The Construction Coven was hard at work repairing the damages Bonesborough had sustained from the boiling rainstorm. Thanks to Superboy's strength and speed, work went quicker than expected. Dell used his super strength to help move heavy debris and his speed to swiftly fly in more supplies.
"Here's the cobblestone you requested," Dell said, landing gracefully in the center of the construction site.
"Thank you, Superboy," the foreman, Henry Ironsmith, replied gratefully. "We'll have Bonesborough back to normal in no time."
"I'm just doing what I can to help," Dell replied, his voice filled with a quiet determination that resonated with the foreman and the workers.
"And we appreciate it." Henry traced a spell circle and levitated the cobblestone into place with a finger flick. "Being a part of the Construction Coven, as of late, has been… a challenge."
"What do you mean?" Dell asked, surprised.
"By orders of Emperor Belos, our funding has been redirected to other departments," Henry said. "Members have been vocal about regretting their decision to join. But now they have; they can't leave because of these." He showed Superboy his coven sigil branded on his forearm. "We're bound to the coven, for better or worse. Leaving the coven would mean becoming wild witches, outcasts in society."
Superboy nodded in understanding. "I hope things improve for you all soon," he said sympathetically. There were many reasons why Mom and Baba never joined a coven and remained wild witches, the brands being one of them.
"We have received funding from other sources that allow us to continue our work," Henry added. "But it still hasn't made things easier."
Dell wondered about his future after Hexside. If he wanted to get a job outside of being Superboy, he'd have to carefully consider the potential consequences of joining a coven. Or was Dell Whispers only meant to be Superboy forever?
"LOOK OUT BELOW!" A loud shout caused Dell to glance and notice scaffolding collapsing just a few feet away, interrupting his thought.
Reacting quickly, Dell rushed to help those in danger. His superspeed slowed time to a crawl, allowing him to reach the workers about to hit the ground. He grabbed them one at a time, placing them safely on the ground before the scaffolding collapsed. Dell stood there, catching his breath and surveying the scene; the structure lay in ruins.
"Is everyone all right?" Dell asked, doing a headcount. He looked each worker in the eye, his concern evident in his voice and expression.
"Thanks to you, Superboy," a man responded shaky. We're all okay."
Dell's hearing suddenly picked up the sounds of a carriage approaching. When he turned to face it, he saw two magnificent albino snorses pulling the sleek black vehicle. A figure in a dark cloak with curly gray hair and a short beard stepped out and approached the site.
"How are we supposed to get any work done when our lives are constantly at risk like this?" A worker shouted angrily. "Not even the Emperor's Coven shirked safety protocols like this!"
"Well, what are we supposed to do? Quit?" A second one asked, his voice tinged with defiance. "We'll be made wild witches if we do that. And I'd rather not worry about Coven Scouts hunting me or my family down."
"I'd rather take my chances with them than risk my life working in this death trap," another worker said.
"Go ahead, let's see how long you last out there on your own," the man in black said, approaching the workers, who seemed to cower at his presence. All except for Dell.
"Excuse me, sir." Dell began. "This is a construction zone; you can't—"
"Young man, I can walk wherever I please," the man interrupted, his voice cold and authoritative. "After all, I am funding this project. Now, get back to work before I decide to take my money elsewhere."
"Y… Yes, Mr. Luthor," Henry muttered under his breath, leading the workers back to their tasks.
"Ungrateful bunch of ingrates," Luthor muttered to himself. "I give them my money because the emperor won't, and they still have the nerve to question me. Pathetic."
"Don't call them that," Dell interjected, feeling loyal to his fellow workers. "They are hardworking individuals who deserve respect."
"Ah, you must be the Superboy I've heard so much about," Luthor said, eyeing Dell with curiosity and disdain. "Do you go out dressed like that, pretending to be a hero? How amusing."
"Those men are serving Bonesborough and should be treated with dignity," Dell replied firmly, his voice hinting at empathy for the workers' plight.
"Unless I'm mistaken, you are not one of my employees, Superboy," Luthor retorted, crossing his arms. "Of course, that can change." He traced a spell circle, and a business card appeared in Dell's hand, reading 'Lionel Luthor, head of Luthor Corp.' "I could use someone of your talents on my payroll."
Dell looked at Luthor and crushed the card in his hand. "I'm not for sale," he said, his voice filled with determination.
Luthor raised an eyebrow. Was he impressed? "Everyone has a price. But your presence here is interfering with my work. If you're not my employee, you're a trespasser. I'd be in the right to call the guards on you, and not even your celebrity status could save you from being escorted out. You wouldn't want to cause an incident, would you?"
Dell scowled and levitated above Luthor. He didn't want to risk causing a scene, significantly if it could harm the workers' livelihoods. "Fine, I'll go." Dell flew away, leaving the workers with Luthor. But if he hears something happen, he'll be back faster than a speeding fireball.
Dell landed in an alley out of sight of prying eyes and placed his concealment stone around his neck. He blended in with the crowd as he went to the town's market, a bustling hub of activity where he last saw Mom and Baba set up their stand with Luz. He noticed the market was tranquil for a busy Saturday afternoon, save for a few stragglers. "What's going on?" Dell said to himself, his curiosity piqued.
