Chapter Text

Present Day - February 23, 2023

Luz shifted in her seat, the cold metal of the interrogation room chair sending a shiver up her spine. She took a deep breath, the weight of the past four months heavy on her shoulders. Across the table, a shadowy figure leaned forward, their pen scratching against a notepad, eyes fixed intently on her.

“So, after defeating Belos, you and your friends returned to the Boiling Isles,” the interviewer prompted, voice steady but probing.

“Right,” Luz continued, her voice steady despite the tension. “We thought everything would finally be normal again. Eda was trying to rebuild the Owl House, King was… well, being King, and I was just trying to figure out how to balance my life between the two worlds.”

The interviewer’s expression remained unreadable, but Luz sensed a flicker of interest.

“Normal? What did ‘normal’ look like for you?” they asked, leaning slightly closer.

Luz smiled wistfully. “It was chaotic, but in a good way. We had our magic, our friends… It felt like home. But then, things started to change. The portal… it was always there, but it became harder to ignore.”

She hesitated, recalling the moments of unease that began to creep in. “People were curious about the human realm. And then… the Department of Homeland Security got involved.”

The interviewer’s pen paused, their gaze sharpening. “And that’s when everything escalated?”

“Exactly,” Luz replied, her heart racing at the memory. “What began as simple curiosity turned into something much darker. They wanted to know everything—what we could do, how we did it. It felt like we were under a microscope.”

“Continue,” the interviewer urged, the tension in the room palpable.

Luz took another deep breath, steeling herself as she prepared to recount the events that had set everything in motion—the revelations, the conflicts, and the choices that would ultimately change both realms forever.

November 30, 2022

Luz and Vee strolled up the path to their home, the late afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the quaint house with its pristine white walls and cheerful blue roof. Vee had finally started to feel at home in this space, her nervousness about the human realm easing with every passing day.

As they stepped inside, the comforting scent of herbal tea filled the air, mingling with the cozy warmth of the living room. Luz smiled at the sight of Eda and Camila sitting together on the couch, deep in conversation.

“Hey, you two!” Luz called out, her voice brightening the room.

Eda looked up, a playful grin spreading across her face. “Look who’s home! How was school? Any new adventures in the land of math and history?”

Vee laughed softly, her eyes glinting with amusement. “Just the usual drama. Nothing compared to the Boiling Isles!”

Camila set her cup down, turning to greet them with a warm smile. “Welcome back! We were just discussing plans to rebuild Bonesborough. Eda has some wild ideas.”

“Wild? I prefer ‘innovative,’” Eda said, leaning back with a smirk. “Imagine a giant, magical treehouse! A central hub for all our shenanigans!”

Luz plopped down beside her, excitement bubbling within. “That sounds amazing! We could have a library, a training area, and maybe even a snack corner!”

Vee listened intently, her eyes lighting up at the thought. “A place where everyone can come together… I love it!”

Camila nodded, her expression shifting to one of concern. “It’s important to make sure everyone feels safe while we rebuild. We don’t want any surprises after what happened with Belos.”

Eda’s expression turned serious for a moment. “Yeah, we’ve got to keep an eye out. The world has changed, and so have we.”

As they chatted about their plans, Luz couldn’t shake the feeling that something was on the horizon—an unease that lingered just out of sight. But for now, they were together, and that made everything feel possible.

Later that night, the moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the landscape as Luz and Eda made their way to the portal. The air was crisp, and an unsettling silence surrounded them. Eda paused at the entrance, her expression a mix of nostalgia and concern.

“Guess this is it for tonight,” Eda said, a hint of sadness in her voice. “I’ll miss our late-night chats.”

Luz felt a lump in her throat. “Me too, Eda. You’ve been like family to me.”

Eda smiled softly, her eyes shimmering in the moonlight. “You’ve got a bright future ahead, Luz. Just remember to be careful. Things aren’t the same anymore.”

As they stood there, the weight of unspoken fears hung between them. Luz reached out, taking Eda’s hand. “We’ll always find a way back to each other. No matter what happens.”

Just then, the serene moment shattered. The roar of engines echoed through the night, and blinding lights flooded the area, casting sharp shadows against the trees. A voice boomed from the darkness, cold and authoritative.

