Chapter One: Clara The Smart Girl
In today's bustling world, a young woman named Clara possessed a unique power that set her apart. Her grandmother had gifted her a magic ring—a powerful artifact that allowed her to protect herself and her husband from any impending danger. But Clara wasn't the only one with such abilities. A secret society existed, composed of individuals who wielded their own magic. Bound by loyalty, they used their powers defensively, forming an invisible shield against anyone who dared to threaten them.
In this world, there were also those blessed with divine powers—gifts believed to come from a higher realm. These individuals dedicated their lives to helping others, using their abilities not only for personal gain but also to aid those in need.
Before Clara received her ring, her life was firmly rooted in the ambitions of academia. As a Business Administration student at the University of Benin, Clara's intelligence and strategic mind were undeniable. She wasn't merely a good student; she was calculating, viewing each choice and each friendship through the lens of how it could serve her goals. Every decision was deliberate, every relationship intentional.
Her closest confidante, a friend equally ambitious and in the same major, shared Clara's competitive drive. They were inseparable, though Clara often felt compelled to outshine her. Her unspoken mission was clear: top every exam and graduate as the undisputed best in her class.
Her love life, however, was far more complex. Clara had been with a boyfriend since her first year, a relationship sustained through cycles of dramatic breakups and reconciliations. On campus, they were infamous—constantly testing each other's boundaries and requiring mediation from friends more often than showing affection. This turbulence suited Clara; it allowed her to keep her emotions at arm's length, always maintaining control.
One day, Sam—a fellow student known for his earnest nature—crossed paths with Clara's friend. Unaware that she was married, Sam approached her with bashful confidence.
"Good afternoon, sister," he said, smiling a bit too eagerly.
"Afternoon," she replied with polite curiosity.
Taking a breath, Sam continued, "We've been friends for a while, and I'd like to be closer. I like you. I'd be honored if you'd be my queen—I'd never let you down."
Clara's friend smiled and lifted her hand to reveal a silver band. "I'm married, Sam," she said gently.
Realizing his mistake, Sam apologized profusely and slunk away. Later, as she recounted the encounter to Clara, they shared a laugh.
"If that had been me," Clara grinned, "I'd have told him I'd think about it—maybe even milked him as my personal ATM for a while."
Her friend raised an eyebrow. "Clara, that sounds risky. You don't know how people might react."
Clara shrugged. "It's about reading people. Play your cards right, and they'll never realize they're being strung along." She wore her cunning like a badge of honor.
---
Despite the rebuff, Sam decided to take a chance with Clara herself. Determined to impress, he found her studying near the library.
"Hello, Clara. How's it going?" he asked, fidgeting with his phone.
"I'm busy," Clara replied without looking up, her fingers tapping impatiently on her notebook.
"Could I have your number?" Sam stammered, holding out his phone as if he'd rehearsed this moment.
She eyed him for a moment, then, as though indulging him, punched in her number. "Alright, now run along."
---
True to his word, Sam called that evening. Clara picked up, feigning indifference.
"Hello?" she answered flatly.
"Clara, good evening! It's Sam. We met earlier on campus?" he replied, a bit too eagerly.
"Oh, right. Is there something important?"
Sam took a shaky breath. "I've been thinking about you all day. I even dreamed about you," he admitted, slightly embarrassed.
Clara stifled a laugh. "Dreams, huh? Is that all?"
"Please, just consider giving me a chance," he continued, his voice tinged with desperation.
She sighed, as if only mildly interested. "Look, Sam, if I see you around tomorrow, maybe we'll talk."
Sam sounded relieved. "Thank you, Clara. Really."
"Sure," she replied curtly before hanging up, a faint smile lingering on her lips.
---
The next afternoon, Sam found Clara near the Business Admin department. His face lit up as he approached, but Clara barely looked up.
"Clara! I've been waiting for you," he said, almost breathless.
"Waiting? For what?" she replied, her gaze cool and unreadable.
Sam hesitated. "Yesterday… you said you'd think about it."
"Oh, that." She offered him a brief smile, as though it had barely crossed her mind since their call. "I'm not interested."
His face fell, but he quickly rallied. "Just one chance, Clara. I promise, you won't regret it."
After a deliberate pause, she replied, "Alright, I'll think about it." Her smile was thin, calculated.
"Thank you! Let's get something to eat?" he asked, his excitement palpable.
Clara shrugged nonchalantly. "Fine, if that's what you want."
As they walked, Clara's thoughts drifted. Sam was just another opportunity, a potential resource—whether for notes, errands, or the occasional dinner. Clara had honed this skill over her years at university: letting others feel close without ever giving them real access to her heart. In her world, everyone had a role to play.
