As the hell projection was destroyed, the Ancient One sensed something in Kamar-Taj.
She opened her eyes, surprise and uncertainty crossing her face.
"The aura of Hell?"
As the Sorcerer Supreme, no one understood the powers of those dimensions better than she did.
She had never expected a visitor from Hell to slip into this world despite her comprehensive surveillance.
"Mordo," she called softly.
A dark-skinned man in sorcerer's robes entered through the door. He clasped his hands and bowed respectfully. "Sorcerer Supreme."
"Tell the Sanctums to prepare their defenses. I need to leave for a while."
With that, the Ancient One raised her hand, and sparks opened a portal.
Mordo nodded without asking where she was going.
He held absolute reverence and trust for the Ancient One.
He turned and left to notify the Sanctum at Kamar-Taj.
The Ancient One stepped through the portal alone, and the scene before her changed.
When she emerged, she was inside a house.
"You're late."
John's voice rang out, and the Ancient One turned to look.
The Wizard King was already waiting.
"Wizard King."
"Sorcerer Supreme."
The two greeted each other by their titles.
The Ancient One's gaze settled on Ariana.
She sensed a familiar power emanating from Ariana.
At the same time, she realized that she truly had arrived too late.
The aura of Hell was dissipating, leaving only traces of magic behind.
"It seems I owe you a favor, Wizard King." Smiling, the Ancient One looked at Ariana. "And who is this?"
"My younger sister, Ariana Wick." John waved dismissively. "We made a deal. This doesn't count as a favor."
Bombing Hell had merely been something he did along the way. Saving his sister had been his real priority.
Ariana's gaze settled on the Ancient One's head, curiosity hidden in her