"Okay, how far is Jezebel's place from here?" Jasmine asked.
The stranger replied, "It's about an hour's walk from here — not that far. She has an underground home. We used to visit her often, though we became like strangers to her over time. But we still honor her hospitality. She has hybrid kids, you know! But first, if you want to appreciate her, we need to find some gifts."
Elizabeth and Jasmine moved aside from the stranger to quietly discuss their next steps. After a short while, Jasmine returned to the stranger and said confidently, "My ally will go get some jewelry and maybe pick up some chicken thighs if she finds any along the way. I'll stay here to guard you. Trust me, it won't take long — she'll be running all the way!"
Elizabeth was soon on her feet, navigating familiar landmarks as she made her way home. Almost an hour later, she returned, panting and holding a carrier bag. "Guys, I got the jewelry — a necklace and earrings — plus the chicken thighs! Let's move quickly; it's getting late."
Handcuffed, the girls escorted the captured stranger as he gave directions.
"What really makes you guys get recruited so easily? I'm curious," Jasmine asked as they walked.
The stranger shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe they lure us with fancy cars, gifts, or huge cheques sent to our next of kin in exchange for our very souls or bodies for that matter."
"I wouldn't refuse that kind of offer!" Elizabeth joked, nudging Jasmine.
"Ouch! What?! I was just doing the math!" Jasmine shot back, rubbing her heel.
Elizabeth continued, "So do you actually enjoy the benefits, or do they go only to your families?"
"They visit us sometimes, even though our souls feel frozen. Yeah, we do communicate. But enjoying benefits? That's rare. Maybe they gift us with food and drinks now and then."
"Wow, that's creepy. But it must feel good to be free, right? To enjoy sunlight and fresh air instead of hiding underground all day, then only coming out at night," Jasmine mused.
"Yeah, it's like being in a new dimension. I really missed sunlight, fresh air, and the world outside."
"Good to be back. Now, we have to focus on freeing the rest! No more seven-meter encirclements or imprisonments! Everyone must be free — whether short like insects or giant hybrids!" Elizabeth declared passionately.
"By the way, as we get closer to Jezebel's place, are there any signs of attacking hybrids?" Jasmine asked.
"No, but we must hurry before dusk. Jezebel will defend us if any hybrid visitors come."
The flickering rays of sunset soon hazed the perimeter, signaling dusk. The chirping of sparrows, swallows, hummingbirds, and drumming woodpeckers marked such transitions.
"Evening's coming fast! We need to hurry before any hybrid attacks," Elizabeth urged.
They quickened their pace, but as they neared the basement entrance, distant terrifying howls echoed.
"Jump in! Jump in!" the stranger urged.
"What do you mean?" Jasmine asked, startled.
Before the stranger could answer, he jumped into a camouflaged hole leading underground. With no choice, the girls followed.
Inside, Jezebel, the old witch, sat waiting. She looked surprised. "Oh my! What do we have here? Welcome! Sorry about the landing — new guests often slip. Come, take a seat. I'll prepare some tea and snacks for you."
Everyone settled in as Jezebel served tea and snacks.
"So, what brings you here, friends? You look lost. Don't worry, I understand the evening hybrid attacks. Maybe you came seeking refuge?" she said kindly.
The stranger spoke first. "I'm Mikal. I know your sons, Levi and Malaki. I'm a transformed human — exposed to UV light. I come in peace. These visitors want to know about the puzzle book, Mum."
"If I'm a mother, then where's my honor?" Jezebel teased.
"I brought gifts, Mum! Look!" Elizabeth said, handing over the jewelry and chicken.
Jezebel examined the gifts and smiled. "I'm honored. Such gifts are precious to me. So, what would you like? A blessed spell, or is it all about the puzzle book? Let's talk."
Elizabeth glanced at Jasmine. Jasmine replied, "We wouldn't mind some blessings after such gifts! But mainly, we want to learn about the puzzle book."
Jezebel paused, then said, "The puzzle book is lost — its pages scattered and untraceable. I've tried spells to find it, but no luck. Many search for it! The search depends on blood samples. If you're in the spirit realm, your blood genes must match celestial signs then it also means that you might be from the Liputian or Crispin empires, inheriting lineage. Then, maybe, accurate directions will be revealed. I need your blood samples to give each of you divine enchantments."
Everyone obliged.
