The battered Toyota rattles to a stop in front of a sprawling mansion in Obawole, Oremeji. The compound hums—literally. A low, electric buzz vibrates in the air, and the iron gates swing open on their own. David, still clutching his orphanage bag, stares wide-eyed. The mansion is old colonial architecture, but the walls shimmer with faint star-glyphs that pulse like breathing constellations. Palm trees sway, their leaves edged with Golden light.
"Wow," David breathes. "So I go dey live here with you, right?"
Chika steps out, staff tapping the ground. "Yeah, my son. Welcome home."
David's brow furrows. "But Oga… why you adopt me? Because of this?" He lifts the carved scorpion pendant. "E no mean I special. Am just a ordinary boy."