to Susan. Her prestige was important but justice was more important.

"Tom?"

Theresa Cook tilted her head when she saw the man receive a message. Tom just listened for a few moments before he met her eyes lively:

"I have to go."- he exclaimed in a hurry. "We've had an eyewitness call in. We might have a murder weapon."

"Go!"- the woman ushered him with open enthusiasm, even though he was already leaving her office. "The faster we get this case to me, the better for Heatherfield!"


Meridian

"So. Did we actually achieve anything or did we host a play for nothing?"

Elyon smiled at her husband. His enthusiasm was endearing.

"Because you played a really big part?"- she joked. "But wait, it's not exactly the first time you perform, is it?"

Andan felt his cheeks flush with color. He knew what she meant, even if in an amicable, jesting manner. She was talking about when he and his mother were deceiving the Meridian court, hiding their past and secrets for the sake of Coronia's future.

They were in Elyon's office, a large room in the Palace, full of bookshelves, a big regal desk, furniture, and magical and technological movables. Here, at the light of the big windowed wall behind her, she was getting down to business with most state affairs which she had to settle as Queen.

"Avani is stubborn, but she is also young and naïve. Her life has been so different before she came here."- Magana, who sat in one big chair close to her son, interjected. "But with the right words, if she believes you vouch for her, Elyon. If she accepts you because you are someone who cares for her in a sea of people who just want to take advantage - "

"- she will understand the situation better and she will help me. I hope so."- Elyon finished her thought and sighed. "I am not completely dishonest with her; I really do care about her. She's my family. I just have to make her understand it…"

A snort came from the other end of the room and the Queen rolled her eyes:

"Thanks for the help, anyway, Nerissa. Couldn't have done it without you, you were the perfect choice for that part."

"Oh, it goes without saying. And since I hate her for how she betrayed me, it was quite believable. You were, actually. Never had I ever imagined you'd be such a good actress. Then again, it must be because you meant most of your words. Sorely."

Nerissa finally abandoned the book spines she had been absent-mindedly scanning until now and turned to face the others with a little smile. Elyon returned the smile a little irked. The fight they had purposely had in front of Avani the previous day had been her idea and Nerissa had agreed to it. Whether it would have any effect or not, she had reasoned it was worth a try.

Psychologically outsmarting a girl who had no emotional intelligence? An outlaw fighting for justice, rejected by her lunatic mother at an early age, breaking her for a lifetime…yes it could be both easy and a challenge. Only time would tell.

"I meant a huge chunk of what I said, but I can't allow our differences to stand in our way now when so much is at stake."- Elyon retorted. "Both you and I are pretty much powerless because of Phobos and Leonida. Our magic reduced to what we have as birth talents and gifts... They stole our power. That fact alone is a reason enough for me and you to be on the same page, isn't it?"

Nerissa folded her arms on her chest:

"Correct. But there is one thing that remains a question, my darling Queen."

Elyon raised an eyebrow at the Mage:

"When we get the chance. If we get the chance."- Nerissa paused as she approached the desk and rested her arms against it, like a wild cat stretching out with her ass in the air, making Andan visibly uncomfortable. Magana just gawked, but Elyon remained unfazed. She was used to the former guardian's body language way too much. She knew what this was even before Nerissa finished. She was patronizing her and ridiculing her while posing a threat. Only Nerissa could do that with such ease:

"…if we get the chance to dispose of your deadbeat brother once and for all, will you take advantage of the opportunity or shall you think of yet another mild punishment to give him time to bite us poisonously again?"

"Are you asking me whether or not I plan to kill my brother, Mage?"

Elyon smiled awry. Nerissa wasn't impressed. They had talked about this a million times. At one point, Elyon had reconciled. Now she was playing independent ruler once again. The long-haired sorceress moved back and put her hands on her waist:

"It's high time the vicious cycle was terminated, Queenlet."

"It will be."- Elyon said ardently. "It will be, for sure. I have more family at stake now. Avani, Leonida's baby. I will not fail at giving them what I couldn't give their father and I will do anything to protect them and my kingdoms. I will drive the darkness away. Does that answer your question, Nerissa?"

Nerissa gave her a long, testing glance before pursing her pink-satin lips:

"It does. For now."


Heatherfield, noontime

The reporters were all around the house. He barely managed to get through them unnoticed in the yard and he failed, actually. They spotted him while he was unlocking the back door:

"Mr. Olsen! Mr. Olsen, your statement? Can you comment, please?"

Like vultures, they attacked him with their questions. Their microphones, and cameras… They were coming to get him, unflustered. Glib. They didn't care about his family and the shock they were all going through. They cared to extract a statement from him and no matter what he did, he'd be wrong:

"Your father has been murdered, how are you feeling post that tragedy?"

"Your words, Mr. Matt?"

"It must be terrible, what was your relationship with him like?"

"Any ideas who the killer might be?"

Matt slammed the door and locked it from the inside, breathing hard. He could still hear the heinous reporters from outside, but he tried to ignore them. He tried to clear his mind. It was rather hard, given that he had gotten drunk to the point of fainting the night before, only to wake up to the gut-wrenching news of his father's death and a hideous headache. At first, Matt had even thought it to be a joke. Fake news. He still couldn't wrap his mind around it, no matter how hard he tried. He couldn't cry either. A complex, hard, toxic relationship had just ended forever but he still had to deal with the aftermath.

"Lindy, it's Matt! He's back!"- his aunt Carolyn and her short sleek hair greeted him in a fever dream-like fashion.

Maybe it was because she had switched to a dark dye again instead of the blonde, and he hadn't noticed… Matt didn't say anything.

He allowed her to take him to the living room area while uttering reassuring words in his ear. She held his hand and spoke to him softly, lovingly. She stroked his hair:

"It will be alright, Matty. Gosh, this must be so hard on you."- Carolyn breathed, trying to control her voice and stop it from trembling. "First your grandpa and now your dad-"

"We're not going to be shedding tears for Marcus in this house!"

Linda came from the kitchen in her business attire, carrying her purse, her phone, and a plate of eggs and bacon which she slammed on the coffee table. She was trying to be put together. She was trying to run things as if nothing had happened, but something had happened. The mayor, who she had been campaigning for was dead. Murdered. Yes, she hated the man, but this hadn't been the way she had initially envisioned things.

