Saleem fell from the cliff adjacent to the palace. "Why did you push him?" Nahira screamed. Neythera looked at her, smiled and vanished into thin air.

She ran to check if he had fallen, but she could see nothing; it was very dark. Brice slowly approached her and said, "it's okay, Heera. I know he's not dead; he's still out there. I just have a feeling".

A small voice, tinged with innocence, murmured, "Heera, don't be sad. He's okay. I just know it". Nahira hugged him tightly and whispered, " we need to go and find the others, Brice".

Nahira carried Brice through the open gates . As they passed through the city to reach the gates, no one was there.

The sky, though it was only afternoon, hung low and heavy with darkness. The darkness wasn't just an absence of light- it felt alive, pressing in from all sides like a dense fog. It crawled along the edges of the buildings, curling around doorways and seeping through cracks. The streets were shrouded in silence so thick it felt suffocating.

Nahira's footsteps echoed faintly against the cobblestone, each one a reminder that they were alone. Brice clung to her, his grip tightening. " It's like the whole city disappeared, " he whispered. "No, "Nahira said quietly, her gaze drifting over the hollow, lifeless homes. "They're still here.... hiding".

As they passed through the gate, Nahira set down Brice gently and took his hand, holding it tightly. Without a word, she quickened her pace, leading him away from Namotharibia and the suffocating darkness that loomed behind them. Her heart pounded with every step, the weight of the kingdom's silence pressing on her shoulders.

Brice stumbled slightly, struggling to keep up. " Nahira ... why are we rushing?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. She glanced back at the towering gates, now shrinking in the distance. " Because the longer we stay, the harder it will be to leave".

The farther they came from Namotharibia, the more the darkness began to loosen it's grip. It no longer pressed against their backs like a living thing, but still lingered at the edges of the trees, watching... waiting. After they managed to leave the city safely, Nahira slowed her pace and knelt in front of Brice , her hands resting on his shoulders. His wide eyes searched hers, already sensing the words forming on her lips.

"Brice",she began softly, "you need to go home." He frowned, gripping her sleeve tightly. "No. I'm staying with you." She smiled faintly but shook her head. "I have to find Saleem. It's too dangerous for you to come with me." Brice's frown deepened. "I can help. You said that before, and I did help!".

"You did", Nahira agreed brushing a curl from his face, " but this is different. I don't know what's waiting for me out there .... I can't risk you getting hurt." Brice's lower lip quivered, and his voice dropped to a whisper. " I don't want to leave you alone."

"You won't," she said gently. " I'll take you to the portal and - ....."

His eyes widened in panic. "No! you're going to seal it, aren't you?" Nahira hesitated, and that brief pause was enough of an answer.

"You can't!" Brice tugged away from her hands. " You sealed the others, and now you're sealing the last one too? How will I find you if something happens?"

Nahira's chest tightened, but she forced herself to stay firm. "You won't have to find me. I'll find you."

Brice shook his head furiously. " that's not fair!"

"I know," Nahira said, pulling him into a hug. " But I can't loose you too," his small arms wrapped around her, clinging tighter than ever. For a moment, they stayed like that, as if holding on long enough could somehow keep the world from pulling them apart.

"I'll come back," Nahira whispered. " I promise ".

ASABATH'S HOME

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Moonlight poured through the small window of Asabath's cottage, casting faint silver streaks across the wooden floor. The air smelled faintly of burning herbs and honeyed tea, a comforting scent that clung to the home like a protective charm.

Nahira lay sprawled across a thick quilt , her head resting near Saleem's arm , though she had long since drifted to sleep. Saleem stared at the ceiling beams , tracing the faint knots in the wood with tired eyes. Outside, the rustling of leaves whispered through the open window, but within the cottage , all was still . This was the safest they had felt in months.

Saleem's gaze shifted, falling softly on Nahira. The moonlight kissed her face , illuminating the delicate curve of her jaw and the smooth, honeyed tone of her skin. Her long, dark curly hair spilled across the pillow like coiled silk threads, each strand glinting faintly in the pale light, thick lashes fanned over her cheeks, but Saleem knew that beneath them were the most striking pair of eyes he had ever seen - deep, almond-shaped, and dark as polished onyx, yet warm like the rich brown earth after the rain.

