Chapter 7

Isabella welcomed them when they got back. She stood at the entrance, waiting at the cottage. Her eyes locked onto Ngozi, frail and bruised. A heavy sigh escaped her lips. But pride filled her heart as she glanced at her daughters. David, her grandson, stood tall, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

Isabella and others led Ngozi into a secure chamber at the back of the cottage. This space was meant for moments like this. No windows, just one heavy door. The walls were etched with ancient runes that seemed to vibrate with energy. Isabella moved carefully. She pulled the last ring on Ngozi’s pinky. With a strong pull, it slipped off.

Ngozi’s body went limp. Her breathing was shallow but steady. Isabella didn’t waste time. She unfurled a roll of thick, ancient parchment. On it, she had drawn the Mark of Uragh. This was a pattern of lines and symbols designed to bind Ngozi’s powers. It was a spell to keep her helpless until they decided what to do next.

Katherine stepped in to help. Together, they pressed the parchment onto Ngozi’s forehead. It stuck like it was part of her skin. Suddenly, the lines of the Mark shone a fiery red. The room heated up. Ngozi’s body shook. Still, she lay unconscious.

“It’s done,” Isabella said. Her tone was steady. “Now, she won’t be a threat to us anymore.”

David nodded. He was aware of the violation he committed. Yes, it was for a greater good, but it didn’t sit right with him. They stepped out, leaving Ngozi to recover. The four moved into the living room.

“Mother, we need to tell you everything,” Katherine began.

Katherine sighed as she sank into the plush sofa. Isabella sat opposite them. Her gaze was sharp and focused. Katrice took a deep breath. She started about Coven of Requiem, their demise by Ngozi. Their battle with Ngozi and David’s display of power. And then the shocking news about Lily.

“Lily is with the Red Hands?” Isabella’s eyes widened in horror. “That’s terrible news.”

Evelyn nodded, concern etching her face. “What is it, Mother...?”

Isabella’s face turned serious. “The Red Hands aren’t just any coven. It has ten witches who chose Samuel as their master. A Nuhnoian like Samuel had enormous power, and the rumour is that he killed over fifty strong Nuhnoians to acquire that power.”

Evelyn felt a lump in her throat. “What’s our plan?”

Isabella stood up and began to pace. “First, we gather information. We have to wait for Ngozi to get better.”

Days went by. Ngozi started to regain her human strength, but the Mark of Uragh kept her betraying them. They took care of her, letting her eat and clean up. Still, she was watched closely. When Isabella thought Ngozi was ready, they moved her to a chair at the centre of the room. Isabella began with soft questions.

Her eyes locked onto Ngozi’s. “Where is Lily?” she asked firmly.

Ngozi smirked. “Why should I tell you?”

David moved closer. His stare was intense. “You know what I can do, and you have declared me your master. You will submit to all the Sisters of Uragh.”

Her smirk faded. “Samuel has her,” she admitted, her voice strained. “On a remote island in the Caribbean.”

Isabella narrowed her eyes. “And why would he want her?”

Ngozi replied. “She’s the mother of a Nuhnoian commander. He is holding her hostage.”

Katrice stepped forward, her gaze icy. “We are not your enemies, Ngozi. We only seek the truth.”

“It is the truth,” she said sharply. “When we drove away Lily a decade ago, the Red Hands found her. Samuel thinks if he has Lily, her child will come looking for her someday.”

Evelyn stepped forward. “What are they doing with her?”

Ngozi’s face darkened. “They have removed her Nuhnos stone and deprived her of using any magic. The witches torture her on the island, hoping her to reveal the commander’s location.”

Tension filled the air. David’s anger bubbled up. Isabella kept her eyes on Ngozi. “Why do you call David the commander?”

“Because he’s the strongest. He has the powers of a commander,” she replied sharply. “There are different levels to describe a Nuhnoian. Each one shows their strength, skills, and abilities.”

Katherine’s curiosity was piqued. “What are those levels?”

Ngozi crossed her arms. “King, who is the strongest among them, sits at the top. If normal humans see him, they might consider him the God or the Devil incarnate. Then come the Dukes, powerful, yes, but not as powerful as the King. We don’t encounter them on Earth, as they clash amongst themselves on Nuhnos.”

Her tone shifted as she continued. “Next are the Commanders, like precious David,” she said. “They’re rare on Earth. They lead the Nuhnoian armies in battle.” She paused, “They have foot soldiers: knights and privates.”

David felt a knot in his stomach. “And where do I stand?”

Ngozi’s smirk deepened. “You master, a commander,” she replied. “But it is rare to have a commander visit Earth and even rarer to have one born on Earth with that power level. Because when a Nuhnoian child is born, he has a portion of the power of his father. That’s why the Nuhnoian born on Earth are substandard. They kill each other to gain power and gain access to Nuhnos but still remain foot soldiers in Nuhnos.”

Isabella leaned in closer. “And why does that matter?”

“Your daughter must have summoned a Nuhnoian duke to give her a child.” Ngozi replied strongly, “And she feared for his life from his rivals.”

Isabella couldn’t believe it. “A Duke’s child?” she asked.

