The Prodigan Woman Ch 12: Sentence Given, A New Path To Take! (Patreon)

Laufey glanced up at the big screen, spotting a 10-year-old boy on the small pedestal in the court. She could barely make out his tiny figure against the white background. He was a Lilliputian, but what caught her attention more was his tear-filled glare aimed straight at her.

He called her Goddess, but she didn't like it this time."You wrecked my home!" the boy shouted, his voice bouncing around the room.

"I-I'm..." Molly stuttered, stumbling over her words."You're a monster!" the boy screamed. "I'll... I'll kill you myself!"

Molly was surprised by the boy's words. He was tiny, unable to harm her, yet he stood there, ready to fight someone much bigger than him. It was almost funny, if it wasn't so terrifying.

Looking into his determined eyes, Molly saw his resolve to hurt her.

"Please," she said, bending down slightly. "I'm so sorry. What I did to you and your people... I have no words."

"Do you really think sorry is enough?" the boy asked, fists clenched. "With one step, you destroyed our cities, with one breath, you wiped out our fields and armies, with your reckless actions, you took countless innocent lives. And now you ask for forgiveness?!"

Molly hung her head in shame.

"You don't deserve to live!" the boy yelled.

"That isn't for you to decide," The Council replied firmly.

Molly turned her gaze away from the screen, looking towards the council with confusion. Why were they putting her through this? Did they want her to feel even more guilt?

"Elder ones?" Molly's voice wavered as she spoke, her mind racing with questions.

"Molly Adams," one of the council members began, "a final decision has been reached today regarding your actions and crimes."

Molly held her breath, awaiting the verdict.

"This council is willing to offer you a second chance," the council member announced.

"What?" Molly exclaimed in shock.

"What?!" the young boy on the pedestal cried out, his gaze now fixed upward towards the council members.

"You're all crazy for letting this monster go after everything she did!" the boy protested.

"Silence!" a council member commanded, causing the boy to cover his ears, visibly distressed by the booming voice.

"He's fragile," Molly thought to herself, watching him closely.

"Listen to me, young man," the council addressed him. "According to the Prodigan belief, every being deserves a second chance at life."

"But make no mistake," another council member added, "if a second chance is to be earned, it will be through hard work and perseverance."

Molly felt uneasy at the council's words.

"Molly Adams," the council called her name.

"Yes?" Molly responded.

"Travis Coleman," the council continued.

Molly looked at the boy on the platform. "So that's his name," she thought to herself, a pang of sympathy tugging at her heart.

"Your fates at this very moment are linked to one another," the council declared.

"What?" Molly and the young boy exclaimed simultaneously, their eyes meeting in disbelief.

"Molly Adams, we grant you three years," the council continued. "Three years to care for this young Lilliputian boy, whom you have made an orphan."

"During that time, you are to take on the role of a mother and provide for him," they instructed Molly.

She was speechless, and Travis struggled to contain his anger.

"Like hell!" Travis erupted. "I had only one mother, one family, and she's gone because of her!" He pointed accusingly at Molly.

"That may be true, young man," a councilwoman interjected calmly. "But this is the decision the council has made."

"Molly Adams," the woman addressed her, "you must protect this boy from harm, for your second chance depends on him."

"What do you mean?" Molly asked, her nerves palpable.

"As your three years draw to a close, a single question will be posed," a councilman explained. "Do you deserve a second chance?"

Molly swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the impending judgment.

"And this question will be directed to only one person," he continued.

Molly glanced at the young boy.

"Yes," the council clarified, confirming Molly's thoughts. "Whether you deserve a second chance will be decided by the boy you will call your son, and he will make that decision in three years."

Molly met Travis's gaze, feeling the weight of his words. For a brief moment, both Prodigan and Lilliputian locked eyes, their emotions raw and palpable.

"I swear..." Travis began, his voice trembling with anger. "I swear that no matter what happens, I'll never accept you," he declared. "You, who took our lives, who made us your slaves, I'll never forgive you," Travis vowed.

Molly's heart sank at his words, knowing the depth of pain and resentment he harbored towards her.

"I swear..." she whispered softly, her voice filled with remorse and determination. "I swear that I'll do everything in my power to make amends, to protect you, and to earn your forgiveness," Molly vowed, her eyes locking with Travis's.