Aurora shook her head in disbelief, covering her ears with her hands as the echoes of the king's words rang in her head. "No!" she screamed. The weight of the decision pressed on her chest, and the world seemed to blur around her. Lily's screams pierced the air, each cry intensifying the torment in Aurora's heart.
"Please, I beg you," she pleaded as Lily's scream intensified until there was silence.
Aurora couldn't open her eyes. She remained on her knees, her hands clenched into fists, and she sank on her knees unable to bear the tragedy.
The crowds fell in complete silence, many averting their gazes from the cruel scene. The head guard gulped down nothing, watching as her body was dragged and thrown into the flame.
"Excuse me, your highness," Roland said to Cedric.
King Cedric, still observing the aftermath, turned his attention to Roland. "Where are you going?" he inquired.