Dell arrived at his parents' stand only to find an empty table and a note. He picked it up and read it:
'Dell,
Sorry, we had to leave unexpectedly.
But Luz strongarmed… I mean asked your baba and me to take her and King to the Covention with Dweebus and the Plant Girl.
We'll be there if you're looking for us.
Mom.'
'Dweebus' and 'Plant Girl?' She must be referring to Gus and Willow, Dell thought to himself. The convention must be why the market was so empty. He could head over there and join them if that's where they were.
Dell made his way to the Covention on foot. He wanted to avoid drawing attention to himself by having Superboy land anywhere near the building and making people ask questions. The annual Covention was hosted at the appropriately named Covention Center. He entered the large building and saw rows of booths and tables set up, each representing different covens—greater and lesser alike.
Hundreds of people were milling about, all dressed in their school uniforms. He immediately recognized the students from Hexside, who were present alongside pupils from rival schools, Glandus and St. Epiderm.
"I AM DESTWOYEW OF WOWLDS!" A tiny creature that could be described as a pale, big-nosed head with little arms and legs declared, causing a commotion in the center of the room. She had a power glyph attached to her nose, and she must be tripping on the boost to her magical potential.
The guards quickly caught her and took her away. He hoped his family was all right; being a wild witch in a place crawling with guards is never ideal.
"Glad the guards were able to end that mess," said a boy around Dell's age with curly hair and wearing a St. Epiderm uniform—Illusion Track. "There seems never to be a moment of peace these days."
"I guess it's a matter of perspective," Dell replied.
"I was thinking out loud, was I?"
"Yes, you were."
"I don't remember seeing you here before, and I've been to this event plenty of times," he whispered, "not by choice."
"This is my first one, actually," Dell admitted.
The boy looked at him skeptically. "You've never been to the Covention before?"
"No, I usually avoid these kinds of gatherings," Dell confessed. "But I came this time because my friends are here."
The boy raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Interesting. Well, welcome to your first Covention."
"Thanks. I'm Dell, by the way." Dell extended his hand for a handshake.
"Nice to meet you, Dell. I'm Alexander," the boy replied, shaking his hand firmly. "But most people call me Lex. Feel free to ask me if you need any tips or advice on navigating the Covention."
"Thank you, Lex." Dell and Lex headed further into the building, the former watching for his family and friends. "So, Lex, what do you recommend checking out first at the Covention?"
Lex smiled. "I suggest starting with the interactive exhibits on the main floor. They're always a hit with newcomers like yourself. After that, I'd check the tables to see if a coven appeals to you. And if not, giving them a moment of your time is enough."
"I'm guessing you have a table set up?"
"Of course. But it's less of a coven and more of a promotion for my father's enterprise. My family has its hand in many different ventures."
"You come from money?"
"I do. It is a blessing and a curse at times. Once people learn you're rich, they tend to treat you differently. And it's never in a positive way."
"I don't think anyone should be judged based on wealth or lack thereof. It's unfair and unkind. People should be valued for who they are, not their financial status."
Lex looked at Dell with surprise. "Most people put on facades to try and take advantage of my family's wealth. I think you're the first person I've met who was openly honest with me."
There was something about Lex's words that made Dell feel strange. Like he was… Why did he feel like a hypocrite on the inside?
"Dell?" A voice called out from behind him, causing him and Alex to turn around. It was Loisse.
"Hey, Loisse," Dell greeted her with a smile. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm on the clock. Mr. Porter asked me to join him in covering the Covention." Loisse explained as she fell into step beside Dell. "He said my perspective would be valuable for the article. My investigations into the creature draining the Coven Scouts haven't been going anywhere." Dell considered his encounter with Parasite and thought that was a good thing. "Though I didn't expect to see you here. And with Lex Luthor of all people."
"Luthor?" As in the son of Lionel Luthor.
"Well, I guess you know who my father is now," Lex said before looking at Loisse, annoyed.
"Oh, I thought Dell knew who you were from the start," Loisse replied, embarrassed by her assumption.
"No, I didn't know," Dell admitted. "But that doesn't change anything." He gave Lex an assuring smile before turning to Loisse. "And I'm looking for Gus and Willow. You wouldn't have happened to see them."
"I did see them. They were heading to the auditorium with some adults and this new girl."
She must be referring to his parents and Luz. "Thanks. You'll be there to cover what's happening there, right?"
"Mr. Porter's covering the auditorium; he asked me to go around and interview attendees and get their perspectives on the event," Loisse replied, adjusting her notebook and pen.
"I'll catch up with you later, then. Good luck with your interviews," Dell said. He then looked back at Lex. "And good luck with your table." Lex nodded at Dell as he made his way to the auditorium.
"Excuse me. Pardon me. Coming through." Dell weaved through the crowd. "Sorry. Trying to find my friends." Finally spotting them, he made his way over to them. "Hey guys," Dell said, joining his mom with Luz, Willow, and Gus.
"Hey, Dell, you made it!" Luz said with a smile.
