Chapter One: Power Within
Clara was a young woman studying Business Administration at the University of Benin. Her life was far from ordinary, as she possessed a powerful magic ring—a gift from her grandmother. The ring allowed her to protect herself and her husband from danger and help others in need.
However, Clara wasn't the only one with extraordinary powers. There were societies that wielded similar magical abilities, as well as individuals blessed with divine power from God. These divinely gifted people used their abilities to bring comfort and hope to those in distress.
Clara's journey to receiving the magic ring was shaped by her kindness and devotion to her grandmother. Despite being a student with limited resources, Clara consistently found ways to make her grandmother happy. She frequently sent money, brought thoughtful gifts, and surprised her with acts of love.
One memorable day, Clara decided to visit her grandmother. On her way, she purchased a beautiful piece of fabric as a gift. When she arrived at her grandmother's house, she found the elderly woman in the kitchen, washing dishes.
"Good afternoon, Mama," Clara greeted warmly.
"Ah, Clara! Welcome, my dear," her grandmother replied, smiling brightly.
Clara noticed her grandmother's weariness and quickly stepped in. "Mama, leave the rest for me. Go and rest in the sitting room; I'll finish washing the dishes."
Her grandmother hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright, my child. Thank you." She dried her hands, left the kitchen, and settled in the sitting room with her Bible.
A few minutes later, Clara joined her grandmother, carrying the fabric she had bought. She sat beside her and handed over the gift.
"Mama, I got this for you. You can use it for Christmas," Clara said, her face lighting up with excitement.
Her grandmother's expression softened as she accepted the gift. "Thank you, my daughter. God bless you and provide for all your needs," she said, her voice full of emotion.
"Amen," Clara replied with a warm smile.
Her grandmother continued, "I also saw the money you sent this morning. I tried to call you to thank you, but your phone wasn't reachable."
Clara chuckled softly. "It's okay, Mama. Just manage it for now; I'll send more soon."
"You're too kind, my dear. I'm so grateful," her grandmother said, clutching the fabric tightly.
After chatting for a while, Clara glanced at the time and stood up. "Mama, I have to go now. I have a lesson this afternoon, and I don't want to miss it."
"Alright, my child. Thank you for everything. May God be with you," her grandmother said.
"Bye, Mama. Take care," Clara replied as she left the sitting room.
---
At the University of Benin, Clara had a close friend who was already married, unlike Clara, who was still single. Despite their different marital statuses, the two shared a strong bond. They were in the same department, studying the same course, and spent a lot of time together—visiting each other, eating out, and exchanging advice on various topics. Whenever Clara struggled with her studies, she turned to her friend, one of the brightest students on campus. Patient and kind, her friend always made time to help her.
One afternoon, while Clara's friend was on campus, a fellow student named Sam approached her. He had admired her for weeks and had finally mustered the courage to speak to her, unaware of her marital status.
"Good afternoon, sister," Sam greeted, his smile nervous and tentative.
"Good afternoon," she replied, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.
"How are you doing?"
"I'm fine. And you?"
"I'm good too," Sam said, shifting his weight uneasily. "I have something important to discuss with you."
"Okay, I'm listening."
Taking a deep breath, Sam began, "We've been friends for a while, and I think it's time we take this friendship to the next level. I'm madly in love with you. I want you to be my queen, and I promise I'll never let you down if you agree to date me."
Her expression turned serious. "Sorry, I can't date anyone. I already have someone I love, and we've promised to stay faithful to each other."
Sam chuckled nervously. "Come on. Long-distance relationships aren't reliable. What if your boyfriend is cheating on you? Why not give me a chance and make it 50/50?"
Her response was swift and firm. "Let me make this clear: I'm married to a responsible man." She raised her left hand, revealing a gold ring on her finger.
Sam's face flushed with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, madam. I didn't know." Without another word, he walked away, defeated.
Later that day, Clara's friend recounted the encounter to Clara.
"Hah! Friend, you're too nice," Clara exclaimed. "If it were me, I'd have told him I'd think about it. Then I'd agree and turn him into my personal ATM. Of course, I wouldn't let him lay a finger on me!"
Her friend frowned. "Clara, that's risky. Playing games like that could backfire and lead to serious trouble."
"Friend, you need to think smart. I've done this to several guys on campus, and I always come out on top. You just have to play your cards right," Clara said with a sly grin.
Her friend sighed. "Alright, Clara, let's forget about it. I don't want to argue."
---
A few days later, still discouraged by his rejection, Sam decided to try his luck with Clara. He spotted her sitting under a tree on campus, reading a book.
"Hello, sister. How are you?" he greeted, trying to sound confident.
Clara looked up from her book and narrowed her eyes. "I'm fine. What do you want?"
"I'd like to get to know you better," Sam said, smiling nervously. "Can I have your number?"
Clara paused for a moment, then gave him her number with a shrug.
"Thanks! I'll call you this evening," Sam said, visibly relieved.
"Alright," Clara replied, turning back to her book.
Sam walked away, his mind racing with possibilities, while Clara smirked to herself, already plotting her next move.
---
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."