"Eat up, Matthew."- she said before doing something on her phone hastily. "You are very late. Where were you until now, anyway? I have to deal with enough as it is, please don't be one to strain my nerves in addition."

Carolyn opened her mouth but then the smell hit her. The smell of hard alcohol which her nephew exuded. That didn't go unnoticed by Linda, who turned around and shouted:

"Sean! Make a cup of strong coffee for your cousin and bring it here. Quick! I have-"- she then muttered, typing something in her phone aggressively. "- quite a few arrangements to make. People to talk to… And, most importantly, make sure that our local governing will be working unhindered. I acquired enough responsibilities when I became a part of the mayor team alongside Tony Vandom- "

"I can't believe you! You're so cold!"- Carolyn interrupted her sister, unable to take any more of her indifference. "Won't you try to comfort your son or say something, at least?!"- Carolyn screamed.

"Aunt, it's fine, I'm-"- Matt mumbled, sensing the situation going south, but it was too late.

"He just lost his DAD, Linda, you're such a-"

But Linda grabbed her sister's arm roughly, cutting her words short:

"I have no intention to mourn the man who ruined my life and that of my son, but I give you permission to say something comforting to Matt on my behalf if feel like you haven't had enough of that when your husband died, Carolyn."- the blue-eyed woman snarled in her face. "Just remember he doesn't need that! Marcus played the role of a monster in Matt's life and his death is not going to affect him. Yes, we were on good terms, but just professionally. For the sake of our careers and this city. That doesn't mean that we've forgotten…That I have forgotten what some people."- she whispered, her eyes getting wet while moving from her sister to Matt, who just looked down in shame. "…did to this family."

Carolyn endured that spiteful last part with tears streaming down her face and an upper lip that had a hard time remaining stiff. Matt just kept looking down. Linda took a step back, shifting the weight of her left leg to her heel as she observed the result of her outburst with a mixture of something between ease and disgust. Then she turned around and came face to face with Sean, who just dryly left a cup next to the eggs on the coffee table and gifted his aunt with a cold look.

"Any other orders, auntie?"

Linda looked down at the dark steaming beverage and then headed for the door, ignoring the tall blonde man completely.

"Make sure he eats and drinks that."- she told her family and nodded at her son, who just stood there. Angry, dismal, and tired. He was tired of her punishing him like that.

"How are you going to go through that sea of terrible people, the reporters?"- Carolyn exclaimed after her.

Linda stopped at the exit with a stolid half-smile:

"By giving them what they want, of course. A statement for the press."

Carolyn sighed when they heard the door to the house:

"Matty, please eat. I have to go check on Sara. You're still sobering up. I'm…I'm sorry for everything. I wish I could make things better, but I can't."

"Aunt won't let anyone try to make things better, as it seems."- Sean interjected only to make his mother snap at him:

"I am not talking with you right now, boy!"- her face and voice softened as she gave her nephew one last cheek stroke before taking the stairs up:

"Oh, Matty… Right, Sara."- the woman reminded herself. "Sean, make sure Matty eats."

Once his mother had left the scene, the tall blonde man looked down at the breakfast he had been ordered to prepare and then at his cousin, who just stood silently.

"Bro, I'm so sorry."- Sean muttered and enveloped him in a big hug. "I'm sorry for your dad, I'm sorry for everything, really. But it's gonna be alright, I promise."

Matt sniffed something incomprehensible and started crying as he hugged his cousin back. He was finally broken enough to let it all out. He started crying like a small child. Because of the situation, because of the past, because of how he didn't tell Will…Everything was fucked up. Everything was so fucked up.


Linda narrowed her eyes at the reporter who had asked about her personal life again. She had lost enough time with these idiots, giving them a statement for over fifteen minutes, but she had to comply with the specifics of the situation. She was a public figure; she was going to be city manager. She had to maintain an image.

"No, my marriage to Mr. Vandom isn't affected by my ex-husband's sad murder, we're all adults and professionals. If there's nothing else, I will be leaving you. After all, people are expecting me down at the City Hall, so that we can deal with this tragic crisis the best way possible. We have a killer on the loose and lots of things to attend to, unfortunately, the cycle in politics never stops. We ought to think about you, the citizens. Thank you, everyone, excuse me."

They were disappointed, of course, they were. She had just wasted their time, giving them nothing - no actual information they could use, no intrigue, no gossip... All that they had hoped to get from her. Nothing. All she had done was keep up with what was expected of her, maintaining herself perfectly.

Linda smiled as she walked towards her car, safe to ignore the reporters as she had already done her share of talking to the media. Yes, after years of social campaigns and interactions with journalists, she was good at gaslighting them.

Linda's smile, however, quenched once two police cars came up her street before she could get in her own car. She stopped and watched the officers emerge out of them as the annoying tail of reporters caught up with her and focused their attention on the police.

"Mrs. Olsen-Vandom?"- one of the policemen approached her.

"How can I help you?"- Linda responded reluctantly, throwing a glance over her shoulder. The reporters were all there, lined like hyenas waiting for a piece of meat.

"We have a murder weapon and a lead. We're informing you because of two reasons. The first one being the fact you were listed as Mr. Snowden's emergency contact and the second one being that the lead, we received is connected to your son Matthew Olsen."

Linda felt her face drop as the reporting crews behind her started whispering and taking pictures.

"What?!"

"We're here to take him down to the station with us. Is he home?"

"Let me get this straight, you got a lead connected to my son about his father's murder?"- Linda exclaimed.

The policemen just looked at each other, as usual. Unfeeling and dull. Oh, she hated the police. They hadn't helped her 17 years ago, they surely wouldn't be of any use now.

"That's ridiculous, let our family grieve in peace, please, it's hard enough for me to fulfill my duties to this city in this condition. Matt's not-"

"We have a warrant, Mrs. Olsen-Vandom, we just want to talk to Matthew, but we will take him with us. Refusing to cooperate would be violating the law."

"Who signed that warrant?!"- Linda barked after them, but they were already walking towards the house. "Theresa Cook, right? Oh, no, look at me! Look at me when I'm asking you something!"

She didn't hesitate to run and block their way, much to the reporters' elation. Finally, the intriguing stuff they had come for.

