Chapter 1065

The grave pit was a large mound, as high as a small mountain, topped by a large tombstone engraved with numerous names. Aurora’s terror peaked; desperate screams tore from her throat.

A guard unlocked her cage, seized her hair, yanked her out, and threw her to the ground. Pain surged through her; she curled into a ball, attempting to crawl away. The guard again grabbed her hair, dragging her toward the mound and shoving her against the tombstone. He pointed to the names and roared, “Do you recognize these names? They’re all the people you killed!”

Aurora frantically shook her head, gasping, “No, it wasn’t—”

Before she could finish, the enraged villagers surged forward. Her screams echoed through the valley, scattering birds in fear. Black clouds gathered, blotting out the sun. Thunder drowned out her cries. Blood seeped from beneath the crowd, flowing like a stream.

Outside, Penny, Yuna, and the others were unaware of Aurora’s fate. The chilling cries and blood-stained weapons painted a horrifying picture. They sought revenge for their lost loved ones; a slow death wasn't necessary. A villain like Aurora deserved no further life; the souls of the wronged could find no peace while she lived.

Gradually, Aurora’s screams faded. Her body was mutilated beyond recognition, only her face and head relatively intact. Her limbs and torso were a bloody mess. Though still alive, the pain made her teeth chatter; the fear of death felt like her insides were being torn apart.

Murderous rage filled the faces surrounding her. Knives and axes descended upon her. The stench of blood filled the air, reminding her of the day her soldiers slaughtered the villagers. Then, as now, swords and knives hacked at unarmed people; blood soaked the ground, its scent briefly filling her with a twisted sense of exhilaration.

Chapter 1065 +25 Bonus

She hadn't seen them as innocent villagers. Their refusal to betray the young general, even facing death, revealed his extraordinary identity. Aurora, the first female general, had achieved military success. She’d even contemplated rising to the rank of duke or minister, just like any man. Why not? Women could achieve greatness.

As heads rolled at her feet, she kicked them aside, her expression cold as she commanded, “Continue killing them. Don’t stop until they’re all dead.”

Her consciousness blurring, she remembered this scene. Terror overwhelmed her; she barely recognized herself. That monster couldn't have been her! She must have been possessed by evil spirits.

The villagers’ roars morphed into the screams from that day. They cursed her in incomprehensible words. The more vicious their curses, the angrier she became. She recalled decapitating a child, no older than seven or eight, with a single sword swing.

The severed head rolled, blood spilling, the child’s eyes wide with terror and fury.

A flash of steel crossed her vision. Curling in fear, she felt a sharp chill at her neck, followed by pain. But it wasn't as painful as expected. She was lifted, then saw it—her own severed head.

Her eyes were wide with horror. Soon, she lost consciousness and fell into darkness.

In Starhaven, Barrett awoke from a nightmare, soaked as if pulled from water.