"Where's King and Baba?"
"Raine's taking King shopping. He was so excited, like a little kid."
"King is a little kid." Dell chuckled.
"You know what I mean," Luz said, rolling her eyes playfully.
"It looks like they're starting," Willow said, pointing towards the stage.
"All right, let's see this mess," Mom said, taking a sip of apple blood only to spit it out. "Blegh! Is this alcohol-free?"
The lights dimmed, and Principal Bump rose from the floor with spirals of green magic, a spotlight illuminating him. The audience applauded and cheered as he summoned a microphone, clearing his throat before beginning his speech. "Hello, Bonesborough! Students ask me what the height of magical achievement is?"
"Is it this?" A Hexside student asked, casting a spell that increased the size of his head significantly, only to fall over onto the student next to him.
"Wow. I failed you as a principal." Bump said. He grabbed the mic and resumed, "It's being selected to join the best of the best. And there is none better than the jewel of the coven system and the enforcers of his will, the Emperor's Coven. Feast your eyes on this elite force; each member is handpicked to help usher in a new age of controlled magic."
Three coven scouts appeared with a puff of magical smoke. Each coven guard traces a white spell circle above their head. One produces a jet of flame, another produces water, and the third produces lightning. The three elements come together in a firework that turns into confetti, which Luz grabs. Dell couldn't help but smile at her being happy.
"Amateurs." Eda scoffed at the display.
"Members of the Emperor's Coven have access to all forms of magic," Bump continues. "But... only the best can ascend these ranks. Someday, that could be one of you!" The three scouts grab their capes and disappear in flashes of white light. "And now, I'm pleased to introduce the esteemed leader of this coven and this year's mystery guest. You know her, and you love her! Lilith Clawthorne!"
"What?" Both Dell and his mother exclaimed.
A bright flash of light near the ceiling turns into a blue raven sitting on a branch. It flies off the branch onto the stage, landing to reveal Lilith—a pale woman, much like Mom, with blue-black hair and dark robes underneath her white cloak. The audience applauds and cheers while Eda looks at her, speechless.
"Mom. Isn't Clawthorne your maiden name?" Dell asked.
"I don't want to talk about it," Mom responded, her eyes fixed on Lilith. The atmosphere in the room suddenly felt tense, so she got up.
"Eda, where are you going?" Luz called out, concerned.
"To find Raine and King," she replied. "I've had enough of this place for one day."
Dell and Luz watched as she left the room. They exchanged worried glances before turning their attention back to Lilith on stage. Today, Dell Whispers learned he not only had an aunt but that she was the leader of the Emperor's Coven.
"Thank you for sharing your story with me," Loisse said to a Hexside student with a moon-shaped head and one eye.
"Th… thank you," she said shyly, blushing slightly as she looked down at her feet.
Loisse flashed her a smile and reassured her, "You have a unique perspective that is worth sharing with others." Loisse interviewed many attendees and hosts, gathering their stories and experiences to create a diverse and compelling narrative about the event.
She noticed people leaving the auditorium and spotted Dell talking to another girl with tan skin, short hair, and a purple and white hoodie. Loisse saw her going into the auditorium with Willow and Gus. Did Dell know her? Was it any of her business to be concerned about who Dell was talking to? But there was something about the girl that Loisse just had to find out more about.
Dell and the girl parted ways, and Loisse took this opportunity to approach her. "Excuse me, I'm Loisse Laine from BBN-HXN." Loisse introduced herself with a warm smile. "I'm writing an article gaining perspectives from people attending this Covention. Could I trouble you for a quick interview?"
"Oh, hello," the girl responded, returning the smile. That's when Loisse noticed something different—her ears were round. "And sure."
"Pardon me, but are you a human?" Loisse asked, intrigued by the girl's unique feature.
"Yes, I am! Luz Noceda, human witch apprentice!" Luz exclaimed. A human on the Boiling Isles? Loisse wasn't about to let this opportunity slip away.
"So, please share what the Covention was like from your perspective.
"Sure. I've only briefly been on the Boiling Isles, but the Covention was eye-opening. I learned so much about the different magics here. Initially, it was a bit overwhelming, but I'm excited to continue living here."
"Thank you, Luz." Loisse jotted down notes in her journal. "Um, this isn't part of the interview, but I'm friends with Dell Whispers, and I saw you talking with him earlier."
"Oh, Dell's my roommate. I've been living with his family; they've been helping me adjust to life here on the Boiling Isles." Luz smiled warmly at the mention of Dell. "He's been a great friend."
"I also saw you two talking about something before he left. What was that about?"
Luz looked around as if making sure no one else was listening. She leaned in closely to Loisse. "Please don't tell anyone. But Dell just found out that he has an aunt. And she's the leader of the Emperor's Coven."
Loisse couldn't believe what she just heard. "You're serious?"
Luz nodded, her expression serious. "Yeah, he's debating whether he should meet her."
"I was not expecting that. I won't tell a soul about this, I promise."
Luz smiled gratefully at Loisse. "Thank you. You seem to like Dell…"
"WHAT?"
