Chapter 401: Silver Banshee (2)
The McDougal Bloodline
Unlike the neighboring Marvel universe, the DC magic system is largely derived from bloodlines. It's extremely difficult for a person without a bloodline to grasp the true essence of magic.
The magical community in this world is formed by families with wizarding blood, and the Zatara family (Zatanna's family) and the McDougal family (Siobhan's family) are among them.
The origins of the various family bloodlines differ. Some originate from cosmic beings, some from Old Gods, some are a mixture of human and magical creature, and a portion were acquired by sacrificing to demons.
The McDougal family possesses ancient Gaelic blood. The exact source of their bloodline is lost to time—some say it's a mix of Old God and human blood, others claim it's the progeny of an ancient powerful figure and a demoness. Regardless of the origin, they all possess immense power within them.
Every member of the McDougal family can awaken magical talent, with the direct blood relatives being the strongest.
The strength of her talent determined her succession. As the daughter of the previous patriarch and the most gifted woman in the family in centuries, Siobhan was naturally the only choice.
Tragically, she never imagined that during the magical ceremony for the succession to Patriarch, her dearest uncle would betray her. Her brother, who witnessed the entire event, remained indifferent, watching his sister get dragged into Hell by a vortex of magic.
That day was the turning point of her destiny.
From then on, Siobhan vanished, replaced by the Silver Banshee sent back to the human world by the demon Crone.
Confrontation at the Castle
The flames burned intensely, casting a deep crimson glow over the ancient castle that had stood for a thousand years.
Just as the crowd was loudly singing praises to their ancient heroes, the new Patriarch, Bevin McDougal, looked up, puzzled by the dark clouds drifting in the distance.
The black clouds drew closer, emanating an eerie aura. The clouds sagged downward, like a colossal black cloth threatening to engulf the entire castle.
Caine McDougal also reacted. In his forties, he was at the peak of his power. His magic converged onto his staff, and the Dragonbone Staff, left by previous Patriarchs, shone with a blinding divine light.
"Disperse!"
A furious roar exploded in the sky. The light broke through the heavens, turning into a massive white pillar of light.
The black clouds were scattered by the light beam, revealing the clear sky.
The surrounding clan members watched the scene with awe. Bevin lowered his head, a complex look flashing in his eyes.
However, in the next second, the joy on everyone's faces froze. In the sky, the black clouds gathered once again, darker and deeper than before.
Caine frowned slightly. Wings materialized on his back, and he rose to the top of the ancient castle.
"I know not if you are a friend or foe, but will you reveal yourself?"
"Do you really want to see me?"
A violent wind blew from afar, carrying a piercing shriek that could burst eardrums. In the pitch-black sky, a figure materialized: silver hair whipping in the wind, a face like a skull, eyes like poisonous snakes, and pale skin visible even in the darkness.
"Long time no see, Uncle Caine, and my dear brother—Bevin!"
Siobhan lowered her head, her gaze piercing through the layers of space to land on the brother she once adored, but now hated with a burning passion.
"Siobhan?"
"No way! Didn't she die from the magic backlash?"
"That form... yes, it's the Silver Banshee described in the books."
"How could the old Patriarch's daughter turn into that?"
The Traitor's Silence
The people below buzzed with speculation. Most refused to believe it, but a few looked suspicious. The magical ritual took place in a private room with only the uncle and the two siblings present. The rest of the clan didn't know what happened; they only knew from Caine that Siobhan had suffered a magical backlash during the ceremony and vanished. Bevin had also confirmed his uncle's account.
Since the two were Siobhan's closest family, no one felt they could object. They simply chose a new Patriarch, and with Caine's support, the younger brother Bevin became the new head of the McDougal family.
Every word of the clan's discussion reached Siobhan's ears. Remembering all the pain she had suffered over the years, she let out a piercing, desolate laugh.
A Banshee's scream is enough to destroy everything!
The turbulent sound wave transformed into a tangible, physical attack. The air churned, trees were shredded, and cracks appeared in the castle walls. People frantically covered their ears, rolling on the ground in pain. Some couldn't bear it and fainted immediately.
"Enough!"
Caine slammed his staff down.
Clang!
A brilliant halo spread outward. In an instant, the entire ancient castle seemed to come alive. Countless white lights rose from the ground, forming a magical barrier that enveloped the ancient fortress.
The McDougal family had been rooted in this land for thousands of years; their foundation could not be destroyed by a single Banshee's shriek.
The magical barrier blocked the sonic impact, saving the people inside. They all looked up, their expressions profoundly grave.
"Caine McDougal, my dear uncle."
Siobhan hovered above the castle, staring intently at the man holding the Dragonbone Staff.
"I'll give you one last chance. Speak the truth. Tell the clan members below exactly what happened that night—how you used despicable means to push your own niece into Hell."
At those words, a collective gasp rippled through the crowd.
Everyone was stunned. They exchanged glances and involuntarily turned their attention upward.
The McDougal family's rules were extremely strict. The first rule was no killing of kin. Violators would not only be hanged, but their bodies would be exposed to the sun for three months.
Caine let out a powerful "Hmph!" and light surged around him, showcasing a potent magical fluctuation.
"Siobhan, my child, she is dead. Her uncle failed to protect her, and that is my mistake. I am willing to accept punishment. However, I will never allow a demon who crawled out of Hell to impersonate her and slander her character. Siobhan deeply loved her family; she would never do anything to harm her clan. You are an imposter, plain and simple."
"Do not try to use her name to divide the family! I tell you, it's impossible. The McDougals are not so easily fooled."
His steady, powerful speech quelled the doubts in everyone's hearts.
Yes, why should they believe a demon and doubt their own kinsman? How could they trust a demon's words?
Siobhan smiled. She wasn't surprised; she knew this would be the outcome. Beneath her uncle's outwardly loyal appearance was a treacherous and ruthless heart—he was more poisonous than a viper.
Her gaze shifted downward, settling on her brother in the crowd.
Indescribable emotions swelled within her. No matter what had happened, Bevin was her family—her only family. Siobhan did not want to drag him into this.
"Bevin, your sister is giving you one chance."
She paused, then forced herself to extend an index finger, enduring the pain.
"This is the last time. Be brave and stand up. Tell the clan what happened the day of the ceremony. If you do this, your sister will abandon her previous decision, disappear from your sight forever, and never appear again."
Bevin opened his mouth, afraid to meet his sister's gaze, but also unable to loudly accuse his uncle. He hesitated for a few seconds and ultimately chose silence.
Seeing this, Siobhan turned and flew into the black clouds, leaving behind an almost inaudible sigh.
"Great Master, Banshee King Crone, your loyal servant offers this sacrifice—the bloodline of the ancient Gaels—and begs for your arrival."
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/MistaQuartz
On Patreon, you can explore Extra Chapters in advance!