Those eyes had a way of holding his gaze longer than he intended,as if they could read thoughts he hadn't spoken aloud. Even when she was silent, they spoke volumes.

Her features were sharp yet gentle- strong brows arched with quiet defiance, the bridge of her nose straight and proud. Her full lips, naturally the color of a soft rose, parted slightly as she slept. A faint crescent-shaped scar rested just below her right eye, but even that seemed to add to her beauty, not detract from it.

Nahira wasn't loud when she spoke, but she didn't need to be. Her voice, smooth and soft as running water carried weight Saleem found impossible to ignore. Somehow, everything she said felt right. Even if it wasn't, he always caught himself agreeing.It wasn't magic-at least, not the kind he could explain. It was just... her.

Even in her stillness, there was strength in the way she held herself. Her hand rested lightly on the hilt of the dagger she kept beside the bed, as if her body refused to fully let go of the fight.

Tonight she wore a long , flowing silk dress of deep green, it's edges coated in delicate gold embroidery that shimmered faintly in the dim of light. The sleeves draped past her wrists and a thin veil covered her head. Small, intricate ornaments decorated the Veil, catching the faintest glimmers of light, adding a soft, almost ethereal glow to her resting form. Though the Veil concealed the front of her hair, long black strands had slipped free while she slept, spreading across the pillow like dark rivers against pale sheets .

Saleem shifted slightly, careful not to wake her. They had been sharing the bed for months, though nothing ever happened. Saleem had been clear about that from the start.

"It's not honorable", he had told her once, his gaze fixed firmly on the ceiling. "In my culture, to lay with a woman you're not married to....it's a bad omen".

Nahira had only hummed in response, eyes half -lidded with exhaustion, though Saleem could have sworn he caught the ghost of a smile tugging at her lips.

A bad omen.

But he was tempted. Tempted every night, if he was being honest with himself.

He exhaled slowly, shaking his head as if to clear the thought.

Instead, they laid there. Together, yet apart.

And somehow, that was enough.

"Saleem…" Nahira stirred softly , her voice

barely above a whisper . She didn't open her eyes , but she shifted closer, as

if drawn by his presence even in sleep.

He leaned back , exhaling softly.

She was right . This was the closest thing

to a home they had in eight months. And for now that was enough.

 About thirty minutes passed before Nahira

stirred again , her breathing shifting from the steady rhythm of deep sleep to

something lighter . Her dark lashes fluttered briefly , then slowly lifted.

For a moment she simply lay there ,gazing

at the wooden beams overhead, as if piecing together where she was. The faint

crackle of the fire downstairs drifted through the floorboards, mingling with

the soft laughter of children playing in the other room.

She turned her head slightly – and her eyes

met Saleem's.

He hadn't looked away.

His gaze lingered on her, calm and

steady,as if he'd been waiting for her to wake . The flickering light of the

lantern on the bedside table caught in his irises , making them gleam faintly

like molten bronze .

Nahira said nothing at first. The space

between them felt oddly heavy , like something unspoken lingered just beneath

the surface.

"You're still staring,"she whispered, her

voice soft , almost teasing.

Saleem's lips curved into the faintest smile. " I guess I am."

Nahira shifted , curling slightly onto her side so she could face him more fully. Her hair , now loose and tangled from sleep, spilled across the pillow , a cascade of long black curls that framed her face like dark silk.

The warmth between them was quiet but undeniable, and for a fleeting second, neither of them moved.

Then , softly , Nahira broke the silence.

"Why do you do that?"

Saleem arched a brow . "Do what?"

"Look at me like that."

His smile deepened , but he said nothing – just held her gaze a moment longer before finally exhaling, shifting onto his back.

"Because you're hard not to look at," he admitted , as if the words had been waiting for an opening to escape.

Nahira's eyes narrowed playfully , but she didn't hide the faint flush rising to her cheeks. She nudged him lightly with her foot beneath the blanket.

"You'll make it impossible for me to sleep if you keep that up," she murmured.

Saleem just chuckled , shaking his head lightly. Without another word , he pulled the blanket over his shoulder and turned onto his side, facing away from Nahira .

"Get some sleep", he murmured, voice soft and already laced with drowsiness.

Nahira watched him for a moment longer, the faintest of smiles tugging at her lips, before she closed her eyes once more.