“SHOW ME YOUR HANDS!”

Luz's heart raced, confusion and fear overwhelming her. “Eda, what’s happening?”

Before she could process the situation, Eda’s grip tightened. “Luz, go! Now!”

In an instant, Eda pushed Luz through the portal, urgency in her eyes. “Get to safety!”

Luz turned back just as she saw figures in tactical gear rushing toward them. “Eda, wait!”

But it was too late. Eda was grabbed by one of the operatives, their grip strong and unyielding. Luz reached out, desperation flooding her. “Eda!”

Eda’s eyes locked onto hers, fierce and determined. Without hesitation, Eda turned and slammed the portal door shut, severing the connection between realms. Luz felt the world around her shift as the door closed, a mix of fear and heartbreak flooding her.

Luz was left standing alone in the dark, the echoes of the night haunting her. All she could hear was the thundering of her heart and the memory of Eda’s voice urging her to stay strong.

Chapter Text

The portal door slammed shut with a finality that echoed through Luz's bones, the sound reverberating off the ancient trees of the Boiling Isles like a death knell. Darkness enveloped her, the cold night air biting at her skin, but it was nothing compared to the chill of dread coursing through her veins.

Luz stood frozen, her hand still outstretched where the door had been moments before. Eda... gone. The reality of it crashed into her with the weight of a thousand falling stars, each one a reminder of how quickly everything had changed. Panic clawed at her insides, its icy fingers wrapping around her heart and squeezing until she could barely breathe.

She had seen fear in Eda’s eyes, a rare glimpse of vulnerability in the woman who had taught her so much about strength and resilience. The memory of it flickered in her mind, stoking the fires of her own terror. What would they do to Eda? The thought was unbearable, suffocating.

Luz's mind raced, images and scenarios flashing like wildfire. Every dreadful possibility, every horrifying outcome played out in vivid detail. They had come for them with such precision, such certainty. Were they watching them now? Was she next? The questions multiplied, each more frantic than the last.

She could feel herself spiraling, her thoughts a whirlpool dragging her down into darkness. Despair nipped at her heels, ready to swallow her whole. Luz squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the world, to find some anchor in the storm that threatened to tear her apart.

"Hey! Luz!"

The voice cut through her turmoil, sharp and urgent. It was King. She hadn’t even heard him approach, so lost was she in her own head. Blinking away tears, she turned toward the small figure standing before her, his big eyes filled with worry.

King stepped closer, his expression torn between confusion and concern. "Luz, you're freaking me out. What happened? Where’s Eda?" His voice trembled slightly, betraying his own fear.

The concern in King's voice was a lifeline, pulling Luz back from the edge of her panic. She realized she wasn’t alone; she still had responsibilities, people who relied on her. Shaking, she wiped her face, trying to muster the composure she needed to face him, to be strong for him.

Taking a deep breath, Luz forced the words out. "Something bad has happened, King. We need to get back to the house. We have to figure out what to do next."

As they hurried back to the Owl House, the weight of her task loomed large. But with King by her side, Luz felt a flicker of determination. They would find a way to bring Eda back, no matter what it took.

The Owl House loomed ahead, its familiar contours a welcome sight amidst the chaos of the night. As Luz and King crossed the threshold, the weight of the wooden door closing behind them seemed to echo louder than usual, resonating with the lingering finality of the portal door's slam.

Inside, the living room was dimly lit, shadows dancing across the walls from the flickering light of a single candle on the table. Luz slumped onto the couch, her body heavy with exhaustion and fear. The fabric beneath her felt oddly comforting, a small semblance of normalcy in a night that had twisted into a nightmare.

King scampered off to the kitchen. "I'll get you something to drink, okay? You look like you could use it."

Luz nodded mutely, grateful for King's presence but too wrapped up in her own tumultuous thoughts to express it. As she sat there, the silence of the room seemed to press in on her, and her mind raced once again.

She needed a plan. Who had taken Eda? What did they want? Who had the resources and motive to storm through a magical portal with such force? Her thoughts spun out, each one sparking new fears and questions.

Then, a sudden, sharp pang of realization cut through her spiraling thoughts. Vee and Mom. Her heart thudded painfully against her ribs. They were in the human realm, potentially exposed and vulnerable. If those who attacked them knew about her connections, her mom and Vee could be in danger too. The thought of them being targeted, being in danger because of her, sent a fresh wave of panic coursing through her.