"Ma'am, step aside, you're hindering the police right now!"

"My son isn't involved in this, you're making a cruel mistake by trying to pin this on him! Your lead is fake, your warrant is rushed and your actions are unethical, how can you be dragging a grieving son towards the police station, literally hours after he has heard about his father's murder?!"- Linda's face exuded cold refusal and fear. Real fear. After the previous night, anything could've happened…

One female cop pulled her aside so that her two colleagues could keep going towards the house. To arrest Matt. To arrest her son for his devil father's murder. This made her see red…

"Ma'am, please calm down. This is for your own good."

"What bulshit!"- Linda raged and pulled free of the woman's grip. "I'm calling my lawyers. This is Theresa Cook's poor attempt to get to Tony."- she whispered gravely as she pulled her phone out. "The judicial power in this city is about to face serious changes. I will not tolerate this crap!"

"Mrs. Olsen, can we get your comment on the newest events? Where was your son last night, after the late mayor's private cocktail party?"

But Linda ignored the questions and got in her car with a cold huff, speeding away.


Later that same day...

"First, they arrest Will, now Matt. What the actual hell, dad."- Irma raved. "Has everyone really gone insane?"

Tom Lair sighed and brought the glass closer to his lips. He was home to eat early dinner after a, particularly, rough day.

"I know, hon, I know this is bizarre, I didn't want to even consider the idea, but we got a call. We found the murder weapon. They said Matt's name."

"It's obviously a set-up!"- Irma exclaimed. "The real murderer is trying to pin this on Matt-"

"The gun we found matches the bullets that killed the mayor."- her father went on. "They found his fingerprints on the gun."

"This is just so…scripted!"- the Latina protested and shoved a bite of roasted chicken in her mouth, annoyed. She was angry. Upset. Will was still unreachable. How the hell did something like this happen to them. Again.

"Why the hell would he use a gun too, he has- "

She sighed and rolled her eyes at Chris who gave her a meaningful cough.

"Whatever."- she murmured. Thankfully, she had caught herself before saying something that she shouldn't. Regarding magic, for example. Her brother had been useful for once.

Their father didn't seem to have noticed that exchange at all, he just shrugged tiredly and used a napkin to dry his mouth:

"The surveillance records also show him leaving Snowden's residence, 90 minutes after Tony Vandom. However, Tony Vandom is seen entering too, which Matt isn't, that's curious. But then again, it supports the idea he got in with criminal intentions, so maybe he used a window or something-"

"He didn't do it, dad!"- Irma raged. "I'm telling you, you have to investigate this more, don't let them wrap the case just yet, this is too fucked up! Too convenient for the real killer too, just think about it!"

"Irma, I get it, but this is everything we can do as for now!"- Tom retorted strictly. After such a day, arguing with his daughter and her subjective thinking of the situation was something he couldn't take. "All this evidence points at Matt. Plus; he was under the influence of alcohol and he is known to have a pretty bad relationship with his father… he has good lawyers. I will never get what people expect from the police in such situations. Linda Olsen too, thinks that we enjoy doing this to her son, but the truth is that we have no choice. This is how the law works, honey. This is a serious crime, they're pushing us to wrap it up, and with all this evidence... Try to get it in your head."

Irma just growled and debated whether she could just leave the table. Then she remembered Cornelia's order to extract more information from her father. But what information had she really gathered? Her father was his usual self – true to his profession and to the law. He couldn't help them with all this fucking evidence fabricated to frame Matt. Fucking Matt and his fucking family…

"No, honey, Irma has a point. Even we did one episode like that on "Wife Undercover"."- Anna Bannister interfered once she sat the dessert on the table. "What are the odds that all these pieces of evidence come together today, so soon after the murder. And if Matt killed his father, why leave the gun near the body? Why the negligence? It's almost too obvious that all this evidence has been planted…"

"Yes, Anna, but we can't prove that."- her husband groaned. "That's such a big stretch, in all honesty, I can procrastinate, but I can't save Matt from being sent to trial soon. Not with all this evidence."

"But if they find more contradicting evidence that pointed towards someone else?"- Chris asked cautiously, looking over at his sister. Irma raised an eyebrow. Tom just huffed tiredly:

"Like what for example? Who do you have in mind?"

"Like something that exposes Mrs. Olsen."- the teenager blurted, much to the water guardian's horror. Oh, hell nah, why had she even enlightened him on their theory that Linda's the bad guy! He didn't even try to be tactful. "Ask all their acquaintances, she hated Marcus. She has a motive-"

"But pin it on her own son? Come on, Chris."- Anna exclaimed, just when Irma was kicking her brother under the table as to make him shut up. "That's too twisted."

"Why be so bias about it, mom?"- he didn't give up. "People are ready to believe that a son killed his father, but not that a mother framed her son? Come on, to hell with that Oedipus stereotype, not all mothers are good-"

- Ask your dad about the fucking murder weapon, Irma! - Cornelia's sharp voice echoed in her head. – You're just wasting time, you're not there to have dinner! I still can't reach Will. Not on her phone, her socials, her telepathic channels which she has totally shut off. I'm scared. Something's wrong. I broke into her apartment…She's not here.

- You did what?!- Irma gawked, then, having sensed her mother's eyes on her, she pretended she had something in her eye.

- Yeah, she's not here. - came Cornelia's voice in her mind. - I'm trying a locator's potion now.

- Wow, OK, Nerissa. - Irma exclaimed mentally, to the other woman's distaste. – Don't you think you're being too fanatical? She probably wants to be left alone for a while, she'll come around. Ever since the Heart allowed us to transform on our own again, we can let Will have her peace and alone time when she happens to need it…

- Ask Tom about the fucking gun, you Muppet!

"Hey dad."- Irma began. "One last thing and I'll get out of your hair. Or what's left of it… Anyhow, what about the murder weapon. It's a gun, but did they estimate who does it belong to? Because as far as I know, Matt has never owned a weapon-"

"A Ruger Blackhawk. That's a very popular type of hunting revolver, it's often used by hunters who shoot during deer season."- Tom responded making his daughter furrow her brows in confusion. "It's legal and it has documents in the database, it belonged to Herbert Olsen."


