Meanwhile, at Mrs. Spencer’s house, Laura had arrived very early. Both women were waiting anxiously for Hadizah the Witch to arrive from the airport. Mrs. Spencer had sent a driver to bring her directly.
Laura’s heart pounded with hope and curiosity. She believed deeply in Hadizah’s power, which Mrs. Spencer had praised so highly.
Soon, they heard footsteps approaching, and the door swung open. Mrs. Spencer’s assistant stepped aside to reveal Hadizah—a tall, beautiful, dark-skinned African woman whose very presence radiated power.
Mrs. Spencer rose quickly to greet her. They hugged warmly.
"Sorry for the short notice, Hadizah. This is urgent—it’s about the girl I told you about ten years ago," Mrs. Spencer said, hoping to refresh her memory.
Hadizah’s sharp eyes met hers. "I see. Have the thunderstorms of pain started to disturb her fate?"
"Yes. It began long ago, but this is far worse than we expected. She’s in a coma now. If she stays in it much longer, she might lose her life," Mrs. Spencer explained, her worry evident.
"Say no more, my old friend. Let’s get to work. But first, who is this lovely young one here?" Hadizah asked, turning her attention to Laura.
"Oh, that’s Laura. She’s a mind listener and a truth seeker—one of the best I have with me," Mrs. Spencer introduced with a proud smile.
"It’s an honor to meet you, gifted one," Hadizah said, bowing her head respectfully to Laura.
Laura, feeling shy, simply waved in response.
Hadizah placed some folded clothes on the floor. Wrapped inside was an image resembling Maria. Mrs. Spencer instructed everyone else to leave the room, except Laura, who was asked to stand back and quietly observe.
Mrs. Spencer and Hadizah sat on the floor, closing their eyes as Hadizah set the image upright.
Hadizah began chanting softly, her words laced with ancient power as she called Maria’s name.
"Let the pains of the dead and the darkness of the past release your soul. Let your destiny speak loudly. Let the light that shines through the gate of no return bring your soul back!"
For ten minutes, Hadizah chanted in a language Laura couldn’t understand. Smoke slowly began to rise from the image.
Mrs. Spencer joined hands with Hadizah and they began chanting together.
"Wake and kiss the light to live. Bring with you the touch of fate and destiny, with no past holding you down!"
They repeated the chant over and over. More smoke poured out, yet Laura noticed something strange... the smoke had no scent. It wasn’t thick or suffocating. It was pure.
She expected to feel dizzy or overwhelmed by the smoke, but instead, she felt calm and curious.
***
At the Celtic Hospital, Bernard and his parents arrived and quickly walked toward the reception area. Bernard’s heart skipped when he spotted Cassandra sitting beside James.
Confusion and irritation washed over him. What was James doing there? Why was he sitting with Cassandra?
Bernard’s steps quickened as he moved toward them, ready to confront James.
But before he could say a word, a nurse rushed past them, calling out to the doctor as they both hurried toward Maria’s room.
Fear clenched Bernard’s chest.
Without hesitation, they all ran after the nurse and doctor, their hearts pounding, fear and uncertainty weighing heavily on them...