"… as a friend." Luz finished. "
Loisse blushed, relieved that Luz didn't suspect anything more. "Oh, yeah, he's a good friend."
Luz chuckled. "I thought so." Luz began to walk away when she suddenly bumped into another student.
"Watch where you… YOU!" Amity Blight glared at Luz.
Loisse's sense of danger immediately activated, sensing the tension between the two girls. "You two know each other?"
"Funny story," Luz began. "I snuck into Hexside disguised as an abomination, and one thing led to another and…"
"And I almost got into trouble with Principal Bump because of her," Amity interrupted, crossing her arms. "
"Well, to be fair, you were okay with him trying to dissect me, so…" Luz began.
"SHE WAS GONNA DO WHAT?" Loisse exclaimed.
"Just leave me alone, human!" Amity snapped at Luz. "You can't be here! This place is for witches only."
"Well, I'm learning how to be a witch. I'm receiving magic lessons from a powerful witch and a ferocious demon."
Amity looks over Luz's shoulder. "Is that your ferocious demon there?"
Luz and Loisse turn to see a canine-like biped demon with a skull, decked out in merch, walking towards them. "Cupcakes in my tummy-tum makes me say yummy-yum!" He said. It took all of Loisse's willpower not to squeak with delight at seeing the adorable demon. He then noticed Luz and ran to her. "Oh, hey, Luz! Look at all those offerings!" He tripped on his scarf. "Weh!"
Luz goes to help him up. They both reach out for his dropped cupcake. Only for Amity to step on it. "Oops, my bad," she said with a sneer.
"That was uncalled for!" Loisse exclaimed, feeling a surge of protectiveness toward the little demon.
Luz shot Amity a glare. "Why are you being so mean, Amity?"
"Because you and your pet are giving witches in training a bad name."
"I'm not a pet!" King exclaimed.
Amity then looked at Loisse. "And I thought someone from St. Epiderm would know better than to associate with the likes of them. You're a disgrace to your school."
"Yeah," Luz hugged him. "He's a very good boy and the King of Demons! I'll tell you what, Amity. It's one thing to say I can't be a witch; it's another thing to bully my friends. Like The Good Witch Azura said when facing down her rival Hecate at the Bog of Immediate Regret... I challenge you to a Witch's Duel!"
Everyone within earshot range gasped in surprise at Luz's bold challenge. Especially Loisse. "Luz, no!" But Luz stood her ground.
"Luz, yes!" King encouraged.
"I accept," Amity responded with a confident smile. "Let's set the terms for this duel, shall we?"
"If I win, you apologize to King for squashing his cupcake. And you admit that humans can be witches, too."
Amity smirked. "Fine by me. But when I win, not only do you have to tell everyone here you're not a witch, you have to stop training forever."
"Luz, this isn't worth it," Loisse pleaded, but Luz ignored her.
"Deal," Luz said firmly, her eyes locked with Amity's challenging gaze. "I am doing this for King's honor!"
"Then let's shake on it." Amity holds out her hand, and Luz takes it. Amity then drew a spell circle around their hands. "The everlasting oath is sealed. Meet back inside the theater in one hour." She walks away, adding, "Let's see what kind of witch you are."
Loisse grabbed Luz by the shoulders. "What have you done?"
Luz shrugged off Loisse's grip and said determinedly, "I'm showing her what I'm capable of."
"Luz, let me put this in perspective for you," Loisse began. "This is not a game. Amity Blight is going to kill you!"
Dell took a deep breath, in and out. What does he have to be nervous about? He is just going to introduce himself to his aunt… The one he never knew he had… And as the leader of the Emperor's Coven… "Just talk to her, Dell," he said to himself. "What's the worst that could happen?"
Dell finally spotted Lilith Clawthorne near the Historian Coven's panel, signing autographs for Hexside students younger than him. She appeared intimidating, even when there were fans around her. The kids left, and Dell took the opportunity to approach her tentatively, trying to muster up the courage to speak. How was fighting criminals, interdimensional nuisances, and a life-sucking monster easier than talking to his long-lost aunt?
"Excuse me," he began, nervously clearing his throat. "Lilith Clawthorne?"
Lilith turned to face him, her expression unreadable. "Here for an autograph?" She asked, her voice calm and composed.
Dell shook his head, feeling the weight of their unspoken family history. "I'm here to talk," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady despite his nerves.
"Young man, I don't have time to talk," Lilith replied curtly, her eyes narrowing. "I have a hectic schedule."
Dell took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he knew would be a difficult conversation. "I understand," he said. "But I think there's something I need to…" Lilith began to walk away, and Dell ended up calling out after her, "Please, just hear me out for a few minutes. I'm Eda Clawthorne's son!"
Lilith stopped in her tracks, her expression changing from annoyance to surprise. "Eda's son?" she repeated, turning back to face Dell. "You don't look like a Clawthorne. Is this some joke?"
Dell shook his head. "No, it's the truth… I… My name is Dell Whispers. I was adopted."
Lilith seemed to be processing the information. "Whispers… as in Raine Whispers? Edalyn's married?"
Dell nodded. "Yes, Raine Whispers and Eda Clawthorne are married."