---
Sam called Clara one evening, and they chatted briefly. During the call, he pressed her about a topic she'd been avoiding.
"Alright, I heard you," Clara replied casually.
"I know you heard me, but I want you to agree—fully," Sam insisted.
She hesitated, then said, "Okay, fine. I accept."
There was a pause before Sam asked, "Where are you now?"
"Home," Clara replied, sounding distracted.
"I'd like to come over tonight," he said eagerly.
She laughed, almost dismissively. "Relax, Sam. There's no need to come now. We'll see each other tomorrow. I'm studying and don't want any distractions."
"Alright, sorry for disturbing you," Sam replied, sounding deflated.
"Okay, bye for now," Clara said and promptly hung up.
---
Two days later, Sam called Clara and invited her to meet him at a restaurant. She dressed up, made her way there, and found Sam already seated. Smiling, she walked over, and they exchanged greetings.
"Have a seat and make yourself comfortable," Sam said warmly. "What would you like to eat?"
"Fried rice and salad with chicken," Clara replied.
"Great choice. Let me call the waiter." He signaled a nearby server, ordering fried rice, salad with chicken for both of them, and soft drinks. Soon, the waiter returned and set their meals on the table.
As they ate, they talked easily, sharing stories about their lives. The conversation flowed naturally, and Clara found herself enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
Midway through the meal, Clara's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and saw her grandmother's name.
"Hello, Ma," Clara answered, lowering her voice.
"Hello, Clara. How are you, dear?"
"I'm fine, Ma. Is everything okay?"
"Yes, but I need you to come over. I have something important to discuss with you."
"Alright, Ma. I'll be there soon," she said, ending the call.
Turning to Sam, she explained, "I'm sorry, my grandmother just called. She needs me urgently."
"No problem. Let me cover your transport." He reached into his pocket and handed her a thousand-naira note.
"Thank you," Clara said, appreciating his generosity, and left the restaurant.
About thirty minutes later, she arrived at her grandmother's house and found her sitting in the living room, reading the Bible.
"Good afternoon, Ma," Clara greeted.
"Welcome, my dear. I'm glad you came," her grandmother replied with a warm smile. "I have a special gift for you—one you won't find in any market."
"A gift? Please, let me see it!" Clara said, intrigued.
"Be patient; I'll be right back." Her grandmother disappeared into her room and returned a few minutes later with a small box. She opened it, revealing a ring held delicately in her hand.
"This ring is special, Clara. I inherited it from my father, and it's been passed down through generations. Now, it's your turn to receive it. It's called the Magic Ring," she said, extending it to Clara. "Wear it on your left hand."
Clara took the ring reverently, slipping it onto her finger. "Thank you, Ma. I'm truly grateful."
Her grandmother nodded approvingly. "I was supposed to give it to your elder brother, but I chose you because you've always been kind to me, always there when I need help. That's why I'm entrusting this to you."
"Thank you so much! How does it work?"
"Anything you wish for in your mind will come true. You can even control things with this magic ring."
"Can I try it now?"
"Of course. Go ahead."
Clara focused on a cup on the table, imagining it rising into the air. To her amazement, the cup lifted and hovered as she'd envisioned. She mentally directed it back to the table, and it obeyed. Thrilled, she tried the same with a small side table, making it rise before gently lowering it back. The ring's power filled her with awe.
"Thank you, Ma," she said, overjoyed. "This ring is incredible!"
"Remember, my dear, use it wisely. Never use it to harm others. Let it benefit you and those around you. Whatever you think with this ring will come to pass."
"I understand, Ma. Thank you for the advice. Is there anything I can do for you before I leave?"
"Not now, but tomorrow, I need help buying some goods from the market and transporting them to my shop."
"Of course, Ma. I'll come by tomorrow," Clara assured her. After saying goodbye, she headed home.
The next day, Clara went to her grandmother's shop to pick up a list of goods. She then headed to the bus station to catch a ride to the market. Once she'd purchased everything, she called a taxi to take her back to the shop.
As they drove, Clara's mind wandered to the magic ring and all the possibilities it offered her. She imagined ways she might use it, barely noticing as the taxi swerved toward a large puddle. The car sped through it, splashing muddy water onto a pedestrian's clothes.
"Hey! Stop! Look what you did!" the stranger yelled, waving in frustration as the taxi continued without slowing. Unfazed, the driver ignored the upset passerby and kept his focus on the road.
Clara glanced back, a slight smile playing on her lips as she considered the ring's potential. Her journey with this newfound power was only beginning.