To create a family. To protect a family. What does that mean? To do anything for them, to protect them from anything and anyone that poses a threat and love, love, love them unconditionally no matter what. Even when they hurt you… But is there such thing as unconditional love, really? Or does your family sometimes become just a hostile group of kinsmen… The answer to that varies for different people.

Linda Olsen knew that, for her, family would never have the same meaning, not after she caught her own sister having an affair with her husband post the death of her own. Eighteen years ago, Carolyn Olsen had claimed to have done it out of her grief. Out of her pain. To fill the void in her heart left after her husband, Reginald, who had tragically died after a fall in the mountains.

Linda had forgiven but never forgotten the betrayal. She could forgive her abusive husband, a man who raised his hand at her, tormented both her and their son, Matt, mostly emotionally, but also physically, for cheating on her. Back then she'd have done anything to save her marriage. Being married to a man like Marcus Snowden had never been easy, to begin with, but still. She had chosen to forgive him and her sister because she wanted to melt ice. She wanted to protect her family.

Carolyn was her sister, after all. Blood is thicker than water, Linda believed in that, she truly did. But when Carolyn and Marcus rebounded and Matt had found out but kept it from her… he had kept it a secret from his mother. He had unwittingly protected his aunt and his father, even if being just a scared child. Even if he had been confused, hurt, and emotionally labile himself… There is just about as much a woman can endure.

That had been the breaking point. The breaking point had been the faithful night when Linda's marriage had officially ended, to be more exact. After Marcus had forced himself on Carolyn when she had wanted to break off things again, and poor Matt, who had the misfortune to be in the house with them had hidden in a wardrobe, witnessing everything. Hearing everything.

Terrified. Mortified, he had been mortified and so was she. Why? Why again, Carolyn? She could call it water under the bridge once, but again? They had betrayed her again? A part of Linda Olsen died forever that night. Because she had been pregnant. She had lost that baby that very same night… That fucking cursed night. And they had known. They had all known… Linda didn't forgive anyone that time. Not even her son.

She got a divorce, with a lot of blood and sweat, she stood up against her powerful monster-husband and defeated him in court. She took her son and moved to Heatherfield to live with her father, she even took his name for both her and Matt, hence the Olsen surname. She couldn't do much about sending Marcus where he belonged – in jail, but she did prohibit him from interacting with Matt as long as he was a minor. She changed. She didn't care about melting ice anymore. She embraced herself in the cold ice of her resentment and all the betrayal she had suffered and never forgotten, she became the Ice Queen everyone had always wanted her to be and she vowed; oh, she vowed that she'd destroy Marcus Snowden one day because even in her victory, he never stopped the power play. The night he raped Carolyn, he had left her with a baby, which she chose to keep. Sara Snowden. As if to add another nail to the coffin in which she had tried to bury Linda alive.

Whether God had punished Carolyn, or that was just her sister's cynical bitterness speaking, Sara had been born with problems. Mental problems, that compelled her to be institutionalized for the majority of her life. Linda was a strong woman; she could love that child no matter what. She could care for her…but she'd never forgotten what she meant. An insult. Betrayal. Cruelty towards her… Her baby's death. Unconditional love?! There was no such thing for Linda Olsen anymore. She would punish everyone. She would take all the knives put in her back and throw them at her so-called family…

"What are you doing here!?"

Linda threw a look behind her shoulder before focusing her attention on the woman that stood on the threshold.

"What the fuck are you doing here, Wilhelmina."- she repeated in a hiss and glared at the redhead.

Will Vandom stood against her in her blue body-top, tucked in her denim shorts, and just shifted her weight from her left to her right sneaker. She responded to the glare with a determined look that seriously made the older woman uncomfortable….

"I thought that we'd reached an agreement last night. I thought you knew better than to interfere with our family affairs!"- Linda hissed. "I told you I have stuff on your father, I have them in my safe, that's why he's been my doggy on a leash ever since he encountered me, I will take him down if you don't get lost right now!"- she hissed again, as imposing as she could be. Her snow-cold eyes glistened angrily, but also… full of fear? Will remained unfazed. Linda couldn't believe it, her confidence was crumbling down faster than ever:

"If you don't care about Tony, think about your mother, some of the illegal affairs involve her name, she might not know how Tony funded things she took advantage of over the last years, but in the forest, the wet leaves catch fire along with the dry ones! Your mother might face jail time, how dare you test my patience again?!"

"I know that Dean hired a PI during Tony's previous arc, I know he decided to throw it all away and not use it at your husband Tony's trial, and I know you got your hands on those files."- Will's eyes met hers in a challenging look. "But you know what else I know? I know that Matt needs me and I will not stand by indifferently. Ever again!"

Linda was sweating. She couldn't deal with this right now. She looked behind herself again before attempting to close the door. Will pulled it back with incredible strength, making the older woman stagger from the sharp force she had just exercised.

"I told you to let Matt deal with everything on his own. Stop meddling!"- Linda repeated in a rageful, hushed voice. "We talked this through last night and you agreed, why are you here now?! After everything you've done-"

"Matt wasn't in jail last night, nor was he about to be sentenced for a murder he didn't commit."- Will interrupted her sharply. "A murder he was framed for because I listened to you! What's the matter, Linda?"- she then raised a brow bitterly. "Why do you look so nervous? So…hampered? Couldn't knock someone down with a vase, or what?"

"Leave, Will."- Linda exhaled deeply. "Leave. I have excellent lawyers. I will get him out, I will not allow him to be sentenced, but just LEAVE-"

"I, I,I, aren't I sick of your narcissistic insanity! You won't do shit! You know it, why are you lying to yourself!?"- the redhead interrupted her violently and barged inside.

Linda gasped and tried to push her away. She desperately tried to push the petite-looking woman out of the house, but Will was resilient. She was pissed and determined. She yelled and grabbed Linda's neck, making her squeal in terror. Then she pushed her back towards the house, kicking the door shut behind them and violently making her way to the living room where she threw the coughing brunette on the sofa. Carolyn Olsen, who was sitting in the armchair nearby jumped in shock and covered her mouth with her hands:

"W-will, my girl, what in God's name-"

"Shut the fuck up!"- the guardian interrupted her.

Linda turned around, still shaken from the young woman's assault, and screamed:

"You have to leave, Wilhelmina, you don't understand, you'll just make things for Matt worse, please go away!"

