Chapter 80

Chapter 80
“I remembered the first time I heard about Brixton Wenz Cardinal,” Lord Hezuera said, drawing everyone’s attention. “It was when I caught one of the insurgents. He kept telling us that Brixton would come to save him. That he was one of his members. That Brixton cared for him. It was admirable how he spoke of Brixton—like a father who would do anything to free him from us.”

“I remember that...” Nigel smiled.

“He did. Brixton saved him from us,” Lord Hezuera nodded. “Until a report exploded about an uprising of insurgents. I couldn’t believe it was real. I couldn’t believe that someone could lead an army made up of different individuals from different clans—and unite them all. Only one man could do that. Only Brixton Wenz Cardinal.”

“I’m such a coward, but I have to admit something…” Nigel swallowed. “I once encountered the rebels. I fought back, but I was still new. That’s right—Brixton saved me. I don’t know if he remembers that, but I… I’ve never forgotten. Not once. I’ll never forget how he saved a stranger like me.”

Lord Hezuera nodded. “I believe in Brixton Wenz Cardinal. I stand with him—no matter what.”

“M-Mom…”

“O-Oscar…”

“I couldn’t think of a reason why Brix would even need the fog ability. He was already so powerful on his own. But I could give a million reasons why you would do such a thing to him.”

“Whatever happens, my loyalty lies with Nightfall. Whoever Lord Oscar stands with, I’ll stand with too,” said Lord Barbarian. “I’m sorry, Lady Grenda.”

Tears continued to stream down my face. No one could ever understand what I was feeling.

Everyone was trusting Brixton. Damn it—finally, he didn’t have to defend himself anymore. Finally, everyone believed in him.

“I knew it!” Erikson laughed. “Damn. That’s why it was so hard to believe. Nice try, Lady Grenda. I trust our leader more than I could ever trust you.”

“You’ve always opposed Brixton’s leadership from the start,” said Randolf, shaking his head. “It’s not surprising you’d do this to him. You’ve always been the traitor here. It’s not Brix—it’s you, Lady Grenda.”

“I-I hate you, Mom…” Tears welled up in Nathalia’s eyes. “I hate you so much!”

Lady Grenda looked devastated as even Lady Nathalia turned her back on her and came to our side. At last, she now knew what it felt like to be abandoned by everyone. This was what she had done to Brix—only worse. But at least now she could finally understand how it felt.

I looked over at Brix. He was still silently watching me.

Through my tears, I smiled at him.

You are finally clean, Brix. I’m proud of you. You deserved this.

“I can’t believe you were all deceived by Brixton—”

“Stop now. You’ve embarrassed yourself enough,” I cut her off. “I’ve never felt this level of disgust for anyone. You sicken me. That scar on your face suits you.”

“Astra…” she gritted her teeth.

“What? Your beauty faded long ago. No expensive jewelry or clothes can hide your revolting attitude. You won’t deceive us anymore. The scar you gave me on my neck… will be your last gift to me.”

Lady Grenda tried to attack me, but Brixton caught her—his hand gripped tightly around her throat.

“I only have a few rules,” Brix said, his voice cold. “And you chose to touch Astra.”

Lady Grenda smirked. “I would do it again.”

I touched Brix’s arm to calm him down.

“Let me, Brix.”

He nodded and slowly released Lady Grenda, stepping back.

Now it was just me and Lady Grenda face to face.

“Why not fight me instead?” I asked. “You have a better chance of winning.”

She attacked first, but I caught her arms. I twisted them behind her back and leaned in close, my mouth near her ear.

“You will never touch Brixton again.”

I pinned her to the ground. She groaned, her face pressed into the mud.

“You will see, Lady Grenda. The man you belittled will become a king—respected by all.”

She managed to break free from my grip and ran off. I didn’t chase her—I just watched.

“You’re all right!” she shouted. “It was me! I pretended to be Brixton to make the healers hate him. I failed! Even the healers couldn’t defeat him. I never imagined you’d be this strong, Brixton!”

I gasped as she slashed her own arm.

“Half my powers are gone, but I can still do this…”

My brows furrowed when I saw her blood turn black. It flowed into the ground, as if it had a life of its own.

I began to worry. She was still the legendary healer. If she still had even a fraction of her full power, we could be in trouble.

“In exchange for my life, I will resurrect all those who were killed today!” she bellowed with laughter. “I will bring them all back! You will suffer first before you succeed!”

“Stop now!” A glowing circle of energy suddenly surrounded Lady Grenda. Lady Majika stepped forward to face her. “I never imagined you’d do this to us.”

Lady Grenda screamed, but no one could hear her.

“Because of what you’ve done, you will now face the wrath of our ancestors!” The energy ring surrounding her grew larger. “Not only our ancestors—but even your fellow healers will judge you. You will regret what you’ve done.”

I heard Nathalia crying.

Two more healers joined Lady Majika. All of them raised their hands, pouring their strength into the energy surrounding Lady Grenda.

“Goodbye, Lady Grenda.”

I closed my eyes as a sudden burst of light flashed, blinding me. When I opened them again, the light was gone—and that was the last time any of us saw Lady Grenda.

I was stunned.

Lady Grenda was gone.

Lady Majika and the other healers turned to us.

“We apologize for the disturbance. Thank you, Brixton Wenz Cardinal…” They bowed. “We will never forget this day.”

I smiled.

I could see the ending now.

“But before anything else…” Lady Majika lifted her gaze again and smiled. “We want to help you. Using what remains of our strength… we will restore all the power you have lost. Accept this gift from the healers, as a token of our gratitude—especially to you, King Brixton.”

I looked up as a protective aura enveloped us all. Within it, grass began to grow, flowers bloomed, and trees rose around us.

It was like snow was falling from the sky.

I felt goosebumps rise. For a moment, it felt like we had already won. Like the war was over. Like we were finally ready to say goodbye and walk our own paths.

“Astra…”

I turned to Brix. His torn clothes were whole again, and all his wounds had vanished.

He smiled at me. “Thank you for believing in me…”

“I swore to stand with you whatever it takes. Thank you for not failing me, Brix.”

He stood beside me and took my hand.

Together, we looked up and watched the snow fall.

“We are almost there…” he whispered.

“Finally…” I smiled.