the transatlantic

the great arrival

The atmosphere in the hospital shifted from one of recovery to one of impending dread. While Adamma and Mr. Robin were discussing the legalities of her situation, the "Great Owner" was already moving through the city like a shadow.

The Arrival of the Master

He didn't come with guards or weapons; that would have drawn too much attention. Instead, he arrived dressed in an expensive, ill-fitting suit, carrying a leather briefcase. He presented himself at the front desk as "Dr. Samuel," claiming to be Nkemdilim’s uncle and a private physician.

He moved through the hallways with a terrifying sense of calm. He knew that if Nkemdilim stayed in this world for even one more day, the secrets of his hidden plantation—and the dozens of people still held there—would be exposed to the authorities.

The Confrontation

Nkemdilim was drifting into a light sleep when the door to her room creaked open. She didn't need to open her eyes to know who it was; she recognized the scent of his heavy tobacco and the specific, rhythmic click of his shoes.

Her heart hammered against her ribs so hard it felt like it might burst. She lay perfectly still, paralyzed by the "covenant" of fear he had spent years instilling in her.

"You have caused a great deal of trouble, Nkemdilim," the Master whispered, leaning over her bed. His voice was like a cold blade. "The demons of the Black Stone didn't take you, but I have come to bring you home before you lose your soul entirely."

The Power of the Blanket

Remembering how she had tried to hide earlier, Nkemdilim gripped the hospital blanket. In her mind, the Master was a god, but here—surrounded by the beeping machines and the white walls—he looked smaller. He looked like just a man.

He reached out to grab her arm, his fingers digging into the bandages where the IV was inserted. Nkemdilim let out a sharp, guttural scream—not a scream of pain, but a signal.

The Intervention

The door burst open. Mr. Robin, who had been just down the hall fetching water, stood in the doorway. Behind him was a security guard.

The Master’s Tactic:He immediately smoothed his suit. "There's no need for alarm. My niece is just confused. I'm here to take her to a private clinic."

The Breaking Point: Adamma rushed in behind them. She saw Nkemdilim’s face—not just fear, but the look of a person facing their executioner. Adamma shouted at the Master in their native tongue, a fierce command to get away.

The Master realized he had underestimated the modern world. People weren't bowing to him here. The security guard moved forward, noting that the "doctor" had no Hospital