"That's preposterous. I would've known if Edalyn and Raine had tied the knot."
Dell hesitated before continuing, "I'm telling the truth. Is there some way I can prove it to you?"
Lilith's eyes narrowed as she studied Dell, her skepticism evident. "I'll need to see some concrete evidence before I believe such a claim," she finally replied, crossing her arms.
"Dell?" Baba's voice grabbed his and Lilith's attention as they saw his parents approach them.
"Lily!" Mom exclaimed.
"Sister?" Lilith exclaimed.
"Lily!" Baba exclaimed.
"Raine?" Lilith exclaimed.
"Dell!" Both Mom and Baba exclaimed in unison.
Lilith looked at Mom and Baba and noticed their ears. "Your jewelry is switched…" Her eyes widened. "Oh my Titan, you are married!"
"I told you," Dell said.
"Dell, what are you doing talking to her?" Mom asked him.
"I just wanted to meet my aunt," Dell explained.
"How long have you both been married?" Lilith asked Dell's parents.
"Hey, Raine, what time is it?" Mom asked Baba.
"It's about… 5:30," Baba replied, glancing at his watch.
"Almost eighteen years," Mom answered Lilith.
"Eighteen years? How have I not known? Do Mom and Dad know?"
"We had a private ceremony," Mom answered. "Until today, no one else in our family knew Raine and I were married."
"And you adopted a son, too," Lilith said.
"Two, technically," Baba corrected, holding both fingers up.
"And you named him after Dad?"
"Raine liked the name," Mom answered.
"And why did you take the name Whispers? Are you ashamed of being a Clawthorne?"
"No," Mom replied. "We took the name Whispers to live in peace. Well, as peaceful as it can be on the Boiling Isles. And I'm offended that you think I'm ashamed of my family."
"Then why didn't you tell us about the marriage and adoption sooner?" Lilith asked.
"Okay, this is not how I wanted things to go," Dell interjected. "I just wanted to get to know my aunt. I didn't mean to cause any tension."
"No, we should've been more open with you all from the beginning," Baba admitted, their voice softening. "We shouldn't have kept this from you."
"Well, nephew," Lilith addressed Dell. "I'm sorry you had the misfortune of growing up with such selfish parents."
"Excuse you?" Mom interjected, but Lilith ignored her words.
"You must've grown up with a covenless life. Running from the law like a degenerate."
"Our son is not a degenerate!" Baba exclaimed, their voice rising in anger. "He's a kind and caring young man. I'd go as far as to say he surpasses any pretentious, young blue bloods you are instructing to become witches."
"You tell them, Rainstorm," Mom cheered. "And he's not the only one. We also have an apprentice ten times as good as any of them could be."
"Eda! Raine! Help!" Luz suddenly ran up to them in a panic.
"Luz? What's wrong?" Dell asked concern etched on his face.
"I accidentally challenged Amity to a witch's duel, and I think she's going to kill me all the way dead!"
"Mmm, it seems your student has met my strongest protégé." Lilith condescendingly kneeled to her level. "And look at those ears!" Luz covers them, blushing. "Is she human?" Lilith chuckles and stands. "Where did you even find one of these?"
"I'm starting to realize why Mom never talked about you," Dell commented while glaring at his aunt.
"Okay, Edalyn." Lilith stood up, looking her sister in the eyes. "I want to see how good a teacher you are." She walks away with a smirk, leaving the Whispers family with a sense of worry.
"We're not throwing Luz into this direwolf den, are we?" Baba asked, concern evident in their voice.
"Don't worry, I have the plan to make sure she gets out alive," Eda assured, though it did not reassure anyone in the room.
Lex was by his panel, bored but trying his best to appear focused. Aside from breaks, his time at the Covention was spent advertising Luthor Corp. products to everyone who passed by, hoping to attract new customers and investors. But he was met with disinterested glances and mostly polite refusals. He knew this was his chance to make a lasting impression on potential clients and investors, so he pushed through the monotony. However, Lex couldn't shake the feeling that something big was about to happen.
Suddenly, he spotted Loisse pacing back and forth, looking as pale as a ghost. Lex's curiosity piqued as he quickly made his way over to her. "Everything alright, Ms. Laine?" He asked.
"Oh, Lex," she said breathlessly. "Everything's fine, except that someone I know is going to die soon."
"What are you talking about?" Lex asked.
Loisse took a deep breath and explained, "I made a new friend. Her name is Luz. And she somehow got on Amity Blight's bad side. One thing led to another, and now they're about to duel in the auditorium."
"A Witch's Duel against Amity Blight? If your friend challenges her, I'm sure she is confident in her abilities."
"That's the thing, Lex. Luz is a human."
"A human? On the Boiling Isles?" Lex exclaimed. "That's unheard of. So, a human with no magic challenges Amity Blight to a duel? This could end very badly her."
"I know," Loisse said with a worried expression. "But they made an everlasting oath, and if Luz forfeits, she has to give up her dream of becoming a witch."
"Humans can't be witches," Lex stated firmly.
"That's what Amity said, but Luz is determined to prove her wrong."
