Chapter 208: My mother isn’t weak!
"Momo... is he your father?"
Nina asked gently, though the certainty in the man’s voice had already told her the answer.
Momo hesitated, but he didn’t dare lie to her. "...Maybe. He just... feels familiar."
Nina understood at once. It was a bloodline connection.
Her gaze returned to the massive serpent on the screen. What a coincidence... to find Momo’s father here, of all places.
But why had he been captured too?
Since he was Momo’s father, she felt more at ease speaking openly. At the very least, he wouldn’t harm his own child.
"Can you tell me where you are?" Nina asked.
"We’re in the underground stone prison beneath Barbarian City."
Idir paused before adding, "You... shouldn’t come. It’s too dangerous here. I’ll find a way to get Momo out."
Barbarian City was no place for a female. And lately, he had managed to loosen the chains slightly—if he gathered enough strength, he might be able to break free.
A sharp glint flashed through his eyes.
This time, he would not be captured again.
"Momo is my child," Nina said firmly. "No matter how dangerous it is, I will come for him."
Her voice did not waver. "If you’re willing, we can work together when I arrive. We’ll get him out together."
He knew nothing about Barbarian City. If he could assist—even a little—it might make all the difference.
Though... bound as he was, his help might be limited. Still, information alone could be invaluable.
A faint warmth stirred in Idir’s chest.
This female... she truly cared for their child. She was willing to risk her life for him.
"But the entire city answers to Yosan," he said quietly. "Your mates alone won’t be enough. You’d only be throwing your lives away."
He let out a low breath. "And you... you’re a delicate female. You shouldn’t be coming to a place like this."
How could a handful of warriors stand against an entire city?
And Barbarian City... was never meant for someone like her.
Momo immediately bristled, his little voice full of indignation.
"My mom isn’t weak! She’s amazing! She’ll definitely save me! And my dads are all really strong too—and Grandpa and the uncles!"
His chest puffed up proudly. His mother was the strongest. She would crush that bad man and bring him home. This big bad snake didn’t know anything.
"Even so, I will come," Nina said steadily. "I won’t abandon him."
Warmth spread through Momo’s heart. His mother... was the best in the world. He wasn’t afraid anymore.
Idir fell silent for a moment, something shifting in his gaze.
He had never imagined a female would love a serpent cub like this—let alone one burdened by a curse.
Most females avoided serpent offspring.
But she was different. And she was brave.
"...Alright," he said at last, his tone softer. "I’ll cooperate with you."
He glanced at Momo.
The little one’s confidence was almost excessive—how powerful could a female be without abilities? Still... perhaps her mates were formidable.
A child admiring his mother was only natural.
He couldn’t break free yet. But perhaps he could get Momo out first—he was still so young. He shouldn’t have to endure this.
And as for himself... he would recover his strength. When the time came, he might even be able to help them.
"Then tell me everything you know about Barbarian City," Nina said. "How do I get into the underground prison?"
"There are many formations set by Yosan throughout the city," Idir replied. "When you arrive, be extremely careful. The city lord is allied with him—do not seek his help."
His gaze flicked toward the heavy stone door.
"The prison lies beneath the central city lord’s residence. The entrances are heavily guarded..."
He went on, describing the layout of the City and the prison in detail.
Nina listened carefully, committing every word to memory as she began forming a plan.
After a while, faint sounds echoed from beyond the door.
Idir fell silent instantly.
A narrow gap opened in the stone door. From outside, a few pieces of meat were tossed in before it slammed shut again just as quickly.
"Little female, I’ve told you everything I can about this place. Have your mates discuss the rest carefully," Idir said after some time.
"Alright. Then I’ll leave it at that for now. Please... take care of Momo for me," Nina replied.
"You don’t need to thank me. That’s my responsibility," Idir said, glancing at the small cub. "I’ll look after him."
"Thank you."
Nina softened her voice as she turned back to Momo. "Momo, don’t be afraid. Stay there and wait for me. I’ll come for you soon."
Momo nodded obediently. "Okay, Mom. I’ll wait for you."
"I’ll hang up for now. If anything dangerous happens, use the protective barrier I gave you, alright?"
She had prepared portable shields for all her cubs—just in case.
"Got it."
With that, Nina ended the call.
Idir glanced at the scraps of meat nearby and said, "Hungry? Go eat."
There wasn’t much—barely enough to fill his teeth. Clearly, it had been thrown in for the cub.
Momo frowned at the raw meat, his little face wrinkling in disgust. "I don’t want raw meat. I want milk."
Idir’s gaze sharpened. "You’re a serpent. What do you need milk for? Go eat the meat."
Momo fluttered stubbornly into a corner. "I’m not eating that gross stuff. I want milk."
A trace of impatience entered Idir’s voice. "There’s no milk here. Only raw meat. Eat it or stay hungry."
Had that female really been raising him on milk?
She was far too indulgent.
Serpents ate meat. That was how it worked. Even if she didn’t understand, surely her mates should. And now this brat was being picky with him.
Momo turned his back, ignoring him completely.
Big bad snake. He said he’d take care of him, and now he was being mean.
Idir didn’t bother arguing further. He simply closed his eyes. When the cub got hungry enough, he’d eat.
***
Elsewhere, in the grand hall of Barbarian City lord’s residence, Yosan sat in silence as a graceful, alluring woman approached.
"What does the great shaman require of me?" Zena asked.
"In a while, several powerful males will arrive in the city," Yosan replied. "I want you to use your ability on them. Bend them to your will."
Zena’s power was unique—irresistible. Males fell under her spell easily, even to the point of betraying their mates.
He had used her before—to gather strong warriors... and sacrifices.
This time would be no different.
When the moment came, she would approach Nina’s mates and subordinates, turning them against her.
He would strip Nina of her support—leave her isolated, betrayed... and deliver her into his hands.
A flicker of numbness passed through Zena’s eyes. "Yes, my lord."
"Prepare yourself," Yosan continued. "They’ll be here soon. I’ll inform you of their movements."
A faint smile curved his lips. "They’re exceptional males. You’ll be pleased."
Zena smiled, her beauty almost hypnotic. "Then I’ll be looking forward to it."
With that, she turned and swayed away.
Yosan’s gaze drifted toward the distance, dark and expectant.
Nina... I’ll be waiting.
***
After a long stretch of effort, Odian finally completed the array. Nina and the others stood within its glowing lines.
"Nina, are you ready? I’m activating it," he said.
She nodded. "I’m ready."
Odian raised his staff and poured power into the formation.
Light erupted—blinding, overwhelming.
In an instant, they vanished.
When Nina’s vision cleared, she found herself standing in utter darkness.
Cold. Silent. Empty.
And she was alone.
Odian... the others... were nowhere to be seen.