Chapter 4: Wolves Fall Alone
Six months later...
The courtroom was packed.
Preston pleaded guilty to aggravated battery against a child, filing a false police report, fabricating evidence, and obstruction of justice.
The judge stared at him for a long moment.
"You did not lose your temper."
"You planned every step."
"You chose an innocent child because you believed no one would defend her."
The sentence was swift.
Eight years in state prison.
No parole eligibility for several years.
His mother sobbed.
His father stared silently at the floor.
Neither looked at Evelyn.
Neither looked at Sophie.
Outside the courthouse, reporters surrounded Evelyn.
"What would you like to say to your family?"
She looked down as Sophie slipped her small hand into hers.
The scar beneath Sophie's hair was barely visible now.
But her smile had returned.
Evelyn answered calmly.
"They stopped being my family the moment they protected the person who hurt my child."
"They shared my blood."
"They never shared my heart."
She and Sophie walked away together into the afternoon sunlight.
Behind them...
The courthouse doors closed.
Ahead of them...
For the first time in years...
May you like
There were no wolves waiting.
Only a future they would build together.