While Lex believed that humans thinking they could be anything near witchkind was preposterous, Loisse seemed to feel this Luz could defy all odds. And that was enough incentive for Lex to offer his support. Plus, an opportunity to undermine the Blights was a bonus that Lex couldn't resist. He did not love the Blight family, despite them and the Luthors working together toward a common goal.
"Try to have faith in her, Loisse," Lex assured. "The human may surprise us all." As far as Lex knew, this could benefit him and his family in the long run, and he could not pass up an opportunity for personal gain.
"Step right up! Placing all bets!" A pig-like biped demon with glasses and a purple suit called out, waving a stack of papers in his hand. Lex recognized him as Tibblet-Tibblie' Tibbles' Grimm Hammer III, someone he and his father have dealt with. "Who will win? The prodigal daughter of the esteemed Blight family, or the soon-to-be-dead human who did not stand a ghost of a chance. I know who I'm putting my money on!"
Lex smirked and walked over to the pig. "Mr. Grimm Hammer," Lex said with a sly grin, "I'll take that bet." He took a check, wrote the amount, and handed it to the demon. "For the human."
"Holy Titan, that's a lot of zeroes." Tibbles' glasses glinted. "You must be confident in her."
"What are you up to, Lex?" Loisse questioned him.
Lex chuckled. "Let's just say I have faith in her victory."
Back in the auditorium, Amity and Luz are standing opposite each other. Amity cracks her knuckles while Luz waves at her nervously. Dell was in the stands with his parents, King, Willow, Gus, and Loisse. All of them, except Mom, looked nervous.
"Beloved citizens," Lilith spoke into a mic. "The Emperor's Coven proudly presents an impromptu demonstration of the sort of witch we seek every year. Introducing Amity Blight." The crowd cheered, and Amity soaked up the attention. "Versus..." Lilith points at Luz. "Some human girl." The stands were silent.
"Woo-hoo!" Baba shouted from the crowd, with everyone looking at them. "What?"
"What's Luz going to do?" Gus asked worriedly as he gripped Willow's hand tightly.
"Calm down, Goops," Mom said. "I went over this with Luz. You see those mounds." She points to the obstacles on the field. "Luz just has to get Amity to land on one of those, and she'll set off a magical landmine."
"But that's cheating!" Willow protested.
"Nobody will know. It'll look like she's performing magic to all eyes up here. Just trust me. It's better than her dying."
The bell screams, beginning the fight, and Amity traces out a large spell circle. "Abomination, rise!" An abomination that towers over the two girls groans as it rises out of the spell circle. "Whoa." Even Amity was astounded by the size of the abomination she had summoned. Luz's eyes widened as she realized the danger she was facing. "Abomination, attack!"
The massive creature lurched towards Luz, who ran for her dear life. The gooey creature twisted its head off and threw it at Luz. "Ah!" she screamed, as it just missed. The advancing abomination pushed Luz against the wall with its newly grown head. She sank to the ground in fear, whimpering.
Suddenly, a towering jet of fire erupts, forcing the abomination back. It had stepped on one of the mines.
"How did you do that?" Amity questioned Luz, surprised.
"Uh… Magic?" Luz exclaimed, shaking her hands.
The abomination steps back onto another mine, this one producing a current of air strong enough to launch it and Amity into the air. Amity screams. The abomination grunts as it lands on its back, and it catches her before she hits the ground. "You didn't use your hands! What are you getting at?"
"Not dying!" Luz screamed and ran as the abomination got up and stomped towards Luz. Suddenly, it stopped. "Huh?"
"What?" Amity was as confused. "Abomination, charge!" The abomination stood still, seemingly frozen in place. "Abomination, attack!" Still nothing.
"What's going on?" Dell asked, looking at Mom.
"I didn't put any brainwashing mines down there," Mom admitted honestly.
"Abomination!" Amity was growing more frustrated. "Obey me and attack the human!" The abomination then turned around and began to lurch towards Amity, raising an arm to crush her. She dodged just in time to avoid the abomination's powerful arm crushing her. She scrambled to her feet and cast another spell, but nothing happened. "What did you do?" She accused Luz.
"Nothing; this isn't me!" Luz yelled back, trying to figure out what was causing the abomination to attack its master.
"Someone else is controlling that abomination," Mom said.
"We have to call off the match," Dell said.
"We can't. Only Lily has the authority to do that. And if I know my sister, and I do, she will let anything slide to win."
Dell looked back at the fight. Both Luz and Amity were in danger, and if his Aunt Lilith wasn't going to stop it, he had to. Dell checked to ensure that Loisse, Gus, and Willow were focused on the match so they wouldn't notice him getting up and exiting the stands. Dell needed to find a place where no one would see him change. This became a job for Superboy!
Unbeknownst to the audience, Lex was continuously tracing a spell circle. An illusion he placed on Amity's abomination. She had instructed it to attack the human, but Lex tricked it into thinking Amity was that very human.
"Abomination, stop!" Amity commanded, her voice laced with frustration, as she traced another spell circle, but nothing happened. Lex had to suppress a chuckle. For all the talk of the Blight family's power, they were just third-rate sorcerers who knew fourth-rate spells.
