In a chillingly soft voice, Iris addressed Dorothy, "You betrayed me, Dorothy," Iris spoke so softly. "How will I show you mercy now?" She paused. "When one finds sustenance, tradition dictates the queen tastes first." She tsked, shaking her head. "But you, Dorothy, you called no one. Instead, you coveted it all for yourself."

Dorothy's pained groans punctuated the tense atmosphere.

"I shall be cast into the dark pit," Iris declared,

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her voice carrying the weight of authority.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" echoed the fervent chorus of onlookers.

"Open the gate!" Iris commanded, and with a swift motion, the path covered in red rug opened up, revealing the gaping dark pit below.

Dorothy, looking beneath her feet, screamed, so frightened and struggling against her impending fate.

"No! No!" Dorothy turned to Iris, her brimmed with fear. "No!"

"Let go now!" Iris said, and at once, the manacle on Dorothy's hands loosened, leaving Dorothy with her faith as she fell into the dark pit. And instantly, the shut closed at her, sealing her fate.

"Yes! Yes!" Everyone chorus as Laurel walked down the carpet to the queen with her ladies dragging Neal, who'd been cuffed and blindfolded, to the throne.

Getting to the queen, they threw him on his knees.

"My queen." Laurel bowed. "Have brought you your meal."

A satisfied smile played across Iris's lips before she shifted a lustrous gaze to Neal.