Mordo swept both hands through the air, unleashing his mystic art: Crimson Bands of Cyttorak!
More than a dozen thick red magical chains appeared out of thin air, coiling around Strange's limbs and torso like venomous snakes.
Strange struggled desperately, trying to slice through the red energy with the Mantis Blades on his arms. This time, however, the vibranium blades merely sent ripples across the chains, unable to sever them.
"These were prepared especially for you, Strange," Mordo said expressionlessly. "You cannot break free of these chains."
Strange gritted his teeth, veins bulging across his neck and forehead.
"Enough talk, Mordo. Finish him, and we'll report back to the Illuminati."
Maria remained impassive. Having weathered countless conflicts across the universe, she had long since grown accustomed to killing.
"Agreed."
A longsword covered in intricate runes formed in Mordo's hand.
He walked up to Strange and pressed its tip against his heart.
"Perish, Stephen Strange. For the future of Earth-838."
Mordo shifted his wrist, ready to drive the blade home.
Bang!
A gunshot rang out.
Mordo stopped. He turned his head toward the sound.
Christine, who should have been hiding in the wine cellar, had emerged without anyone noticing.
She stood in the shadows beside the church, holding an old Lancaster Lever-Action Rifle. A wisp of smoke still curled from its muzzle.
Her hands trembled slightly, but her gaze was unwavering.
"Let him go!" Christine shouted, working the lever again and aiming at Mordo. "Get out of our home!"
"Christine! Run!" Strange roared at the top of his lungs.
The red chains constricted him so tightly he could barely breathe, yet he still fought with all his strength to break free.
Mordo frowned, seemingly irritated by her futile defiance.
At that moment, the Ultron robot closest to Christine spun around.
Its