Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2071

Andrew said flatly, "Alright, don't overreact. From now on, you won't be tormented by it anymore."

Cordelia muttered in disbelief, "That's impossible. The Flamebinding can't be broken by outsiders."

She twisted around, but she could not see her own back, so she rushed to a mirror instead. One look, and her eyes widened. The seal was truly gone, leaving behind only a faint scar across her smooth skin.

"What on…" Her expression shifted from fear to uncontainable joy. "The seal is gone. That means I'm free, finally free! The world is my oyster, and I'll never again be chained by the Crimson Flame Cult. I can go home and reunite with my mother and my brother!"

Andrew and Eric watched her cheer with stunned silence. From her reaction, it was clear Cordelia had never joined the cult willingly. Otherwise, she would not be this ecstatic to be rid of their control.

After a moment of excitement, Cordelia turned back toward Andrew, her expression complicated.

Andrew raised his hand and said, "Eric, your turn. Put her under again and ask questions."

Cordelia frantically waved her hands. "No, don't! Please! Don't control my mind anymore. Ask me anything, and you'll get the truth."

Eric sneered. "And how do we know your truth isn't a lie? I'd rather take full control, strip your will away, and then I'll know exactly what I want with no chance of lying. For example, if I wanted to know whether you're still a virgin, I wouldn't get a false answer."

Cordelia clenched her teeth. "I'm not. Satisfied? At 13, when I was dragged into one of the cult's branches, I was violated."

Cordelia replied, "You mean the Greene family's saintess? Two days ago, Mr. Haynes secretly sent her southeast to the McDaniel family. There, she will undergo the ceremony to become one of us in the Crimson Flame Cult."

Andrew frowned. "Ceremony? What kind of ceremony?"

Cordelia shook her head. "I don't know the details. But once it's complete, she will forever lose her true nature and become one of our holy cult."

Eric scoffed. "Holy cult, my ass. That's nothing but a twisted cult."

Cordelia pressed her lips together, not arguing. "The ritual will be led by a high priest sent from the main headquarters. Mr. Haynes was tasked with distracting everyone in Goldridge and keeping all eyes fixed on the Majestic Hotel."