Chapter 27: Decision at Dawn.

The atmosphere inside Green Arbor’s town hall was thick with tension as the village council took their seats at the long table in front. Villagers packed into the hall, their whispers filling the air with a sense of anticipation and anxiety. This was not just a meeting—this was the moment that could change everything for Green Arbor.

Ava stood near the front, flanked by Talon, Miko, Clara, and several loyal Arbor Defense Force members. In their hands were statements—testimonies from witnesses, townspeople, and members of the ADF, all gathered to reveal the depths of corruption rooted in their town's leadership.

Ava stepped forward, her voice steady and clear as she addressed the council and the assembled crowd. "Today, we present the truth about the man you elected to protect Green Arbor. Mayor Reynolds has betrayed us. We have gathered evidence—testimonies from those who witnessed his dealings with the Syndicate, including members of the Arbor Defense Force, and one of our own citizens, Mark."

Miko handed out statements to the council members, who flipped through the pages with growing unease. Clara passed the documents to those in the crowd, each person reading the words that laid bare the mayor’s crimes.

Talon stepped up, his voice measured but firm. "Holts admitted to me that the mayor struck a deal with the Syndicate. Goods have been brought into Green Arbor under his orders, hidden in the tunnels, escorted by ADF members. But those shipments weren’t for us. They were for the Syndicate."

The crowd shifted uneasily, whispers rising as the weight of Talon’s words sank in.

Clara spoke next, her voice strong despite the apprehension in her eyes. "The Arbor Defense Force has been given strange orders—escorting shipments, providing security for secret meetings. Most of us didn’t know what was going on. We were kept in the dark. But now we know, and we want no part of this."

As Clara’s words hung in the air, Miko handed out Mark’s sworn statement. Eyes widened as the villagers read through it, and shocked gasps rippled through the crowd.

Ava gestured toward the council. "This statement comes from Mark, the owner of the tavern that was burned down. He details how the mayor pressured him to allow the Syndicate to use his tavern for their operations. When Mark refused, they burned it to the ground as punishment. This is what the mayor has brought to our doorstep—violence, intimidation, and corruption."

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The hall fell into a stunned silence as the gravity of the accusations became undeniable. But before anyone could speak, the mayor shot to his feet, his face red with fury. "Lies! All of it! These are baseless accusations from people who want to seize control!" he bellowed, pointing an accusatory finger at Ava and Talon. "The Sentinels are behind this! They want to take over Green Arbor!"

Ava’s expression remained calm as she turned to face him. "We’ve never sought control. We only seek to protect this town from threats—whether they come from outside or from within."

Talon stepped forward, his voice steady. "The Syndicate was invited in by you, Mayor Reynolds. You endangered everyone in Green Arbor for your own gain. You can't deny it anymore."

Clara, her voice resolute, added, "Without the Sentinels, there would be no Arbor Defense Force. During the Siege of Green Arbor, they stood between us and total destruction. And now you're trying to turn us into your private army, to protect your interests, not the people."

The mayor’s face twisted in desperation. "You’re all fools! This is nothing more than a power grab. They’re trying to frame me with forged evidence!" he shouted, his voice growing shrill as the crowd began to turn against him.

One of the council members, a respected elder named Rellin, raised his hand. His voice, though calm, carried the weight of authority. "We trusted you to lead us, Mayor Reynolds. But these statements are clear. They’re from people we know, people we trust. This isn’t a power grab—this is justice."

The mayor’s fists clenched, his voice rising again. "This isn’t over! I demand an inquiry!"

Ava stepped forward, her gaze steady. "You’ll get your inquiry. The council will make the decision. But the people of Green Arbor already know the truth."

The council members, having read through the statements, exchanged glances, their expressions grave. The decision, while difficult, was clear.

Rellin stood again and addressed the room. "It is the decision of this council that Mayor Reynolds be removed from office, effective immediately. The people of Green Arbor will choose a new leader. For now, justice must prevail."

The mayor, realizing he had lost, tried to storm out of the hall, but loyal members of the Arbor Defense Force blocked his path. "This is a betrayal!" he screamed as they escorted him from the room. "This isn’t over!"

As the mayor’s voice faded, Ava turned to Talon, her voice soft but resolute. "He’s a Syndicate problem now."

Talon nodded, watching as the crowd began to disperse, their murmurs filled with a renewed sense of hope. "We stood for what’s right today," he said, his voice quiet but filled with satisfaction. "Green Arbor chose justice."