Love and Debt

Nina nodded since it was the truth.

"We already heard what you've been through, but it wouldn't change the fact that you betrayed us. What happened to you in that mansion was because of your decision. This is just me talking. You know that I love my kids as much as my husband. They are the most precious thing for me. Alira was more affected than Lucas since she had to be separated from Caden until it was safe for them to see each other. Who knows when that would be." Alora sighed.

"I can forgive you, but I could never forget what you did to us. The trust and faith that we made with each other had been broken from the day you decided to betray us. Time heals all wounds, but the scars remain forever." Alora continued.

Nina was crying when Alora said her side. She waited for the rest of her friends to tell their feelings.

"Nina, you're one of my closest friends, but I am Alora's best friend, and I treat her kids like my own. I saw how Alira suffered from post-trauma. She couldn't sleep straight and would wake up in the middle of the night crying. She said she could hear the gunshots, and the smell of blood lingered in her bedroom. Luke and Alora had to sleep with her for two years because Alira felt like someone was observing her. She couldn't go back to school because she was scared. I'm not mad at you, but I couldn't forget what you did." Sophie said in a gentle voice.

"I was mad at you, but who am I to judge you. I understand what you did was for Andrew, but I was hoping that you had consulted us back then. Innocent people lost their lives on that day. Kyle had to deal with the aftermath of the attack. We were crowned as the new King and Queen, and just half an hour of accepting our oath, people of Flousia who worked inside the palace died. It was heartbreaking. They didn't know the reason for their death." Emily sighed.

"We had to put someone on trial, and we had to have someone to blame. Kyle had to execute thirty people from the Rossi Clan to comfort the victims' families. He wanted to forgive them and give them a second chance, but the council and the people of Flousia demanded justice. One of the Rossi's men was only eighteen, and Kyle had ordered him to be executed. He had to carry that guilt for the rest of his life." The queen continued.

Nina felt like she could take everything her friends told her. She didn't know that the results of her decision would end up ruining the lives of many. It was a selfish decision of her to save one in exchange for other innocent people's lives.

"You didn't just hurt me. You ruined our lives. But despite that, I had forgiven you two years ago. I thought I would stay mad at you forever, but I had a dream of Mirea. She said I had to forgive you and moved on. So I did." Peggy paused and wiped the tears from her eyes.

"But I still feel disappointed when I saw you. As Alora said, wounds heal, but the scars remain. The day you disappeared, I promised that I would kill you myself if we meet again. I wanted to inflict the same pain that I had felt when I lost my child. Now that you're in front of me, I can't do it. Maybe because of Andrew, Jayden and I didn't stay mad at you. He was a good guy and a trusted friend. We know how much he loves you, so for him, I couldn't hurt you the way you hurt me." Peggy said in between sobs.

Nina cried her heart out. Everything her friends told her was true. If she were in their shoes, she wouldn't forget what had happened after the betrayal. She caused them pain emotionally and mentally.

"W-What can I do to atone for my sins?" She asked while crying loudly.

"Nina, if we ask you to do something for us, will you agree with it just because you wanted to pay for your sins?" Peggy asked.

Nina couldn't respond immediately. 

"If we ask you to kill someone, will you accept it even though it is another sin?" Peggy asked again.

Nina was surprised. Peggy looked serious, so she couldn't say a single word.

"You cannot atone for your sins by committing another. If you want atonement, do it for yourself and not for us. Like what we said, we forgive you, but what you did cannot easily be forgotten. Although it happened four years ago, we were still dealing with the aftermath. Jayden still has his alters, and Caden is still in Flousia. He has to stay there until high school." Peggy commented.

Alora sighed deeply and tapped the table again with her fingers. Everyone glanced at the ice princess with a curious face. Then she turned to Nina and stared at her.

Nina was sniffling while looking at Alora. She couldn't read her; well no one could, except her husband, Luke Wilson.

"Can you remember anything about Benjamin like a possible place that he was hiding when you're with them?" Alora suddenly asked.

Nina frowned and tried to remember the times she had to meet Benjamin Miller.

"I can't remember. I think he would just tell me things that were necessary with the tasks. But there's someone that might know something." Nina answered.

"Who?" Alora asked.

"Brie. My daughter. Benjamin would always play with her. Brie has a good memory and could remember everything." Nina answered proudly.

Alora was still composed, and her face didn't show any emotions when she waved her hand to call the men. She was still the same person as when they first met. She was named the ice princess because of her cold and distant attitude.

"Let's focus on finding Benjamin Miller for now. If you want atonement, maybe this is your chance. We can't just bring back what we had before, but we are still happy that you and your daughter are safe. Welcome back, Nina.." Alora said casually.