Lex did have to admit he was surprised Amity managed to conjure up an abomination of such scale. Then again, Blights were all about appearances—appearing all-powerful while lacking skill. After all, he quickly took control of the abomination.
The abomination lunged at Amity. She evaded its crushing blow with an agile leap, displaying agility. This unforeseen twist left the audience in awe, their hearts racing with anticipation. As his father had taught him, a captivating performance can hold the masses in the palm of your hand.
"I bet my life savings on Amity winning," an avian demon spectator muttered. "If she dies, I'm losing it all! And my wife will kill me!"
Lex had wagered his entire fortune on Amity Blight's defeat and was determined not to let it slip away. His father's advice echoed in his mind: do whatever it takes to secure victory, even if it means manipulating the outcome.
"Amity, look out!" The human girl shouted as she pushed Amity away from being smooshed by the abomination.
The audience gasped at her action. Even Lex was surprised. He thought they were enemies, so why was the human girl going out of her way to save Amity Blight of all people? It doesn't matter; he must ensure the human is the last standing by this competition's end. A Luthor always focuses on the end goal, no matter what obstacles arise.
"What are you doing?" Amity asked Luz; her frustration was evident as she pushed Luz off her.
"I'm trying to save your life!" Luz exclaimed, grabbing Amity's hand and pulling her towards safety as the rogue abomination continued chasing them.
"I don't need your help! I can handle this alone," Amity insisted, trying to break free from Luz's grip. She traced another spell circle to stop the abomination, but it did not work like last time. "What is going on?"
As they ran, Luz noticed some magical mines ahead of them. The abomination jumped at the two girls, and Luz pulled Amity with her out of the way as the creature landed on the mines, setting off different magical traps and engulfing it in a mix of magical explosions and bright lights. Fire, ice, lightning—all sorts of elements were unleashed in the chaotic display. Was it over?
"I knew it!" Amity exclaimed, looking at Luz with anger. "You were cheating!"
Luz looked back at Amity. "I didn't set those traps," she replied. "Eda did. She was trying to help me."
"Why should I believe you?"
"Amity, I—"
"Is this what you wanted? Did you want to embarrass me? Well, congratulations, human; you did! The Emperor's Coven now thinks I'm a fool who can't even control a single abomination. You think it's so easy to be a witch. I have been working my whole life to get to the top! You cheated! So, say it! Say you're not a witch!"
Luz felt her heart sink as she looked at the ground. "I'm not a witch." She kneeled, pulling out a notepad and pencil. Amity looked confused as she kneeled with her. Luz slowly drew out the light glyph she recently learned, then tapped it. She gently cupped the ball of light produced, smiling at it. She held it up to Amity. "But I'm training hard to be one."
"That's nothing." Amity scoffed. "A child could do a light spell." Luz's expression fell. She extinguished the ball of light and turned away, scooping up her notepad. "But... I've never seen it cast like that."
"It doesn't come naturally to me like it does for you, so I've had to improvise," Luz explained softly, her voice tinged with disappointment. "I may not be the best witch, but I'm determined to keep trying until I get it right."
The abomination interrupted the moment, which survived the mines and screamed in agony as it charged at Luz and Amity. The girls were caught off guard and did not have time to react before the abomination was upon them, ready to strike. They closed their eyes and held each other, waiting for the inevitable! But it never came.
When Luz and Amity opened their eyes, they saw Superboy effortlessly stopping the abomination's hand. "Superboy!" Amity exclaimed; she had never been more glad to see him.
Dell pushed the abomination back with one hand, making it tumble onto the ground. His eyes glowed red hot as he fired his beams at it, incinerating the abomination into a pile of ashes in seconds.
He flew down to the girls. "Are you both alright?"
Luz and Amity nodded, and then Luz noticed something on the back of Amity's neck. "Amity, what's that?" She asked, reaching to pull it off.
"Ow, what are you…" Amity winced, but then her eyes widened as she realized what Luz had pulled off her was a power glyph from the Construction Coven. "How did…" Amity was speechless. "I… I swear, I didn't know I…"
"I believe you," Superboy said reassuringly, touching Amity's shoulder. "I think I know what's going on."
"Superboy!" Lilith shouted as she stormed into the arena. "What do you think you're doing here and interrupting my apprentice's fight?"
"The real question is, why did you slip a power glyph onto your apprentice?" Superboy asked, narrowing his eyes at Lilith. He held the glyph up for everyone in the stands to see. "The abomination went rogue because of this! It was too powerful for Ms. Blight to control!"
The revelation shocked everyone in the audience. Those who were once cheering for Amity's victory gasped. Lilith's face turned pale—as pale as it could be with her naturally white complexion.
"Ah-ha! Yes, yes, yes-yes-yes!" Luz's mentor was cheering, clearly pleased with the turn of events. She was even dancing. "Perfect, prissy Lilith cheated. Hot dang, this is the best thing ever!"
Superboy's accusation had caught Lilith off guard, but she quickly composed herself and responded, "I did what I had to do to ensure victory for my apprentice."