Morning arrived softly , with sunlight filtering through the cracks of the thatched roof. The fire had burned low, crackling faintly in the hearth . Outside, the wind stirred the leaves, carrying with it an uneasy stillness that hadn't been there the day before.

Asabath had been up early , pacing near the doorway . Damilah watched him from across the room , concern shadowing her delicate features.

Damilah stood at 5 foot 4, her presence gentle yet grounding, like the calm before a storm. She carried herself with quiet grace, her movements soft but assured , a reflection of years spent balancing the life of a mother and the weight of a past life she had left behind.

Her hair was a cascade of thick , springy curls that she rarely tied back , letting them naturally over her shoulders . The dark coils framed her face softly , moving with her magestically.

Damilah's skin was a rich ,warm brown , smooth and radiant , with a depth that spoke of sunlit lands and enduring strength.

Her eyes were deep and dark , holding a quiet warmth that made others feel at ease, yet they shimmered with wisdom beneath her glaze.

She had a graceful , curvaceous figure, shaped by strength and motherhood , carrying the timeless beauty of her heritage.

This morning , she was wearing a beautiful long peach dress with long sleeves with shimmering silver ornaments , her curls left loose with delicate adornments woven through her hair.

Though she was once a powerful witch in her coven , she abandoned magic the day the king forbade its use.

"Asabath ,sit. You'll wake the children," she whispered.

Asabath stood at 5 foot 8 , with pale skin, deep blue eyes, and thick brunette hair. His broad, fatherly frame gave him a comforting presence, like someone who could shield his family from any storm.

Before he could answer, there was a knock- a heavy, deliberate knock that echoed through the small cottage like thunder.

Asabath stiffened . He exchanged a brief glance with Damilah , then moved to the door, hands trembling slightly as he undid the latch.

Standing in the morning light were three of the kings' men , draped in black and silver armour. Their faces obscured by their helmets, but the crimson sigil of Namotharibia gleamed on their chests. One of them stepped forward , extending a scroll bound in the black wax.

"The king summons Saleem and his companion," the man said, voice cold and clipped . " You are to deliver this message to them."

Asabath hesitated , his gaze flicking between the scroll and the men. He couls sense the magic on the parchment , faint but lingering.

"What does the king want with them?" Asabath asked , his voice steady despite the tension in his shoulders.

The man said nothing more. Instead, he set the scroll on the doorstep and turned to leave, his companions following without a word. The sound of their boots faded into the forest, but the weight of their presence lingered like a shadow.

Asabath bent down , carefully picking up the scroll . He could feel the cold pulse of the king's magic through the wax seal.

Damilah approached him, resting a hand on his arm . "Asabath…"

"I know." He stared at the letter , his heart heavy.

The king had not sent men into Bathimophria in years. Now, he had broken that silence.

"Saleem needs to see this," Asabath muttered , gripping the scroll tightly.

As he closed the door behind him , he glanced at Jaymah, Karimah and little Rephaah lay nestled beneath the blankets near the hearth, their soft breaths rising and falling in unison. Curled between them was Brice, one arm draped lazily over Karimah's shoulder as if he had always been part of the family. His tousled hair fell over his face, and faint traces of a smile lingered on his lips even in sleep.

Asabath's gaze softened as he watched them, the sight momentarily easing the weight of the scroll in his hand. Damilah stepped closer , her eyes resting on Brice.

"He fits right in,"she whispered , kneeling to tuck the blanket around them all.

Asabath exhaled quietly . "Yes … but for how long?"

The fire crackled gently in the silence that followed, and Asabath gripped the scroll tighter. Whatever was written within it could not stay hidden for long.

Asabath stood at the base of the spiral staircase, the sealed scroll heavy in his palm. His gaze drifted once more to the sleeping children- and to Brice, still tucked beneath the blankets . For a brief moment, he considered waiting . But the sigil pressed into the black wax made that impossible .

He climbed the stairs carefully, each step creaking beneath his weight. Reaching the loft , Asabath rapped his knuckles lightly against the wooden door.

Saleem. Nahira." His voice was quiet but firm.

Inside , Saleem stirred beneath the blankets, blinking sleep from his eyes. Beside him , Nahira shifted, strands of her long, dark hair spilling across the pillow. She turned toward Saleem, her soft brown eyes meeting for a lingering moment before Asabath's knock came again.

