Chapter 154: Family Justice

XENOIS   The flames caught instantly, racing across Sophia's gasoline--soaked body with a whoosh that made me instinctively step backward. Her screams reached a pitch I didn't know human voices could achieve, a sound of pure agony that echoed through the forest and sent birds fleeing from nearby trees.   I stood frozen, unable to look away as Sophia rolled on the ground in a desperate attempt to extinguish the flames that were consuming her. The smell of burning flesh mixed with the gasoline fumes, creating a nauseating cocktail that made my stomach heave.   My parents watched the entire spectacle with the detached interest of people observing a mildly entertaining television program. There was no horror in their expressions, no regret or second thoughts about what they were doing. They simply stood there, arms crossed, waiting for the screaming to stop.   It took longer than I expected. Sophia's supernatural healing abilities meant she stayed conscious far longer than a normal human w