Ngozi confirmed with a slight nod. “Yes, Samuel will do anything to kill a Nuhnoian duke’s offspring. Even though David is not in his prime, he has the power levels of a commander, more than anyone else in our world at the moment. No coven in our world has a master who is a Nuhnos commander.”

David could feel the energy around him. “So Samuel wants me and kidnapped my mother,” he declared, eyes fixed and resolute. “We have to rescue her. We can’t let the Red Hands hurt her anymore.”

Isabella nodded. “Tell us more about this island and Red Hands,” she urged.

Ngozi stuttered. “It’s called Isla de la Mano Roja. It’s well protected by sea and air.”

David clenched his fist. “How do we get there?”

“There is a secret door, but it can only be activated with the blood of a Nuhnoian.” Ngozi said, her voice heavy.

Katharine glanced at David, a smirk crossing her lips. “How convenient,” she murmured softly.

Ngozi leaned in, her voice low. “There’s a reason behind this. Samuel mind-controlled his witches. He grows his power by breeding children with them. When they reach thirty, the prime age, he kills them to increase his power.”

Evelyn whispered from behind, “He can’t be doing something like that to his own children.”

Ngozi replied, “He will do anything to improve his power. He is reaching the levels of a commander but can’t reach Nuhnos because he doesn’t know what it looks like. He needs a guide.”

David had made up his mind. He understood the dangers ahead. But he had to save his mother.

“I don’t care about that. I will save her,” he declared, his voice firm.

Ngozi nodded, her gaze on the ground. “As you wish,” she said softly.

Isabella also nodded, a serious look on her face. Katherine and Evelyn exchanged glances and joined the agreement. Their expressions reflected a shared resolve.

The days that followed were rough. Ngozi, although frail, shared crucial details about the Red Hands. She explained their strengths, weaknesses and the layout of the island, Isla de la Mano Roja. She pinpointed hidden doors to entry and escape routes. Samuel had set numerous traps to deter anyone from reaching him. Isabella stepped in and taught her daughters the spells and tactics to fight against the Red Hands. David focused on Powers of Nuhnos and learnt more magic tricks.

Evelyn and Katherine spent hours working on rings they took from Ngozi. These rings could store more power and make them stronger for the battle ahead. David helped them by fucking them and filling them with his seed. Their bond grew deeper. They established a schedule in their training and sex.

The final day of preparation had arrived. The sun disappeared. Inside the cottage, candles flickered, casting a warm glow. Isabella brought the ancient artefact to David. David looked at the crown of Osqug resting on the table. It was a crown made of a strange metal, filled with red gems. She placed it gently on David’s head. David felt a surge of energy as the crown touched his skin.

“The crown of Osqug,” Isabella said, her voice steady. “It will boost your abilities when you face him.”

David nodded.

“Samuel’s power is great, but his arrogance is greater,” she said softly to David. “He will underestimate you if you stay calm and keep your heart clear. Don’t let his words or strength distract you from your mission.”

Isabella packed a bag for the journey. It brimmed with potions, crystals, and scrolls. She turned to David, her eyes shining with pride. “You’re ready, my dear,” she said, resting her hand on his shoulder.

“You’ll leave at dawn.” Her tone grew serious. “Promise me you’ll be safe. We need you to return and fulfil your destiny. Do you understand?”

David nodded, his determination strong. “I will do everything to rescue Mom and come back to you, Grandmother.”

The next morning, Ngozi stayed at the cottage. Isabella kept a watchful eye on her. David, Katherine, and Evelyn left for the hidden door. The door wasn’t easy to spot. It lay hidden deep in the forest, far from civilisation. Then they reached it. The door was a huge stone slab. Ancient symbols marked its surface.

Katherine turned to David. “Remember, we’re here for Lily,” she said. “We will take her back.”

David took a deep breath, raised his finger and made a cut. His eyes burnt brightly. He touched the stone slab. A flash of red light traced the symbols. Suddenly, the ground shook. The slab cracked open, revealing a dark tunnel. The air was thick with a mix of excitement and the faint smell of the sea.

They stepped into the passage. The tunnel led to the heart of Isla de la Mano Roja. That’s where the Red Hands’ stronghold was hidden. As they drew closer, chanting filled the air. The temperature dropped. Ahead, a group of witches appeared. Their eyes were glazed, movements slow and trance-like. The witches wore fluttering robes and raised their arms to cast dark spells.

Katherine and Evelyn stepped forward. With the extra power of rings, their power improved. They launched a fierce blast of pure, white light, shattering the dark magic. The witches screamed and fought back. David felt the crown’s energy flowing through him. He lifted his hands, unleashing a wave of power that sent the witches crashing into nearby trees.

They hit the ground with a loud thud. The weak died, and others—just stunned. Katherine and Evelyn stared at David in awe. The remaining witches grew bolder as more of them joined in. The sisters cast protective spells. Their magic wrapped around themselves and David like a shield. It reflected the dark magic thrown their way. Together, they formed a powerful unit.

The witches circled them, hissing and chanting. David scanned the group. He looked for any sign of weakness. But their eyes flashed with raw power. He stunned another witch. She looked up, with a mix of anger and disgust on her face. She had felt his power—the same power that had brought her down. He placed his hand on her forehead. He looked into her mind.