Luz’s breath hitched, her hands trembling as she clutched at the cushions. “No, no, no,” she whispered, her mind conjuring images of her mom and Vee facing unknown threats.

King returned then, a glass of water in his claws. He paused at the sight of her. “Luz?”

Luz looked up, her eyes wide and haunted. She took the glass with a shaky hand, managing a weak smile for King's benefit.

“Thanks, King,” Luz said as she took a sip, trying to steady her trembling hands. She set the glass down, pulling herself together as King sat beside her, his large eyes filled with concern.

“King, something terrible has happened,” Luz began, her voice low and urgent. “Those people, they took Eda. They came out of nowhere, and... and I couldn’t stop them.” Her words stumbled out, each one laced with guilt and helplessness.

King’s ears flattened against his head. “What? But why would they take Eda? What are we going to do?”

Luz’s mind raced. They needed a plan, but more importantly, they needed more people. They couldn’t handle this alone. “I don’t know all the answers yet, King, but we need help. We need more people, more minds to figure this out.”

Her thoughts flew to their allies, but many were out of reach or unable to help in such a dire situation. The Collector, who might have wielded enough power and knowledge, was far away, unreachable among the stars. That avenue closed, Luz’s mind turned to the first person who sprang to her heart in times of need.

Without another moment’s hesitation, she grabbed her phone from her pocket and dialed a familiar number. After a few tense rings, a voice answered, weary yet alert.

“Luz? Is everything okay?”

“Amity, I...” Luz paused, her throat tight. “It’s Eda. She’s been taken by some group. I don’t know who they are, but they were organized and dangerous. I need your help. Can you come over?”

There was a brief silence, then a determined sigh from the other end. “Of course, Luz. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

Relief washed over Luz, not just at the confirmation of help, but at the sound of a familiar and trusted voice. “Thank you, Amity. Be careful, okay?”

“I will. See you soon,” Amity replied, and then the line went dead.

Luz put her phone away and looked at King, who was watching her with a mix of awe and anxiety. “Amity’s coming. We’ll start with her. We’re going to figure this out, King. We have to.”

King nodded, his small form puffing up with resolve. “We’ll get Eda back, Luz. We’ll do whatever it takes.”

Luz leaned back against the couch, allowing herself a moment to feel the strength of their bond. Yes, they were up against something big and frightening, but together, they had a fighting chance.

Half an hour later, the front door of the Owl House creaked open. Amity Blight stepped in, her silhouette framed by the soft glow of the doorway, her staff in hand with her palisman, Ghost, perched at the top. Her expression was serious, eyes scanning the room before resting on Luz. Ghost sprang to life and the rest of the staff vanished.

Before Amity could utter a greeting, Luz rushed towards her. The impact of their sudden embrace echoed softly in the quiet room. Amity's initial surprise melted into concern as she felt the tension in Luz's body.

“Luz, what’s going on? Are you okay?” Amity's voice was muffled against Luz’s shoulder.

Pulling back slightly, Luz hurriedly began to recount the night's terrifying events, her words tumbling out in a frantic rush. “It was so fast, Amity. One moment Eda and I were at the portal, and the next, these... these people with lights and weapons just appeared. They took Eda!” Her voice broke, eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

Amity's eyes widened in shock, her hand instinctively tightening around Luz’s. “Who were they? Do you have any idea why they would take her?”

“I don’t know exactly who they are, but they were organized and armed. It felt like they knew exactly what they were doing,” Luz continued, her mind racing as she began to speculate about the motives. “This has to have something to do with the portal. Maybe they're trying to control it or learn from Eda how to use it.”

Ghost jumped up from the floor onto Amity’s shoulder, giving a small purr. Amity nodded, her expression grim but determined. “We need to act quickly then. The longer Eda is with them, the more dangerous it could get. Not just for her, but potentially for both realms.”

Luz nodded vigorously, the presence of her friend bolstering her resolve. “Exactly. We can’t let them use the portal. There’s no telling what they could do if they manage to bring their technology or... or whatever intentions they have to the Boiling Isles.”