"So winning was more important to you?" Superboy pressed, his voice filled with disbelief.
"Don't act so naïve. Winning is everything. Amity understands." Lilith looked at her apprentice. "Right?"
"Don't speak to me," Amity snapped, her eyes narrowing in anger. "I trusted you." She ran out of the auditorium.
"Amity, wait!" Luz chased after her.
"I thought being the leader of the Emperor's Coven made you better than this," Superboy said.
Lilith retorted, "I won't listen to some alien who thinks he knows everything. You have no idea what it takes to lead, especially in a cutthroat competition like this."
Superboy looked taken aback at first but quickly composed himself. "Maybe I don't know what it takes to lead, but I know when someone has lost their way," Superboy replied, his tone firm. "And you, Lilith, have lost yours." And with that, Superboy flew out of the arena.
Everyone exited the auditorium, with Loisse, Gus, and Willow looking for Luz, who chased after Amity. And maybe they'll find Dell, who disappeared when things got chaotic inside.
"Hey, guys!" Luz called out as she caught up to them, a relieved smile on her face. "I found Amity, and she's okay."
"That got crazy in there!" Gus exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you made it out in one piece."
Willow nodded in agreement, grateful for Luz's quick thinking and bravery. "Wait, what about the everlasting oath?" She asked.
"Oh, Amity took care of it," Luz said casually, shrugging off the tension. "I can continue practicing being a witch with no problems."
"That's great to hear," Loisse said, a sense of relief washing over her. "Hey, you wouldn't have happened to know where Dell is, do you?"
"I'm right here," Dell ran up to the group. "Sorry about that. Something I ate did not sit well with me. What did I miss?"
"Superboy showed up and saved the day!" Gus exclaimed.
"And Lilith was cheating by using a power glyph." Willow continued.
"You're kidding?" Dell said in disbelief. "I can't believe I missed all the action."
"I'll tell you all about it when we get back to the Owl House," Luz said, winking to Dell for some reason.
"I'll also have one heck of a story to publish," Loisse said. "The leader of the Emperor's Coven caught cheating will sell like hotcakes!" She then looked over at Dell. "And uh, Dell. Luz asked me not to say anything, but…"
"Lilith is my aunt," Dell finished. "Luz told me she told you."
"Oh, okay. I'm sorry that your meeting with her didn't go as planned.
"Thank you."
"There you kid are?" Raine said as they, along with King and Eda, approached the group. "I don't know about you, but I've had enough of this place for one day."
"Same." Both Dell and Luz said simultaneously.
"Come on, let's head back home and eat snacks while watching crappy soap operas," Edas suggested.
"Sounds like a plan," King chimed in.
"Hey, Eda. Raine," Luz began, making the two adults look at her. "Do you think I'll ever be a true witch?"
"Don't know," Eda shrugged. "But who's a true witch? According to these suckers, it means being in a coven, but Rainstorm and I never joined, and we're better off for it."
"You gotta be a witch your way," Raine said.
"My way," Luz repeated, her expression brightening.
"Let's go before my sister realizes I tied her pointy shoes together." Following Eda's words, Lilith screamed, "EDALYN!" in the distance. "And that's our cue!" With that, the Whispers family took their leave.
While things didn't go exactly as planned, Lex still didn't lose the bet, and Tibbles—after some angry gamblers threatened to turn him into bacon—returned everyone's money. Still, seeing Amity Blight be humiliated in front of her peers and the Emperor's Coven was worth it. The Covention was wrapping up, and he would be expected to return home.
"Ungrateful child," Lex stopped as he heard Lilith Clawthorne grumbling to herself, trying to untie her shoes. "I can't believe she had the gall to say she no longer wanted me as a mentor! Me! After everything I've done to help her!"
Well, Lex was surprised to find out about this. From Lilith's tone, it sounded like Amity left being her apprentice. It was Amity's loss not to want Lilith as a mentor anymore. Another piece of advice from his father came to mind: One witch's loss is another witch's gain.
Lex approached Lilith. "Allow me, Miss Clawthorne." Lex knelt and helped her untie her shoes, freeing her.
"Thank you; you have no idea how annoying that was," Lilith said.
Lex smiled. "It was my pleasure, Miss Clawthorne. And remember, plenty of witches out there would be lucky to have you as their mentor."
Lilith looked at Lex suspiciously. "You overheard me? Of course, you did."
"I apologize for eavesdropping, but I couldn't help but notice that a position for apprenticeship is now open, and I would love to learn from someone as skilled and experienced as you." Lex's sincerity softened Lilith's expression. "Especially from someone who also knows what it takes to win."
"I can see the eagerness in your eyes. The ambition." Lilith said. "You remind me of a younger me. What's your name, boy?"
"Alexander Luthor. But you can call me Lex. So, do we have a deal?"
Lex's boldness and determination impressed Lilith, who saw a spark of potential in him. "Welcome aboard, Lex. Let's see what you're made of," she said with a smile, extending her hand for a handshake. Lex eagerly shook her hand.
Note: Henry Ironsmith is the Boiling Isles equivalent to John Henry Irons / Steel. And we have our introduction to the Luthors.
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