Chapter 28: Legacy Siege footsteps echoed through the grand, empty of her ancestral estate. streamed through the tall windows, casting ghostly shadows on the marble floor. She paused the entrance of the drawing-room, taking a breath before pushing door open. The familiar scent of aged wood old books her, stirring memories of happier times. Inside, a figure stood by the fireplace, their back to her. The flickering flames cast a sinister glow room’s ornate furnishings. Ava’s eyes as she recognized the silhouette. “So, you finally decided to show yourself,” Ava said, her voice steady despite the anger boiling within her. The figure turned, revealing a man with cold, eyes. “Hello, Ava,” he said, his tone mocking. been waiting for this moment. clenched her fists, her mind racing back to the days when man, Ethan, had been a trusted friend. Now, he was the embodiment of betrayal. “What want, Ethan?” stepping closer. “Isn’t it I want what’s rightfully mine. The family business, the legacy—everything your father stole from me. Ava’s jaw tightened. “My didn’t steal anything from you. You the one remember?” “Details,” Ethan waved dismissively. “The point is, I’ve come to claim mine. And I won’t anyone stand in my way. “You’ll have to go me first,” Ava shot back, her voice laced with determination. Ethan’s smile widened. “I was you’d say that. It will this so much more satisfying. tension the was palpable. Ava feel her pounding in chest, but she refused back down. “You’re not going to Ethan. I’ll make sure of that. Ethan laughed, a sound that sent chills down Ava’s spine. “We’ll that. But now, I have little surprise you. snapped his fingers, and door behind Ava creaked open. turned to see several figures entering the room—her allies, friends had trusted her life. looked at with blank expressions, their eyes glazed over. “What have you done to them?” her voice rising. Ethan shrugged. “A simple mind control spell. They’re completely under my now. they’ll do I say. Ava’s heart sank. She had hoped to gather her allies for a final showdown Ethan, now it seemed he had turned them against her. She glanced at her friends, searching for sign resistance, none. “You monster,” she turning back to Ethan. “Such harsh Ava,” Ethan said, hurt. “But I suppose them. I plan this for years. Ava’s mind raced, trying to come up with a plan. She needed break the spell on and find a way to Ethan. Ethan seemed to read her thoughts. “Don’t bother trying to free them. spell too strong. You’d be wasting time. “Why are you this, Ethan?” Ava asked, desperation into voice. “We used to be friends. Why turn against us?” expression hardened. “Because father ruined my life. He took everything from me—my family, future. And I’m going to everything from you. Ava felt a pang of guilt. She never known the full extent of her father’s actions, but it was clear that they had caused Ethan pain. Still, she couldn’t let him her family had built. still a chance to end this peacefully,” Ava said, trying to with him. “We can find a way to make things right. Ethan’s eyes flashed with anger. “It’s too late for that. The only way this with your defeat. Ava a step back, her racing. She needed to find a way to turn tide her favor. But before she could act, Ethan snapped his fingers again, and her friends lunged at her. She dodged attacks, heart pounding. fight them—they were her friends, her allies. She needed to find way. she evaded strikes, she noticed a small, ornate box on the mantelpiece. It was glowing faintly, and Ava a strange pull towards it. Could it the source of the spell? With a burst of Ava lunged for the but Ethan intercepted her, grabbing her wrist. so fast,” he snarled. struggled against his but he was too strong. She glanced the box, so close yet so far. She needed to break free, how? Ava,” Ethan said, his voice cold. “You can’t win. But Ava refused to give up. Summoning all strength, she twisted her wrist, breaking free from Ethan’s grasp. She grabbed the box threw it to the ground, shattering it. A blinding light the room, and Ava’s friends collapsed to the floor, freed from the spell. Ethan let a furious roar, his blazing with hatred. pay for that,” he spat, lunging at her. Ava ready to but her friends, now free the spell, intervened, holding Ethan back. “It’s over, Ava her voice steady. “You’ve lost. Ethan struggled against their grip, his contorted rage. “This isn’t over, Ava. find another way. you all pay. As her friends restrained Ethan, Ava felt a mix of relief and fear. They had won this battle, the war was far over. words echoed in her mind, a grim reminder the danger that still loomed. turned to her friends, who were slowly recovering from the spell. “Are you all okay?” she asked, concern her voice. They nodded, looking shaken but determined. with Ava,” one of them said. “We’ll this together. Ava felt surge of resolve. She knew the ahead would be difficult, but she wasn’t alone. Together, they whatever challenges came way. But as they prepared to leave the room, loud crash echoed through the estate, followed by sound of footsteps approaching. Ava’s heart skipped a beat. door burst open, revealing more of Ethan’s followers, armed and ready for battle. Ava and friends determined glances, bracing themselves the fight of their lives.