Hagan stepped in , he seemed bored and sick of the story narration between the father and the daughter .
" Enough with this ,guys...
As she already found out that she does not belong here,then she need to leave our village .
Why do you make the case difficult to us..." , he said , the crowd in support with him .
Richard stepped forward,more closer to his cousin.
" You're not throwing her out, brother.", he said, his voice low and firm.
She has been a daughter to me and she'll always be...
I won't abandon her now that she has found out the truth." ,he added.
Hagan sneered ,his face twisted in digust.
"You're more concerned about this little demon curse than the safety of our village?
Think about the children, the women and men...if she does not leave this village who knows what will happen to it..."
Cossie's eyes dropped,her face burning with shame and hurt.
Her heart concerned with Hagan's words for the very first time.
Jewish stepped forward ,his eyes locked on Hagan .
" I think it's time for you to cool down, don't you ?" , he said, his voice dripping with authority.
Hagan took a step back, his eyes flashing with anger,but he seemed to think better of arguing with Jewish .
Antony Michigan intervened,his voice calm and soothing.
" Let's not resort to violence ...
We can discuss this further and find a solution that works for everyone ."
Richard turned to Jewish ,his eyes searching for answers.
" What do you plan to do with her ?" ,he asked ,his voice firm.
" I plan to help her master her powers ,and perhaps...just perhaps ...
She'll find her true purpose in life .", he answered .
Mariana intervened ,her voice echoing behind the crowd.
" Enough!" ,she exclaimed,her voice firm and authoritative.
The crowd parted,and she stepped forward,her eyes locked on Hagan .
" We've raised her as our own,and we'll continue to do what's best for her...
She's our daughter ,and we won't abandon her.", she said and walked up to her daughter's side .
Her expression softening as she looked at her.
" Sweetie, we'll find a way to calm this...
Whatever it might be, we'll pass through it as a family."
Jewish raised an eyebrow , seemingly intrigued by the mother's intervention.
" And how do you plan to do that ,Mrs Michigan?", he asked,his voice curious .
Mariana stood tall, her eyes flashing with determination.
" This is a family matter, we'll solve it as a family ,without intruders."
Cossie's eyes welled up with tears, feeling a mix of emotions ,love ,gratitude and uncertainty.
Hagan scoffed,but the village chief intervened,his voice calm.
" Let's give them time to figure things out.
We can reconvene tomorrow and discuss further ."
The crowd began to disperse , murmuring among themselves.
The Antony Michigans formed a tight circle circle around her,protective and determined.
The next morning , the village court sat, all the villagers' desiring for one thing,the girl should be thrown outside the village.
Jewish sitting quietly next to the chief,observing the villagers' reactions .
He then stood up,cleared his throat and stood in the middle of the courtroom .
" The girl belong to us and it would've been wise if Mr and Mrs Michigan agree to hand her to me before harm being caused..."
The villagers' faces lit up with agreement,nodding and murmuring in supposed of Jewish's words.
Richard and Mariana exchanged a worried glance ,their grip on each other's hands tightening .
Richard stood up,his face set in determination.
" We won't let you take her.", he said,his voice firm.
" She is our daughter, and we'll protect her with our lives."
Jewish's eyes flicked to Richard , a hint of a smile playing on his lips .
" Protect her from what?" ,he asked ,his voice smooth .
" From her own destiny?
Or from the world that fears what it doesn't understand?"
The villagers began to murmur,their voices rising in anger and fear .
The village chief banged his stuff on the table ,calling for order.
" You're making a grave mistake,she has divine powers, the powers that are meant to fight against the demons that have hunted your own human race for millions of years..." , he said, his voice firm and more serious.
" The powers with in her grow stronger by day.
She needs guidance, training and protection ... And am the only one in the position of providing that to her.", he added.
The villagers began to shout ,demanding that she should be handed over to Jewish Roven.
Mariana and Richard stood firm, their faces set in determination.
Suddenly ,Cossie spoke up,her voice clear and strong .
" I'll go with him.", she said,her eyes locked on him.
The courtroom fell silent , all eyes on her .
Her parents turned to her,shock and concern etched on their faces.
" What ,sweetie?", her mom asked,her voice trembling .
" Why would you want to go with him?"
Her eyes never left Jewish's face .
" Because..." , she said ,her voice stead.
" And I think he can help me.
And I also need to protect you as you protected me...
After leaving the village,you'll live in harmony with the other villagers ....
I always noticed how these people segregated you because of me...that's not right at all." , she said,sorrow and tears filled her eyes.
Mariana took a step forward ,her eyes brimming with tears .
" You really think we can't provide you with protection ,my child?", she asked ,her voice cracking with emotion .
Cossie's eyes overflowed with tears as she looked at her parents.
" I know you love me very much.", she said ,her voice shaking.
" But I have to do this...
I have to leave the village and the good thing is ,I don't even belong here."
Jewish nodded,a small smile on his face.
" I'll take care of her.", he said ,his voice low and reassuring .
" I'll teach her how to control her powers and find her place in the world."
Antony stepped forward ,a look of resignation on his face .
" Very well.", he said.
" If that's what you want ,child,then you may leave with him."
She nodded, a sense of determination washing over her.
She hugged her parents tightly ,tears streaming down her face.
As they parted ways, she turned to her parents.
" Don't worry, you'll always be the best parents I ever and will always have."
She and Jewish walked out of the village,the villagers watching them leave with a mix of emotions .
She took one last look back at her parents,her heart heavy with sadness and uncertainty.