"I'm awake," Saleem called, rising slowly. Nahira pulled the blanket tighter around herself, watching as Saleem crossed the small room and opened the door.

Asabath stepped inside , holding out the scroll. His expression was grim. "This came for you."

Saleem frowned , his gaze locking on the black wax seal stamped with the crimson crest of Namotharibia. The air seemed colder just from holding it.

"It's from the king," Asabath continued . "His men delivered it this morning".

Nahira sat up , smoothing her veil over her hair. "The king?" she echoed , unease flashing in her voice.

Saleem broke the seal carefully, unrolling the thick parchment . As his eyes scanned the message , his brow furrowed deeper.

TO SALEEM OF THE SILASIAS , LAST OF HIS KIND;

You are hearby summoned to the palace of Namotharibia. It is known that you have been on the run for defying my orders by using magic therefore I will be ready to let bygones be bygones if you show up in Namotharibia .

Under the decree of King Emir , son of Audeney.

You have already faced the queen once and shown that the power of the Silasias remains in you.

The queens curse deepens , and the power of the Silasias is the only known force that can draw out the darkness within her. You will stand before the throne within three days.

Fail to answer this summons, and my forces will march on Bathimophria. I will not suffer defiance, and should Bathimophria

Fall, it will be by your hand.

-EMIR , KING OF VELMORIA

Saleem's hand tightened around the parchment. He could feel Nahira's eyes on him, the tension thickening in the small room .

"What does it say ?" she asked quietly .

Saleem 's voice was calm but cold as he handed her the letter. "The king wants me to remove the curse from his wife."

Nahira furrowed her brows, clutching the edges of the blanket tightly . "How did the king know we were here?" she asked , her voice soft but sharp with suspicion.

Saleem sat up , his gaze distant as if piecing together the same question.

"It's only been three days", she continued . " Asabath's house is in the countryside…. Far from the others." Her eyes drifted to the window , where the faint glow of dawn was beginning to stretch over the treetops.

Asabath leaned against the doorway , arms crossed , his expression grim. "That's what trouble me ,"he admitted." Few know this place even exists. The kings men should have no reason to come this deep into Bathimophria, let alone to my doorstep,"

Damilah , standing near the hearth , ran her fingers through her curls . "Perhaps someone told them," she offered quietly.

Saleem's eyes flickered toward Asabath and back to Nahira . His voice was steady . "No one knew were coming . Except Asabath ." He paused, looking at his old friend . "And I trust him with my life."

"If the king knows we're here ,"Saleem said after a pause , "then someone has been watching."

Saleem stepped forward , his eyes set with quiet resolve. "I'm going."His voice was steady but carried the weight of finality.

Asabath's brow furrowed immediately . " Saleem , think this through . You're not ready."

"I don't care," Saleem replied sharply. "If the king knows I'm here, Bathimophria isn't safe . I won't sit here and wait for his soldiers to find us."

Damilah's soft voice cut in. "Even if that's true ,Saleem, you can't stand against the queen. You're still recovering . If you face her now , she'll destroy you."

"I can't let that stop me ,"Saleem said , his gaze hardening . "I'd rather die trying than let the king raid Bathimophria because of me."

Nahira, who had been standing quietly by the window, crossed her arms . "If you're going , then I'm coming with you ."

Saleem's head snapped toward her. " Nahira , no. This isn't your fight."

She took a step forward , her eyes unwavering. "I'm your protector . I don't care what you say -I'm not letting you go alone ."

Saleem's frustration bubbled over . " Nahira , you don't understand what you're asking for. The queens magic isn't something you can fight .I barely can ."

"I understand more than you think," Nahira shot back , her tone sharp . "I've been by your side for months , Saleem. I know the risks.

She kept talking "Saleem , you forget –I carry the essence of the Sun Elves and the Aetherials . Both run through my veins . I'm more than capable."

Saleem's gaze locked onto hers , unreadable , but there was a flicker of something behind his eyes –concern , doubt.

"You are ," he admitted quietly , "but you can't wield it yet, Nahira . "The only practice you've ever done is closing portals . Force without control is more dangerous than having none at all. And you've seen how hard it was for you to close portals . You almost killed us all."

