Beth and Odo’s secret

ReNew stirred, groggy and disoriented. What’s going on? Her eyes fluttered open just in time to see Tamera being dragged out of the room.

She shot upright. “That was Charlene’s mother! I just saw her—they took her!”

Beth reached over and patted her hand gently. “You're okay now?”

“No, I’m not okay! That was Tamera! I have to find her!” ReNew’s voice cracked as she sat up, shaking her head to clear the fog.

She blinked and stared at Beth, confused. “Wait a minute… I remember trying to open the castle doors. Someone came up behind me… covered my mouth with a rag. And you—” her voice rose—“You held me down! Get away from me!”

Beth jumped to her feet. “Shush now! Please! You don’t understand—it was for your own good, child,” she whispered urgently.

ReNew shoved her hands away. “Get off of me, Beth!”

“We have to play along! When they come back, pretend you’re still asleep,” Beth hissed, pushing ReNew back down onto the couch.

“Not until you tell me what’s going on!” she growled, trying to sit up again.

Beth grabbed her wrist. “You have everything you need. You’re wearing a power-enhancing bracelet. Use it to escape—just not yet.”

ReNew's eyes widened. “What kind of crazy mess have you dragged me into?”

“Escape!” Beth whispered, glancing toward the door. “Yes. But keep your voice down.”

Beth quickly explained. “Ever since we found out Torrock had Tamera kidnapped, we've been working on a plan to get her back. This wasn’t how we intended to do it, but now that we’re here... we don’t have a choice.”

ReNew lay still, eyes closed. Her heart pounded like a war drum. She was nervous, but if she had a chance to help Charlene, she had to stay calm.

Then the room darkened.

A towering figure entered—leathery skin, jagged horns, and a twisted, gaping mouth filled with sharp, yellowed teeth. The stench of sulfur and decay filled the air. Her heart nearly exploded out of her chest.

Belphegor.

But then, in a flash, he shifted. His form morphed into a tall, striking man with raven-black hair and the chiseled build of a champion swimmer. His smile was magnetic, but ReNew knew the truth.

The demon gently tapped her hand. “Wake up, little one…”

He motioned to Beth and Odo. “You have what you want. I have what I want. Now leave.”

The Imp slammed the door shut behind them. “My master needs privacy,” it sneered. “The transaction is complete. Begone!”

Odo tugged at Beth, trying to drag her away. “Let’s go. You told her what to do, right?”

Beth resisted, staring at the closed door. “We can’t leave her alone with that perverted demon!”

“Hush, woman! She’ll be fine,” Odo muttered. “We don’t have time—”

Beth yanked her arm back. “If anything happens to her, if Charlene loses her soul permanently, it’ll be your fault, genius!” she hissed.

They hurried away from the castle and found Tamera shivering near the edge of the woods. Her face was gaunt, her lips cracked, and her clothes were shredded beyond recognition.

“Hello, Tamera,” Beth said softly. “I’m Beth. This is my husband, Odo. We’re here to rescue you.”

Odo wrapped her in a heavy blanket and handed her water and food. She could barely hold the bottle with her trembling hands.

Tamera looked up weakly. “Thank you. I… I don’t even know how long I’ve been here…”

“We have to move quickly,” Odo said, preparing the portal. “But first, I must mark you to protect you in our realm. Do you consent?”

Tamera nodded. “Please. My husband… my daughter… they must be so worried.”

Odo pressed his glowing mark to her forearm. The pain was too much—Tamera collapsed, and Beth caught her.

“She’ll be safe now,” Odo said. “Let’s go.”

“But what about ReNew?” Beth asked.

“She’s more powerful than she knows. She’ll be fine,” he replied, leading them through the portal.

---

Back in the Lounge

ReNew kept her breathing steady. Her body was tense, but she played her role.

Belphegor leaned in, brushing her cheek. “Has anyone ever told you… you’re breathtaking?”

His voice slithered like poison, and she nearly gagged.

She slid further away on the couch. “When are my friends coming back?” she asked, keeping her tone light.

“Oh, don’t be coy,” he purred. “I can give you anything your heart desires. All you have to do… is ask.”

He traced a finger down her arm. A black mist began to form.

“You don’t have to answer to anyone. You can be free. What say you?”

Oh no. He’s reading my thoughts, ReNew realized. If he figures out I’m a soul… it’s over.

She forced a smile. “As tempting as that sounds… I’ll have to pass.”

She stood and brushed off his hand. “I’ll be leaving now.”

Before she could turn the doorknob, Belphegor slammed her against the door.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he hissed.

ReNew’s instincts kicked in. Her mark burst into light.

“FIRE KICK!” she screamed, slamming her foot between his legs with a fiery blast. Bones shattered. He screamed.

His human disguise melted away, and he writhed on the floor, engulfed in flames. Imps poured into the room, responding to their master’s cries.

“I am powerful!” ReNew yelled. “What else can I do?”

She reached out mentally. Charlene, I’m coming!

Then she began to spin.

The air around her burned as she transformed into a flaming whirlwind. “BOOM!” she cried.

The explosion flattened the lounge. Imps flew backward through walls, shrieking in pain. The air cracked with energy.

ReNew emerged from the rubble, dusting herself off. “Time to find my girl.”

And with a trail of fire and snow melted beneath her feet, she took off toward the mountain pass.

“Hold on, Charlene. I’m coming for you.”