Chapter 71: Seeking Spiritual Guidance
862words
Eki liked to be alone; it made her very happy in the silence of her apartment. During these quiet moments, she thought deeply, and this was when dreams returned to her more vividly than ever before—like how a hidden shape of a woman now began to reveal itself. Now, she was not just a ghost anymore. She turned into a lady—someone real who had her own story.
One night, when Eki could not sleep, a lady appeared in front of her. She looked like a ghost but also seemed real at the same time. Eki felt fear and curiosity, but she also noticed a strange calmness when near this alien being.
"You call me Adetutu," she started, her voice gentle like a soft breeze. "But my true name is Olorun. I am the muse, maker and spirit of inspiration."
Eki felt very surprised because the name Olorun sounded so familiar. It seemed like a name from old stories that people speak with much respect.
"You were taken away from me," Olorun says with a voice full of sadness. "They use my core, my creative power for their bad deeds." The orb is a captivity, a jail that holds my soul."
Eki's heart felt much sympathy for the woman. She had experienced very intense suffering, and other people used her skills to earn money.
"I am going with you," Eki said firmly. "I will break the curse."
Olorun's face had a smile that appeared odd, and he said: "To free my spirit, you must discover the centre of this sphere. That is where I am imprisoned."
Days went by fast, like a brief storm as I studied and got ready. My understanding of Yoruba mythology became deeper. I searched for clues - any kind of help to figure out what this orb truly is. The puzzle became more difficult as I found out more details.
The secret group makes a maze with many lies. The ways and traps inside are much more than what people think. They not only chased after power; these people also took the role of protectors against a very old darkness, which is strong enough to swallow everything close by – even the whole world.
Dapo saw that Eki was going more and more into the spirit world and wished to assist. "You are using too much of your energy for this," Dapo said, his voice filled with concern. "We need to focus on the real world and our strategy."
Eki said yes, but her mind was elsewhere. She understood that to beat the secret group, she must find out more about their foe. And in understanding the enemy, knowing what makes them strong is of utmost importance.
When days turned into weeks, it was nearly time for the art show. The city got very busy and full of excitement; you could sense this in the atmosphere. Eki and Dapo were at a prime spot, their dream becoming real.
But secretly, big trouble is near. The people in charge know their plan and will soon respond with strength. They know they are going into a trap, but Eki and Dapo cannot do anything else. This is their last fight.
Since it was almost the first night of the exhibition, Eki felt very excited but also a little afraid. She had gone through many difficulties to reach this point, and now the last challenge was ready to begin.
She holds the future of the city and freedom for many spirits in her hands. The duty is very big, but her will is just as strong.
She was ready.
The first visitors seemed like they never stopped arriving—each person came because they heard about creativity and hope. Eki moved through the crowd, her eyes quickly looking at faces to find any signs of secret society members. The atmosphere was alive with enthusiasm, you could sense it in the room.
As hours passed and evening came, more people entered the gallery. The paintings displayed many lively human emotions and made the place feel full of wonder and creativity. People were drawn to it, becoming lost in an imaginative world crafted by artists.
Eki stands in the corner watching people. She has an air of calmness around her as if she is part of something much larger than just herself. These times bring her closer to Olorun - the spirit that creates all.
Suddenly, she saw movement among the people. Some men were passing by, their faces hidden in shadows. They seemed to be moving with a purpose through the crowd, and Eki felt her heart start beating fast. She knew they had come.
The big fight was almost here. The battle to seize the city's heart would begin shortly.