"Will, please my girl!"- Carolyn joined in, as she helped her sister back on her feet. "We have a family crisis, please come again later when we can talk to you and-"

"I KNOW EVERYTHING!"- Will just cut them off. "Cut the crap. I know the truth. I reached the truth on my own."

The two sisters could only look at each other and then back at her, utterly terrified, disturbed, and speechless…

The guardian's red-brown eyes sparkled determinant as she went on:

"I know Sean killed Marcus. I know he framed Matt and I know he's hiding here."

Linda gave her an appalled look. Her horror quickly morphed into rage:

"And yet you just came here?! How moronic can you-"

"Will, this is terrible."- Carolyn took a deep breath. "This is very bad. Why did you come here?"

The redhead squinted her eyes at them. This house was long a crime scene. She faced two sisters held at gunpoint. Two of the main characters in this entire Olsen nightmare drama. Of course, they didn't understand her role and her capabilities. They deemed her an outside party meddling in their affairs. And she? She was here to make sure her boyfriend will be set free. That this would finally end.

"He won't let you leave now…"

She had expected that. She had expected the blond man to appear behind her with a gun and she was ready. What she hadn't expected though was for his words to be:

"Hello, Will. I knew you'd come."

Fast like a bolt, the guardian turned around to face Sean and the mouth of his 'Super Blackhawk', inches away from her forehead. The man just smiled at her, almost reassuringly. Reassuringly, but actually evil. He was someone she had met many times during the years. They had vacationed together. Laughed together. They had been friends… She knew how close he and Matt were. What she somehow hadn't known until today was what kind of a person he truly was… Now she saw it. Sean was an evil, jealous person who was ready to throw his cousin to the sharks.

But his words from just now were what caused the confusion written all over her face. Sean noticed that. He noticed it and laughed:

"How I knew you'd come; you may ask? Will, I know you're smart. I know you'd do anything for Matt, but unfortunately, not this time. This time you will remain indifferent indeed."


Meridian, evening time

"This is a very bad time, why did you summon us here? When did you get the Mage ring back?!"- Irma exclaimed once she, Cornelia, and Hay Lin crossed through a portal, directly into the Meridian Palace.

"I know everything, Will told me about her venomous mother-in-law problem turned state-level crime putting her dear heart in jail for something he's not guilty of. Isn't it odd how either of them tends to get arrested? She told me everything when she came to give me the ring today…even if vaguely. This story is very intense and dramatic, for sure."- Nerissa made a pause to observe their faces. "All spells made with the ring are now converted to the Heart of Kandrakar… Anyhow, she figured who the real murderer is. Did she tell you?"

The guardians exchanged glances.

"Eventually she did, but she especially asked us not to intervene. But we were going there just in case…this is too scary to deal alone with. It's dangerous."- Hay Lin muttered with concern written in her eyes. "Will knows how to handle it, but still-"

"Of course we'll go there to help her."- Cornelia interfered and crossed her arms on the chest. "So, let's make this quick. Why are we here? What's so urgent-"

Nerissa just moved so that they could take a look through the open doors of Elyon's office.

There, among a bunch of soldiers…

"Phobos!?"- the three guardians gasped in shock.

They were shocked to see the Evil Prince sitting so casually. Facing his sister and just…talking.

Nerissa came in front of that view again, visibly irked and glum:

"Yes. He's here. To supposedly sign a peace treaty with your dear friend Elyon. A temporary peace. It's all just a farse – of course, he has ulterior motives."- the Mage sneered angrily. "He threatens to eradicate entire towns in the east if she doesn't agree. He's a demon."

"What the fuck-"

"A peace, what does a peace do for him. Even if temporary. He wants to stop the battles?"- Hay Lin exclaimed in disbelief.

"That doesn't make any sense, their forces have been prevailing in all battles as of late."- Cornelia threw a death glare towards the prince's back in the distance. "Caleb's very upset over that. Our armies are losing lands every day… Why would he want temporary peace? Phobos and peace? Please-"

"That's the dilemma."- Nerissa agreed. "It must be a trap. I suppose he wants to win time to do something else…to focus on something else. And even if we can benefit from that, we can't procrastinate and trust him. On anything. That's why I called you here. You can talk Elyon out of this, she doesn't listen to anyone here anymore, what is left to me… We can evacuate the villages he has seized; we can do something! We cannot afford the stupidity of smoking the pretend truce pipe with that son of a-"

She closed her mouth, having sensed a new presence in the hall. The three guardians followed her gaze towards the woman who was throwing curious glances along the columns, trying to take a peek inside the office…

Cornelia coughed meaningfully making Avani jump in her place:

"Oh, I didn't mean to pry."- the fair-haired woman began. "I just-"

"Oh, really, didn't yaa?"- Irma imitated her accent and then pointed towards the staircases. "Come on, crawl back. You have no business here right now. Shoo!"

But Avani didn't give up that easily. She kept throwing inquisitive glances towards the large number of guards in front of the office. Then, when Irma shouted at her as if to a wild animal blocking her car, she just gave her a snide side-eye and murmured something that sounded suspiciously like "imbecile." That made the Latina really angry and she attempted to go tackle the obnoxious rebel, but Cornelia pulled her back.

"Go to your chambers, brat."- Nerissa's cold voice ordered. "Or I'll give you a piece of my mind-"

"Ohh, I am so afraid."- Avani mocked her. "What's the powerless Mage gonna do? Give me a spanking?"

Nerissa clenched her teeth:

"Watch your tongue, whelp, or you'll regret it!"

Her splenetic outburst made Phobos turn around and look around all the way down the long wide hall that ended with Elyon's office. Cornelia acted instinctively. Before they could risk him and Avani even seeing each other, her telekinesis slammed the doors of the royal office shut. Hay Lin didn't waste time, in her turn, she approached Avani and locked her arm around her's:

"Let's go, Avani."- she ushered. "Now. Don't cause scenes."

"All of you, eat horse loins!"- was the last fine-spoken line they heard from Avani before Hay Lin dragged her away and towards her room.

"Dumb cunt."- Irma cursed under her nose.

"Forget her."- the blonde guardian demanded and started pulling her towards the Queen's office. "We have to stop her crazy daddy from fooling Elyon once again."

