When Mike finished speaking, a strange energy began to emanate from the artifacts. The dark artifact pulsed with a malevolent power, while the good artifact shone with a warm, golden light. The present king's eyes widened in terror as the curse began to seep into him, its dark influence recoiling in response to the ritual. He struggled against Gidado and TJ's grip, but they held him firm.
The group's could feel the power of the artifacts coursing through the air, and they knew that the ritual was working. And then, in a sudden burst of energy, the curse was broken. The present king's body slumped forward, his eyes glazing over as he lost consciousness. The group held their breath, waiting to see if the ritual had been successful.
As the curse was broken, a sudden commotion erupted outside the king's chambers. The sound of cheering and rejoicing filled the air, growing louder with each passing moment. The people of Ile-Ife were celebrating, their voices carrying on the wind as they realized that the darkness and despair that had gripped their planet for so long was finally lifting. Inside the chambers, the group watched in amazement as the former king appeared, his hybrid form radiating an otherworldly aura. His animal features were still prominent, but as they watched, he started to transform, his body gradually regaining its full human shape.
The group's faces were filled with joy and wonder as they gazed at the former king. Mike's eyes shone with tears of relief, and his expression was one of deep gratitude. Gidado's face was split with a wide grin, his eyes sparkling with excitement. TJ's face reflected the hope and excitement that filled the air, his eyes wide with amazement. The rest of the group, including all the members, wore similar expressions, their faces aglow with happiness and anticipation. They were all overjoyed, their faces reflecting the hope and excitement that filled the air.
The former king's eyes were filled with a mix of confusion and gratitude as he looked around at the group. As he continued to transform, his human features becoming more defined, the group's excitement grew. They knew that this was a momentous occasion, one that marked the beginning of a new era for Ile-Ife.
The noise outside the chambers grew louder, with drums beating and people singing. The group's smiles broadened as they listened to the sounds of celebration, knowing that the people of Ile-Ife were rejoicing at their freedom. The atmosphere in the chambers was electric, filled with a sense of hope and possibility. The air was charged with excitement, and the group's energy was palpable.
The former king, now almost fully human, looked around at the group, his eyes filled with gratitude. He tried to speak, but his voice was hoarse from disuse. "Welcome back, Your Majesty," Mike said, his voice filled with respect. The former king smiled, his eyes shining with tears. "Thank you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for freeing me."
As the group watched, the former king took a deep breath, his chest expanding with newfound freedom. He looked around at his people, his eyes filled with a sense of purpose and determination. "I will rebuild our planet," he said, his voice growing stronger. "I will make sure that Ile-Ife prospers once more." The group cheered, their voices mingling with the celebrations outside. Gidado let out a loud whoop, while TJ and the others clapped and cheered. Mike smiled, his eyes still shining with tears, as he looked at the former king with admiration and respect.
Just as the former king was about to continue, the present king, who had betrayed him, slowly regained consciousness. The former king's eyes locked onto him, and his expression turned somber, his brow furrowed in disappointment and sadness. His eyes, once filled with warmth and friendship, now held a deep hurt and sense of betrayal.
"I trusted you," he said, his voice filled with sadness and disappointment. "I considered you more than a friend, and what did you do? You betrayed me." His voice cracked with emotion, and his gaze bore into the present king's soul.
The present king looked up at his former friend, his eyes pleading for mercy. His face was etched with fear, his skin pale and clammy. "I am sorry, please forgive me," he begged, his voice shaking with fear. His eyes welled up with tears, and he looked down, unable to meet the former king's gaze.
The crowd outside, now gathered at the palace, sensed the tension and began to shout, "Kill him! Kill him!" Their voices echoed through the chambers, demanding justice for the former king's suffering. Their faces were twisted in anger, their fists clenched in rage. They were a sea of red faces, their eyes blazing with a desire for revenge.