"𝑬𝒏𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝟐"

Chapter 25: 𝑨𝒑𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒆

"What happened?" Adaku asked Mirabel as she looked Ikemba over.

He'd passed out on the floor.

"We got ambushed..." Mirabel cried. "We teleported to the second waterfall, and there were people waiting for us."

"Who was it? Did you see Uzoma?" Adaku asked.

"He could've been there, I don't know. But they took Camilo!"

"Oh no...." Oma muttered.

Mirabel and Adaku looked at her.

"What does this mean?" Adaku asked.

"That's what they were waiting for. It won't be long before the border is charged." Oma answered.

"Why would they wait for us?" Mirabel asked.

"Your miracle." Adaku said in realization.

"But...there's no way for him to steal it, right? It's not a physical thing." Mirabel said.

"Magic is not inherently physical, omo mi. Physical objects are simply used to hold it." Oma explained. "He will steal it from your cousin and use it against us."

"Will it hurt him?" Adaku asked.

Mirabel sighed and looked down at the floor, feeling as though she knew the answer.

"It would be impossible for it not to." Oma said.

Adaku shoved an arepa into Ikemba's mouth and sat him up.

"Wake up, brother! Wake up!" she said, shaking him. "You have to get up!"

Ikemba yawned and looked at her. He quickly stood up.

"Wh- ah- the cousin..." he snapped his fingers. "Camilo, where is he?" he asked.

"They took him. We don't know where he is." Mirabel asked.

Ikemba shook his head with grave disappointment.

"I'm so sorry, Mirabel. I really am." he sighed.

"Is there any way to find him?" Mirabel asked.

"Not at the moment, no." Ikemba answered.

"So, there's nothing you can do?" Mirabel asked.

Ikemba looked down at the floor and furrowed his brows.

"I'm afraid not." he said.

"I can help look for him." Adaku said. "I'll search the perimeters of the border."

"No, Adaku. It's too risky right now." Oma said. "If Uzoma has the boy's magic, there's no telling what he could or will do if he catches you."

Adaku crossed her arms and shook her head disappointedly.

"Mirabel, we will do everything we can to help you find Camilo." she said.

"Thanks." Mirabel responded quietly.

"Ikemba," Oma called. "go check on Imena. Adaku, let the others know what's happening. Tell them to be on the lookout for Mirabel's cousin."

"Are you coming with me?" Ikemba asked Mirabel.

She nodded.

~~~~~~~~
Imena's POV

I sat quietly in an empty tower, looking at the border through a cobweb covered window.

The village had grown eerily still, unease and worry were almost permeable in the air.

I could see people wielding weapons and shielding children. Doors and windows were bolted and boarded up.