"Like that's ever an easy task."- Nerissa tossed her long hair back and followed them.

"What's going on around here?"

They opened the doors again, unceremoniously as the guards all took a considerable step back. Phobos's sentry circled him at once as if they feared that the guardians could attack him right then and there. And, presumably, they wouldn't be in the wrong. Irma looked menacing in her guardian uniform. Every cell in her body willing to drown the Evil Prince… Cornelia moved her ice-cold orbs from him to Elyon and the other way around.

"I told you not to call them, Nerissa."- the Queen began sternly, looking at the sorceress. "But then again, when have you ever listened to me."

"The problem is that you stopped listening to me a long time ago."- Nerissa retorted almost arrogantly, replying to the look with an unimpressed one. "You've been failing ever since."

"Enough, Nerissa."- Elyon raised her hand tiredly. "Don't start again."

"Sister, your Mage still fails to show respect for you, I see. And finally, guardians."- Phobos mused self-gladly as he turned ever so slightly in his chair. "Always so very angry with everything. You're late for this meeting, however, you may revel in the good news. Elyon and I just signed a two-month-peace. All battles between our armies are put on hold as of now."

"Really, why don't I buy that, you filthy douche!"- Irma yelled at him and his growing smirk. "What's your gain with this?"

But Cornelia focused her anger and bitterness on Elyon:

"You already signed the treaty and you didn't want us here."- she began coldly. "You don't even care to consult us anymore, after everything. Wow. That's a befitting look for you."

"This is my kingdom, Cornelia."- Elyon argued calmly. "My people can use the temporary peace, they're all scared and tormented enough as it is, not accepting a truce proposal, albeit with a statute of limitations of two months, would've been madness. I didn't want you called here because I knew you'd get upset either way."

"Your kingdom? Do you realize there are people around here that have done much more for your kingdom than you've ever done yourself?!"- the Earth guardian lashed out. Elyon just kept silent and looked at her.

"Yet they don't get a say in this? Peace treaty, really? You decided instead of us that we can't fight against them for two months. Two months, Elyon, did you even think what that means? How much more power they could gain, that Taranee."- she noted gravely, looking at Phobos. "That Taranee won't be rescued for another TWO fucking months?"

Phobos smirked even wider. He enjoyed this. He wanted to enrage them. Irma succumbed to the provocation. She got in the prince's face, slamming her fist in the desk next to him:

"Listen, DICKHEAD! If anything happens to our friend-"

"Oh, she's quite fine. For now. Leonida adopted her as a servant so to say. She's just doing her thing as every good, mind-controlled puppet does."- Phobos interrupted her. "As long as she enjoys her service, the Fire guardian should be fine. I, on the other hand, wanted her dead, initially, but fate has proven to be with you on that-"

"Lose the overbearing attitude, fucker! You're a joke!"- Irma roared. "We've seen you at your worst, boo, we've seen your bare ass behind bars for over ten years. We beat you once, we beat you twice, we'll beat you again, humble yourself and start counting the days, because when that fucking treaty expires, you'll face your day of final judgment."

Phobos just smiled at her then did something that made her recoil. She had been talking right in his face. He provoked her, he leaned forward and offhandedly attempted to kiss her. Irma gasped and pulled back, and he just laughed:

"Phobos! That's enough."- Elyon stood up from her seat. "Remember what contract you just signed, you have no right to be on Meridian in the next 60 days, get out of here! Now!"- she pointed at the door, where her father looked down among the other soldiers. Trying his best to keep his temper at the prince's offensive demeanor.

Phobos stood up, smugly and started making his way out of the office.

"Mage."- he stopped in front of Nerissa and gently took her hand, pretending that he was going to kiss it.

She pulled back and looked at him as if he was something dirty stuck to the toilet bowl, but even she didn't say anything this time. Everyone was taken aback by his confidence and glibness…

Phobos laughed, elated by himself.

"What's wrong with the fair ladies in this castle today? Never mind. Let's go check on their slave friend on Coronia, shall we?"

Cornelia was frustrated. Her element was shaking within her. She quickly went after the prince and was just about to raze him down with her magic, but Nerissa grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her back. She just shook her head as the tears rolled down the blonde's face. Feeling that helpless and frustrated at the same time was horrible and it was all thanks to Phobos and Elyon.

Hay Lin stopped at the threshold just when Phobos and his sentry were going out and looked keyed up at the aftermath of his visit to the Palace. After him, everyone was, as usual, deplorable and in despair.


Heatherfield

"So?"- Sean smiled at the three women he had made sit together on the sofa.

Will just stared up at him. Once upon a time, all her friends had found him hot and handsome. A heartthrob. Now he smelled of a scumbag.

"How did you figure out it was me? Describe me your investigation process."

"Sean, please, this is a mistake- "- Carolyn whined, but her son just tsked at her.

"Not talking to you, mamma."- he mocked her. "I'm over enduring pain and disappointment because of you. Do yourself a favor and shut up. Will?"

"I found out; does it matter to you? Just like I found out your aunt is responsible for your grandfather's death."- the redhead replied tepidly. Linda and Carolyn, who she was sitting between, gawked at her, but Sean just smiled. He looked content and amused. He was insane…

"Yes, you see, she only pretended he was dead. In fact, she paid some doctors off to pretend he's a homeless patient at a senior center. Grandpa's pretty fine."

This really caught her by surprise. She felt shock and relief. She felt surreal…

"'Third Youth Senior Center'."- she murmured. "That's why flyers for that place were left at my doorstep…"

"Yes, Will, but you never figured that one out."- the blond man snarled. "That's why I had to set up your friend Nigel's charity with them. He should be there now. He should find grandpa and do something about it, I mean, we hope, right? Then things will start falling into their places."

Will frowned. What was that supposed to mean? Apparently, she had underestimated Matt's cousin. He wasn't just a cold-blooded murderer; he was also a planner…

"It was you!"- Linda suddenly exclaimed. "You were the one who tried to poke holes in that story! It wasn't Tony, it was you. You sent your mother those emails…"

"Yes, of course, it was me."- Sean was cocky. Too cocky. "Yeah, sure Tony knew but would he ever risk going to jail because of grandpa? Of course not."

