"LEAH!" Vivianne called out.
She saw her—felt her tormenting the surrounding souls. Leah didn't respond. Sharlene felt the depth of the vengeful energy surrounding her.
"What have you done here?" Leah's voice was cold—just like the look she gave them.
"Please, Leah, it's all over. The truth behind your death will come out soon," Vivianne said, hoping to reach the real Leah beneath the rage. She knew what everything would cost her.
Leah laughed softly at first, but her laughter grew louder—echoing like thunder across the realm. The souls nearby were clearly in anguish, especially Sheila.
"Don't interfere. Leave now—while you still can," Leah warned.
"Leah, we're not leaving until you return to your true self," Sharlene declared.
"Return? You want me to return to who I used to be?" Leah laughed bitterly. "I will never go back! I can't! Not after everything!" Strong winds erupted, as if threatening to rip them away.
"What else do you want, Leah?! What more?" Vivianne cried, gripping Sharlene. "You've already exacted your revenge—they know what they did to you. Isn't that enough?"
"I want all of us here to disappear! They don't deserve to leave me in this darkness! They haven't paid for their sins! For what they did to me and to my child!" Leah screamed. "I won't stop! There is no pain like the one they gave me!"
"We know, Leah—we saw it all. Your pain. The betrayal. But enough—don't let them stain your soul further," Vivianne pleaded.
"No!" Leah's voice thundered, her head shaking with defiance. "Go back! Get out of here!"
"Leah, I promised you—I will make it up to you. Please, forgiveness is the only thing that can free you. We found your baby... the one they buried among the innocent. It's over now. Please come back."
Leah took a step back for every one Vivianne took forward. "Leah!" she cried.
"Justice on earth isn't enough," Leah hissed. "Besides, the demon escaped, didn't he? Died before trial."
Suddenly, a man appeared—bound and writhing, choking in silence. He couldn't scream. His pain was suffocating.
"I'll give them what they deserve, Vivianne. Pain unlike anything they've ever known."
Vivianne stumbled, startled by a sudden sharp pain in her leg.
"Only the Lord has the right to punish, Leah," Sharlene's voice cut through.
Vivianne tried to stand. How long had they been gone from their bodies? They had to bring Leah back before it was too late.
"I am God here, Sharlene. I decide," Leah said, her eyes flashing.
"You're not the one who can give rightful punishment, Leah. Don't let your anger consume you."
"What do you know, Sharlene? I thought we were allies—you, of all people, should understand."
"I do understand, Leah. I've felt that pain too—betrayal, abandonment—but we can't let hatred win."
Suddenly, they saw Felicia trying to flee.
"Not so fast, Felicia," Leah snapped. She stepped between her and escape, taking the punishment meant for her grandmother.
Felicia only gave a smug smile and left in silence.
"Felicia!" Manuel attempted to chase after her, but Leah stopped him.
"Don't, Leah. If you're angry, let it be at me. I failed you. I failed our child. But don't do this anymore. Come back to the Leah I knew."
"No!" Leah's rage intensified. Vivianne saw it—three souls had escaped with the old man Raymundo. Only Sheila remained, unconscious.
Manuel bore the lashes meant for him, silent through the pain. Sharlene stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Leah.
"Vivianne, take Sheila. She can't handle this anymore," Sharlene said firmly.
"Sharlene," Vivianne protested.
"I'll follow. Just go."
Before Vivianne could reply, a force pulled her back into her body. She gasped, disoriented and in pain from the mental strain.
Sharlene's body was still—Sheila unconscious. The room spun.
"Sharlene," she whispered, rushing to her. Blood ran from her nose. A nosebleed? I haven't had one like this in years... she thought.
Her head throbbed, nausea rising.
"Where is Sis Sharlene? Why hasn't she come back yet?" Tashia asked, alarmed.
Vivianne steadied herself. "Mommy—"
"Ashley, don't touch your mom. Not yet," she said, holding the child back.
"Keep her away from Sharlene," she instructed, wiping away blood. "Sis, your body can't handle another trip."
Justine gently took Ashley away.
"Mom! Mom!" Ashley cried.
"Ash, I'll bring your mother back," Vivianne reassured her.
"Not yet, Vivianne. Explain to us what's happening. Why hasn't Sharlene returned?" Martin demanded.
"Leah is losing control. Her fury toward Raymundo is overwhelming her. We tried to reach her, but she's consumed by vengeance. The souls of Raymundo, Angely, and Felicia escaped. Sharlene stayed behind with Manuel to calm her down. I don't know what's happening now—my mind couldn't take it anymore. But Sharlene can't remain there for long."
"Aunt Vivianne, I'll go to Mom—I'll talk to Tita Leah!" Ashley cried, struggling in Justine's arms.
"No, Ashley!" Tashia said firmly, trembling.
"I'll go to Sharlene. All of you, stay here," Tashia said.
"Tashia, you're afraid to travel," Vivianne reminded her.
"I am. But I can. Your body's exhausted, Vivianne. Don't worry—I'll bring her back." She smiled softly.
Tashia approached Sharlene's body, held her palm, and gently fell unconscious.
"Ashley!" Martin cried, quickly grabbing Tashia's hand. "Vivianne, take care of Ashley!"
"I'll talk to Tita Leah," Lawrence added.
Vivianne exhaled shakily. Justine helped her sit, then moved Sheila to the bed.
"Not following them? To see it for yourself?" she asked Justine.
"Who'll stay to watch over you? Besides, they're already there. I trust them to protect Ashley and my cousin."
Vivianne nodded faintly. "Yeah..."
"You believe in them, right?" he asked.
"Yes." Her voice was barely a whisper. A sharp ache hit her head again.
"Rest, for now," Justine told her.
Vivianne sank into the rocking chair. Her eyes grew heavy. She waited, heart heavy, hoping they'd all come back safely.