Amity released Luz’s hand and began pacing, her mind working through the situation. “We’ll need to gather more allies, Luz. And we need more information. Do you think you can try to remember anything else about them? Anything at all that could help us find out who they are or what they want?”

Luz closed her eyes, trying to conjure up the chaotic images of the night. “I’ll try. Maybe I can sketch something that could jog my memory.” She moved to a table and began to pull out some papers and pencils.

Watching her, Amity felt a surge of protective affection. “I’m here with you, Luz. We’ll figure this out together. Let’s start making a plan.”

As they settled down with paper scattered around them, the room filled with a new energy, one of determination and the beginnings of a strategy. Together, they began to outline their next steps, their minds focused on rescue and understanding the mysterious threat that had breached their world.

Chapter Text

Present Day

In the interrogation room, the silence was almost palpable. The stark, unadorned gray walls and the lone clock ticking away each second underscored the gravity of the situation. Camila Noceda sat alone, her thoughts swirling with concern for Luz and Vee, alongside her own safety. Her heart raced as she replayed the events that had led to this moment, each scenario playing out in her mind like a dire prophecy.

The sharp click of the door lock snapped her back to the present. The door swung open, revealing a woman in her late thirties to early forties with long, flowing dark brown hair. Her presence commanded attention, her body language exuding professionalism as she entered the room.

With measured steps, the woman approached the table where Camila sat, placing a folder down before taking a seat opposite her. The folder bore a seal depicting an upside-down pyramid with an eagle clutching a key and a sword, and the words TOP SECRET stamped in bold, slightly off-center red letters beneath it.

“Mrs. Noceda, I’m Agent Nasreen Malik,” the woman introduced herself, her voice conveying a mix of authority and empathy. "Thank you for waiting. We appreciate your cooperation as we try to understand the recent events concerning your daughter and the incidents related to the portal."

Camila nodded, her anxiety mingling with a cautious resolve. The presence of such an official seal indicated the seriousness of the issue at hand, which seemed to extend far beyond her initial fears.

Agent Malik opened the folder, her eyes briefly scanning the contents before looking back up at Camila. “We've been monitoring activities that suggest there are connections between what we refer to as 'anomalous events' and Luz’s experiences. Your insights could be invaluable in helping us piece everything together."

Camila swallowed hard, her mind racing to grasp the implications of the agent's words. The stakes were incredibly high, and her responses could tip the balance in unpredictable ways.

“I want to help, Agent Malik, but first, I need assurance that Luz is safe,” Camila stated firmly, her protective instincts at the forefront.

The agent nodded, her expression softening slightly. “We share the same priority, Mrs. Noceda—ensuring the safety of all involved. Let’s start with everything you know about the portal.”

As Camila began to recount what she knew, each word carefully measured, the weight of her narrative filled the room. The implications of her story extended far beyond the walls of the interrogation room, potentially impacting two interconnected worlds.

November 30, 2022

The evening at Camila Noceda’s home had unfolded with the gentle predictability that she cherished. As the sun set, casting a warm glow through the kitchen window, she and Vee, alongside Eda earlier, had discussed the future and reminisced about past adventures. They had laughed together, Eda's stories from the Boiling Isles mingling with Camila's anecdotes from her days as a young woman. After Eda left, the house felt quieter, but the warmth of the connection lingered.

Now, as the kitchen lights cast a soft hue over the countertops, Camila and Vee were winding down from their dinner. The meal had been simple but satisfying, and the cleanup felt almost therapeutic. Vee hummed a tune, a catchy melody that Camila recognized from one of her old records, and she couldn't help but join in. Their voices blended in a harmonious duet, filling the kitchen with music and a sense of contentment.

Camila wiped her hands on a dish towel and smiled at Vee. “You have a lovely voice,” she said, her voice infused with maternal pride. Vee grinned back, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

“Learned from the best,” Vee quipped, gesturing with a soapy sponge. They shared a laugh, the sound echoing softly against the tiled walls.

As they sang, they moved together in an easy rhythm—Vee loading the dishwasher with practiced ease, and Camila storing the leftovers in containers, destined for tomorrow’s lunch. The routine was comforting, a moment of normalcy that Camila cherished especially since Luz and Vee had entered her life with their extraordinary circumstances.