Will nodded to herself. He was right about that.

"You held a knife to his throat the entire time, auntie. He was loyal, he had to be. And my mom? Well, she didn't do anything after I revealed that her father's not dead. As usual. That was when I decided to leave her behind. I was going to save her from your hell at first, but she disappointed me. She chose you again. You two deserve each other."

Linda's cold, hateful expression just intensified. She was angrier than scared by now. Things really couldn't get any worse. But Carolyn:

"What was I supposed to do, Sean!? Are you crazy? I was powerless-"

"Oh, you always are. You've always been and you always will be, you're so bad, mamma, you made our life unbearable for years."- her son growled. "And what for? Nobody loves you anymore. You're characterless. Your wicked sister hates you because of your betrayals and I hate you because you're a weakling who made me suffer so long because of that. I feel shame to be your son. You fucked this family up."

It was visible how much pain his words brought her. Carolyn cried with her hand against her chest. Will looked over at her; she felt bad for her. She did, but to some extent, she could understand the accusations. Too dysfunctional, that's what this family had become.

"And you're what? Better? You're just like your mother, Sean."- Linda hissed at him.

She was realizing things. She realized that her nephew had long had an agenda against her and she should've known earlier that he'd make her stumble. That he'd ruin her plan… Two hours ago, when she had gotten back home frustrated, she couldn't process it when he just clicked and pointed a gun at them, but now she could. Sean had been holding this in himself for years. She had accepted the enemy in her home and that had been her biggest mistake, she had forgotten whose son he is…

"She ruined me."- Linda hissed and pointed at her crying sister. "And now you're ruining Matt. You're parasites in our life, you're an abominable curse that looms over us for decade-"

"Listen here, you stupid bitch."- the man began, pointing the gun directly to Linda's forehead. "You're the one ruining Matt, holding a fucking pointless grudge for years. You're a bad, terrible person, you deprived him of so much affection because you were mad, he didn't say anything about your sister and husband banging again when he was fucking 7 years old, Linda. 7 years old and you've been punishing him ever since! You deserve to be in jail, not he. I love Matt. I killed his douchebag father because of you, plus, that's what he deserved anyway. The original plan was to frame you. Because you've been trampling over us for years. Matt, me, Carolyn. All I wanted was to kill the jackass, frame you, and leave forever."

"Then why didn't you."- Linda hissed, even though she was shaking. Her cold blue eyes met Sean's.

"Because of money, of course."- Will interjected, piercing him with a glare. Sean smiled. "Because you wanted all the money and property to be Matt's and he got jealous. He figured that if Matt goes to jail, they can shake the authority of the documents you made my father give Marcus. If Matt stays in jail, as Sara's legal guardians, they can plead for the inheritance. After all, she's Marcus' second heiress, isn't she? Sara Snowden."

"Point Sara. Sara Snowden."- Sean just laughed. "But Will, I'm not at fault that this had to happen. You see, my mother kept that fucking child as if she wanted to make our lives miserable. It wasn't enough she banged her disgusting brother-in-law repeatedly. She kept her. She kept Sara."- the man spat in disgust.

"How many times must I have to say this, I'm PRO-LIFE!"- Carolyn screamed. She had had too much. This had to be a bad dream and she wanted to wake up at once: "I couldn't have killed a living thing, my baby! No matter anything, that's how different we are, Sean. That's how different we are, Linda!"

"You're pro-life yet you're the reason I suffered a miscarriage, you hypocrite! Then you gave birth. Shut up!"- Linda barked, enraged. If she could, she would've strangled her sister this time. "Just shut your worthless mouth!"

"Oh, my God, that's why I went there! I wanted to break things off forever because you were pregnant! What could I do, what was I supposed to do that he RAPED ME?!"

"Oh, boo-hoo, your kind-hearted intentions!"- Linda mocked her. "If you're really such a good person, why do you bring everyone around you just pain and sorrow? Look at us all now! This is all your fault, you're a vulture and a whore!"

The way they were fighting, ready to claw each other's faces while around her really put Will under pressure, especially after Linda had knocked her out last night. She could do anything, that's how crazy she was and her sister didn't seem to be doing much better.

"It's my fault that I allowed you back here, you didn't have money, you were in a bad place, I never should've pitied you for that, you deserve it!"- Linda went on, utterly frenzied. "I never should've allowed you in my house again!"

"This is our father's house! Stop it already, just stop! I've been taking all your vicious attacks for years! How much more ?! You're not a saint, Linda, not at all!"- Carolyn screamed back. "Your marriage was terrible, it was falling apart, he was abusing you! You would've stayed miserable with him for years if what happened hadn't happened because you're entitled to your own fucking perceptions of life, you're so delusional you-"

"So you did me a FAVOR?!"- Linda laughed like crazy. She couldn't with her. She couldn't with what she was hearing. "Oh, thank you, Carolyn, for blowing my abusive husband for two years, thank you for having his child! Thank you, a million times! But you know what? Sometimes, I wish, I wish you had been with Reginald on that hike and I so badly wish you had died with him!"

"LINDA-"

"SHUT UP! Or I'll shoot you both!"

Sean who had silently ridiculed their dispute by now, nodding and smirking at Will the entire time, got back to reality when he heard about his father and went on with what he had begun saying:

"Of course, keeping Sick Sara sent Linda off the rocker. Obviously, you just saw. They've been pretending to have moved on and outgrown that for years when that's really impossible to forgive what is left forget. That's why Lindy had to try to use us to achieve her goals, to punish us. If it hadn't been for those documents, if Marcus died, all his money and estate would've been equally divided between Matt and crazy girl, and we would've all benefited at least a little from the existence of that dick Marcus- "

"He didn't have any of us in his will, you idiot."- Linda interrupted him. "And since you killed him the same night he signed the documents, the fucking judge can decide not to take them into consideration. In the end, none of us will get anything. Thanks to you and your genius."

For a moment, Sean looked ambivalent:

"You're shitting me. You're only saying this to mess with me."

"Yeah, we'll see about that. You ruined everything."- Linda snorted.

