Chapter One: Resolution

While Michael lay in the infirmary, his vitals closely monitored by several physicians, Willow felt it was finally the time for her to reveal the truth to Guildmaster James about the night before. She knocked on his chamber doors and James bid her enter. At the time James already seemed preoccupied by multiple high ranking veteran Heroes begging for his ear, but James seemed to not want anything to do with them.

"Gentleman, please leave me be. I believe Willow has something of vital importance to tell me."

All three of the Heroes as well as Willow seemed perplexed at his seeming precognition of this event, but did as he said. All three begrudgingly left and shut the door behind them, and an uncomfortable silence came over the room. Willow had no idea what she was going to say, she was beginning to feel she had no idea why she was even there. The Guildmaster just stared at her with unwavering eyes, as if he was just waiting for something.

"Guildmaster…I…I have to tell you something. About the night before the attack…" she gulped, finding her throat unbearably dry.

"Go on Willow. You are safe here. Please, tell me everything." James reassured. Willow paused before continuing.

"The night before the attack…Michael took me atop the Heroes Tower. He told me there was a cullis gate at the bottom of Bower Lake and we used it to go up. He…He made me realize that I couldn't hide my feelings my entire life and I finally…after so very long let go. We kissed...and it was so beautiful. But then…Skorm arrived. He told Michael everything about me. He told him that I'm…"

Willow choked back tears and found it hard to continue, though James' comforting eyes urged her on.

"He told Michael that I'm his daughter, and that my mother sending me here was all a part of his plan to get close to the strongest Heroes and destroy them. I tried to tell him I was fighting him but Skorm took over my mind and forced me to stand by his side. He became furious and when Skorm told him he was a demon, he caught on fire! Just like at the farm! Michael hurled a massive fireball at Skorm, but it didn't even affect him. Skorm sent it back at Michael and he couldn't resist it. Skorm grabbed Michael by the throat…and…and he forced me to shoot him…"

Willow broke down in tears and James rose to comfort her in his arms. She clung to him like a child and wept into his robes uncontrollably.

"I KILLED HIM! I shot him in the chest and watched him fall into the lake! I'm so sorry! I'm so so sorry! Please forgive me! I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!" James held her tightly and patted her head sympathetically, trying to soothe her anguish.

"Shhhhh shhhh dear child, do not fret. All is well. Michael is fine, and you were incapable of controlling your actions. There is no need to worry. I read your mind when I broke Skorm's control over you, and I know how hard that was for you to admit to what happened."

Willow looked up at James, still trembling with guilt. She spoke in broken words. "P~please…don't t~tell anyone else…who I am…" she pleaded.

James nodded reassuringly, "Of course my child. Your secret is safe with me. Now go, be with Michael. I'm sure he would like nothing more than to see you when he woke up."

Willow nodded and released her grip on the Guildmaster, backing up before bowing once more and whipping her tears away.

"I cannot tell you how thankful I am Guildmaster…I promise I won't let you down again," Willow said before turning and leaving the room, prompting the other three men who were waiting patiently to re-enter.

"You never could," James said softly to himself before resuming his business with the men. Today would be a long day for everyone in the Guild.