They sat in a circle on a floor marked with two inverted crossing triangles, a candle at the center. Jezebel held hands with them as spiritual activity began.
Magical writing appeared on the walls, revealing divine maps. After decoding, the writings vanished. Each person had a unique map to locate missing puzzle book pages. The alignment of stars affected their chances — finding the book was a gamble. The goal was to bind the pages and preserve the book in a national museum despite recovering the misused gems amicably.
"Who are you, Madam Jezebel?" Elizabeth asked later, as they settled back in the living room.
"Oh, I'm Jezebel Levi — perhaps the most powerful witch in the region. I deal with fortune-telling, predictions, marital problems, barrenness, healing, and therapy. I work hard before dawn. I'm a widow, so all responsibilities fall on me. But don't judge me by my looks. I was once a bejeweled wife. Never harmed my husband before he passed. Now, I manage everything — the flocks, kids, and work. My Woolworth products speak for themselves — all fruits of my labor!"
"It's good to hear you're still energetic despite all that. Do you ever feel overwhelmed?" Elizabeth asked.
"As old as I am, I keep going. I'll retire soon and hope to convince Levi and Malaki to help me. But they chose their own paths carelessly."
Mikal said, "Being a hybrid sucks. Limited freedom. I'll try to convince your sons otherwise."
Turning to the girls, Jezebel asked, "Why do you need the puzzle book so badly?"
Elizabeth replied, "We need it to learn about the four secret societies' bases. Then, we plan to capture the four powerful, abused gems so that order can be restored. Illegal monopolies must end!"
"But who can you trust to keep those gems? The government is controlled," Jezebel warned.
"That's the problem — trust issues. Humanity can't be trusted with such power. We'll figure it out along the way. For now, our focus is capturing the gems."
"Remember me in your days. People have died or been tortured trying to steal those gems. They're heavily guarded. It's a nearly impossible mission. But good luck and best wishes!"
"We understand. But how will we get through the camps? Any prerequisites?"
"No. You have to be ready to fight militarily against hybrids and mutated creatures. UV light isn't enough — they've mutated to resist it. You'll need to research more. Maybe the puzzle book will help."
"We were planning to enroll in military school after high school," Elizabeth said. "We hope to find the puzzle book soon."
"You shouldn't go outside now. Hybrids roam the forest. It's safer to spend the night here."
"That's risky. I can't imagine how worried our parents would be. Is there any signal here?"
"Yes, unless you go outside. I'll escort you with Mikal."
Jezebel, Mikal, and Elizabeth stepped outside so Elizabeth could make urgent phone calls.
Outside, Elizabeth dialed her mum. After several rings, her mum answered.
"Hello?" her mum said.
"Hi, Mum, it's Elizabeth. I wanted to tell you I won't be home tonight. We're working on an urgent science project with Jasmine. Could you alert Jasmine's parents? She forgot her phone."
"A science project? How urgent?"
"Very urgent! The deadline is tomorrow. We have to present it then."
"Okay, I'll alert Jasmine's parents. So you won't be going to school early?"
"Yeah, something like that. But don't worry, everything will be fine. Just don't forget to alert Jasmine's parents."
"Is it a rewarding science project or just an assignment?"
"Just an assignment, not a competition."
"Okay, good luck. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Good night. I love you."
"I love you too, Mum."
That night, everyone slept well after a nice dinner.
The next day, the girls said goodbye to Jezebel and hurried home to prepare for school. Though late, they arrived just in time.
"Better late than never! We're in deep trouble!" Jasmine said.
In class, Teacher Sally was lecturing history.
"Oh, there you are, Elizabeth and Jasmine! Late for my class. Why?"
"We overslept after working on the presentation," Elizabeth said.
"Are you sure you worked on my presentations?" Teacher Sally asked skeptically.
The girls nodded timidly.
"The floor is yours! You're last to present."
They gave their presentations briefly.
"That was excellent! I liked your gestures, tone, and clear articulation. You added great details too. I award you 98 percent. You lost two points for being late. Your reward: a weekend vacation and shopping trip. Stay in touch. Everyone, please applaud them."
The class applauded.
Afterward, Elizabeth and Jasmine wondered how they managed.
"Did you really read history?" Jasmine asked.
"I've developed a habit of reading ahead, but I didn't expect you to be that clever," Elizabeth said.
"I just touched on a few points. You explained most of it."
"Okay, but next time, let's be sure about our assignments!"