Carolyn just stood there, shaking her head:

"I can't believe this. I can't believe both of you. Scheming, killing, doing all these evil things for money…For Marcus's dirty money. I'm just-"

"Yeah, and you're pro-life, we know."- Linda interrupted her, hiding her face in her palms. Then she glared up at the standing man again: "And you, bozo. Why did you reveal all this now, anyway? What are you going to do? Kill all three of us, then go to court to ask for Sara's inheritance?"

The short-haired woman just looked at her sister in disbelief:

"Are you giving him ideas, Linda?!"

Will huffed. She couldn't deal with this tragic-comedy anymore. She already had what she had come for, but why was Sean looking at her like that…

"Because of her! Because I knew she was going to come trying to save Matt from jail!"- Sean yelled and pointed his gun at her. Will just blinked. Excuse me?

"How did you know, you don't even know how I figured you killed Marcus."- she snapped. "Are you on drugs, Sean?"

Sean kicked the coffee table, sending it to fly towards the other end of the room in his rage. He was thinking about Linda's words now. What if they didn't get the money? What if everything had been in vain and he had just confessed for nothing. He couldn't run away without the money unless…

"You gave that senior center 50 grand. You have more money. You'll give me some so that I can leave Heatherfield."

Linda threw her head back in a hysterical laugh:

"I'll give you nothing, you fool. You shouldn't have interfered in all this if you can't execute it to an end. You sabotaged yourself go cry about it."

"I'll kill you!"- Sean raged and Will was sincerely dumbfounded. What happened that he lost all his confidence all of a sudden? Was it because of the money? Or because of the money and her?!

"You fucked me badly, Will. You shouldn't have come, but you did."- he murmured. "If you didn't know, I would've waited for the judge to give Sara the money… Now I have to… I have to kill you too."

"Sean!"- Carolyn exclaimed in terror, but Will was just angry. Her? Kill her and not his terrible aunt? Ok, rude. And twisted. And unnecessary, but she guessed he was panicking by now.

"I think not, buddy. You didn't think this through, you just took advantage of Matt, because he was drunk."- Will frowned and stood up from her seat.

"SIT BACK DOWN!"

But she didn't. She took another step towards him. Then another.

"Linda was going to make Sara kill Marcus eventually! It was what she planned!"- Sean yelled as he took a step back. "I was here the night she tricked her into pushing grandpa down the stairs. She has her wrapped around her finger!"

Will threw Linda a death glare, but the other woman didn't meet her eyes. Both she and her sister just stared at the odd scene. Sean was armed. He was a man. Then why was he walking back, looking scared of Will, all of a sudden? Could it be that…

In a swift move, he grabbed her and turned her around, putting her in a headlock and pointing his gun at her temples.

"SEAN, NO!"- Carolyn screamed desperately. Linda just stood up and shook her head, terrified.

But Will wasn't scared. She knew she could take him down. She had everything she needed to save Matt now. She had the real murderer's confession. But before she could tell him something final, he leaned and whispered something that made her hair bristle:

"I know…"

She froze. She didn't know how to process what she heard next. The Heart burnt inside her…

"No, you won't!"- she demanded and reached to grab his neck, despite the position he was holding her in. "NO!"

The electricity that rocked through the tall man made him drop the hunting gun, but it wasn't strong enough to knock him down. Will didn't want to risk doing something irreversible to him, but in his rage, he threw her across the room like a rag doll. The woman screamed as she hit her head badly in the wall, passing out on the minute.

"Will!"- Carolyn rushed towards the fallen woman.

Her sister attempted to follow her, but Sean grabbed her and wrapped his hands around her neck. Linda started coughing as her eyes darted across the room in sheer terror….

"SEAN, NO!"- Carolyn screamed. "Leave your aunt! I said leave her!"

"Find the device she was using to tape me!"- her son ordered, nodding at Will. "Find it and bring it to me, now! Or I'll kill this bitch! Now!"

The other woman was conflicted, but in the end, she knelt down next to Will and carefully started to look for a device under her clothes. But the sudden gunshot that they all heard a second later made her recoil and stop.

Linda rubbed her sore neck and stared at his fallen body in pure shock. Sean's body. Sean had just fallen on the floor, shot…

"S-sara?"- was the only thing Linda was able to mutter as she focused her eyes on the blonde girl that had just pulled the trigger of the gun which her brother had previously dropped. "Sara, what have you do-"

Neither she nor her sister had the audacity or time to say anything else as Sara got ready to pull the trigger again.


Meridian, night time

"Halinor, what is it? What is wrong?"- Nerissa looked up when her friend entered the Mage tower, trying to catch her breath. It was late night when she had gotten the former sage's signal that there's something they should all see.

Elyon and Magana came right behind her.

"The changing books…they're changing again. This time immaculately."- the blonde began enthusiastically as she dropped the two volumes, she had brought on one table. "Something has definitely happened. We may have an idea how to break the Dark Descendant cult forever."

"How?!"- Magana wanted to know.

"Leonida…"- Elyon muttered in disbelief as she saw the honey-haired woman's name written on the first page Halinor was showing them. The first page of both books now had her name on it, written in big golden letters. "How is that possible and what does it have to mean?"

"And what's happening with the books?!"

They all stared at the two books and the empty pages that were suddenly excited, as an invisible force was slowly filling them with words and pictures of ink.

"They're…rewriting themselves. Entirely."- Nerissa noted in astonishment.

"Leonida somehow unlocked the last chapter. I don't know what has happened, but this was it. After so much time, the secrets are free. The books are rewriting themselves in order to tell us the story. The full story."

"We have volumes three and two."- Magana pointed at them. "What does that mean? We still won't manage to learn everything-"

"The events are lining up in reverse order. The third volume."- Halinor listed, her voice tremulous. "-it's rewriting itself as to show us how it all begun. The second one is writing all the events we already know of, chronologically. And the first one… it must have started rewriting the end. The end of the saga."

"But the first volume is in Visser…does that mean that he'll come to know the end of everything first?!"- Magana questioned in distress.

Nerissa and Halinor exchanged glances.

"The future is the easiest to change."- the black-haired woman mused.

"And the only time we forge ourselves in the present."- Halinor added.

"It shouldn't be that hard to do that. The first book won't stop changing before everything's actually over."

"But even with that-"– Halinor looked over at Nerissa, knowing that she was thinking the same.

The former keeper of the Heart looked up:

"…we have to get that first volume. Forthwith."


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