They had just started on the second verse of the song, their voices rising in a playful challenge to hit the high notes, when the outside world abruptly crashed into their serene domesticity. The screech of tires on the pavement outside was shockingly loud, so out of place in their quiet neighborhood that both of them paused, a spoon suspended mid-air, a dish half-way to the dishwasher.

The ominous thump of helicopter blades followed, growing louder as bright lights suddenly enveloped the house, slicing through the curtains and casting stark shadows across the kitchen. The cozy warmth of the room was replaced by a creeping chill of dread.

Before they could fully grasp the situation, the front door was forcefully opened. Men in tactical gear flooded into the house, their movements swift and coordinated. "Hands up! Show me your hands!" they commanded, their voices booming and authoritative.

Camila, caught off guard, slowly raised her hands, her heart racing as she faced the entrance to the kitchen. The men's faces were stern, their eyes scanning rapidly.

Vee, who had been facing away, turned slowly, her hand still clutching a wet knife. "Drop the knife! Drop it now!" one of the operatives shouted. With a clatter, the knife hit the floor, and Vee complied with the rest of the commands, her movements careful and deliberate as she stepped out from behind the island, turned around, and knelt with her hands on her head.

As one of the men approached Vee, rifle slung and another covering him, the rest of the team kept their weapons trained on Camila and the stairs, securing the scene with practiced efficiency.

The peaceful night had turned into a scene of confusion and fear, the reasons for which were as yet unknown to Camila. Her mind raced with worry for Vee and the potential dangers they now faced, all under the harsh, unforgiving lights of the tactical team’s scrutiny.

As Vee was secured and kneeling quietly, the tactical team’s attention quickly turned to Camila. “Step away from the island, ma'am, move towards the stairway,” one of the operatives ordered, his voice stern but controlled. Camila, her heart thudding in her chest, complied without resistance, her mind racing with thoughts of Luz and what this intrusion could mean for their safety.

The operatives escorted Camila with swift precision. As they led her from the kitchen, her gaze flickered to the other men who continued deeper into the house. They moved room to room with calculated efficiency, their steps quick and their checks thorough, ensuring no corner remained unchecked, no potential threat unassessed.

Once outside, the night air did little to cool Camila’s rising panic. The street was lined with unmarked vehicles, their engines idling softly in the quiet night. She saw Vee being led to one of the vehicles, her face etched with confusion and fear. Just beyond, emerging from the shadows of the forest, Camila caught sight of Eda being guided towards a large black box truck by another group of operatives. Her heart sank further—Eda’s involvement meant this was no ordinary governmental operation; it had everything to do with the portal.

Camila was gently but firmly placed in the back of an SUV. Inside, the vehicle’s interior was stark, the only light coming from the dashboard’s soft glow. She could hear muffled voices outside, the operatives discussing their next moves, their tones urgent but composed.

They remained in the vehicles for what felt like an eternity to Camila, though the clock on the dash told her it was an hour. During this time, the neighborhood had woken up to the commotion, with neighbors peering out of windows and some braver souls venturing closer to the line of unusual vehicles, their faces a mixture of curiosity and concern.

Inside the SUV, Camila’s mind raced uncontrollably. Every worst-case scenario played out in her head. What did they want with Luz? Was Luz safe? How could she protect her daughter from forces that seemed beyond her comprehension? The fear was paralyzing, but beneath it, a fierce determination began to kindle. She would find a way to keep Luz safe, no matter what it took.

As the operatives finally began to wrap up their discussion, Camila steeled herself for whatever was coming. She knew this night was just the beginning, and the road ahead would be fraught with challenges. But one thing was clear: she would face them head-on, for Luz’s sake, for their family’s sake.

Chapter Text

Hey everyone! I know it's been a while since I've updated Secrets Unbound, but I want to assure you all that this story is far from dead. I’ve recently gotten back into working on it, and I'm excited to continue Luz's journey as she faces the challenges between the Boiling Isles and the human world. While I can’t give a specific timeframe for the next update, please know that I’m actively writing and planning out the next chapters. Thank you all for your patience, support, and enthusiasm for this story—it means the world to me! Stay tuned!

I will be deleting this message once I post the next chapter.

Sincerely,
Jemma