Uncle James shot to his feet, his body trembling with barely contained rage.
But I wasn't looking at him.
My mind was stuck on Assey's words. "You didn't know? Tsk, such a slow mind… You must have picked it from your mother."
It wasn't just an insult.
It was a blade, sharpened with cruelty, aimed straight at my heart.
He wasn't just mocking me—he was mocking her. Mocking the fact that my mother had only realized the truth about him when it was far too late. That she had been deceived, used, and discarded. And now, he was telling me I was just like her. That I would fail the same way she did.
A bitter taste rose in my throat, but I swallowed it down.
Not this time.
I let out a sharp, mocking laugh.
"Where are you rushing to?" I taunted, my voice unwavering. "You never believed in the prophecy, so why are you here? If you didn't believe it, why are you so desperate to wipe out the Mawuko bloodline? Are you really this blind to how much of a coward you are?"
His expression darkened.
I took a slow step forward, tilting my head. "Tell me, The Great Assey of the Tumtum Tribe, how does it feel to live in fear of something you claim isn't real? How does it feel to be a walking contradiction?" I smirked. "What you're doing is already an insult to your so-called tribe of black magic. I wonder… what would your people do if they found out the mighty Assey is running from his own shadow?"
His fingers twitched.
I took another step forward, lowering my voice. "Since you don't believe in the prophecy, then leave me alone. But be careful, Assey." My eyes bore into his. "The moment you let your guard down, I will show you just how insignificant you really are. A mere fly buzzing in God's ear." I curled my lip. "And if I had the chance to choose my father… I wouldn't even glance in your direction."
Silence.
Then, rage twisted Ruth's face as she lunged at me.
Pastor James was faster. He grabbed her arm with just enough strength to hold her back, dragging her out of the study. She struggled, her strength unnaturally heightened, baring her teeth like a rabid animal.
I turned and sprinted upstairs, grabbing the blessed water. Without hesitation, I poured it over her.
The moment the water touched her skin, she let out a choked gasp—her body going limp as she collapsed, unconscious.
— — —
In Ghanaland, at the Tumtum Tribe
"Ahhhhh! Ahhhh!"
Assey stumbled backward, clutching his palm. A searing burn spread across his skin.
"Jhuni!" he roared. "Get me a bucket of water! NOW!"