Nahira's eyes narrowed , locking onto his with an intensity that made his resolve falter. She didn't say a word –just that stare . The kind that promised no room for argument.

Saleem held her gaze for a moment longer , then sighed in defeat. "Fine,"he muttered . "We'll go together."

"But don't slow me down" he added.

Nahira smirked faintly . " I'll try not to outrun you."

Asabath let out a sigh , shaking his head .

"You two are going to be the death of me."

Saleem met his friend's gaze. "We don't have a choice , Asabath."

Asabath's expression softened. "I know. But I don't have to like it."

By 9 am , Damilah had already set the table with a simple yet hearty breakfast , the kind that filled the air with warmth and comfort. Thick slices of honeyed bread , freshly baked and golden , sat in a woven basket beside a steaming pot of spiced root stew . A bowl of shimmering berries –enchanted to glow faintly in the low light-rested at the center , alongside soft cheese wrapped in fragrant leaves. The tea she brewed carried hints of lavender and wild mint, its steam curling lazily through the room.

Outside, the laughter of children echoed faintly through the open window. Brice chased Jaymah and Karimah around the small garden , their laughter mixing with the chirps of silverfinch birds resting on the cottage roof. Little Rephaah sat in the dirt, attempting to craft something with sticks , her tongue poking out in concentration.

Saleem tightened the strap on his satchel , his belongings packed light for the road ahead. Beside him , Nahira quietly folded the last of her garments, slipping them into a leather bag that hung over her shoulder. Neither of them spoke much that morning –the weight of what lay ahead lingered in the unspoken silence between them.

When they descended the staircase , the soft creak of the wooden steps announced their arrival. Damilah glanced over from the kitchen , her eyes calm but knowing. She had already packed bundles of food wrapped in cloth , setting them aside near the door.

"I've packed enough to last you to Namotharibia ," Damilah said , wiping her hands on her apron. "The roads are long, and there won't be many places to stop ."

Nahira nodded gratefully , but her gaze drifted toward the window, watching Brice play. A shadow crossed her face, brief but noticeable.

Saleem noticed it too. " We can't leave him behind," he said , his voice quiet but firm.

Damilah paused , glancing at Brice through the window. "I thought as much ," she said softly. " The witches here…. They won't take kindly to him. Ordinary folk remind them of the raid that happened years ago."

"He's not safe here ,"Nahira added . "He stays with us."

Damilah didn't argue . She simply pressed the last of the food bundles into Saleem's hands . 'Then take care of him as if he were your own."

Saleem gave a small nod , securing the pack to his belt. " I will."

The weight of the words hung between them, heavier than any satchel or bundle.

After breakfast , they packed their things and stepped outside . Asabath hugged Saleem tightly . " Be careful …. Though I know you won't, he muttered.

Saleem smirked but said nothing.

Brice waved at Damilah and the kids . "Bye, Mrs Damilah ! Bye , everyone!

Jaymah shouted , "Don't get lost!"

Karimah and Rephaah gave small waves.

Nahira lifted Brice onto her horse , settling him in front of her. Saleem mounted his own. With a final glance at the cottage , they rode toward Namotharibia , the wind at their backs and silence trailing behind them.

After a long journey , the towering black gates of Namotharibia rose before them, stretching high into the sky like the spine of some ancient beast. The gate was carved from obsidian stone, etched with swirling patterns of gold that glowed faintly as if the metal still remembered the fire that shaped it. Great spires curled above the gate, spiraled with the likeness of dragons, their eyes set with shimmering red gems that caught the sunlight and burned like embers.

Beyond the gate , the palace loomed vast and strange –an immense structure woven with architecture not born of human hands alone. The walls gleamed dark as the night sky , yet veins of silver and jade spiraled across the surface, forming shifting images of mythical creatures and cascading waterfalls that seemed to flow when the light struck just right. The towers stretched high, crowned with slender bridges that arched across the air like spider silk, connecting spire to spire. Some of the tallest peaks were shaped into points , resembling the horns of some slumbering beast.

As they approached, the gates creaked open, swinging inward without a hand to touch them. A ripple of magic passed through the air , and Saleem felt the hairs on his arms rise.

Inside, the city of Namotharibia bustled with life. The streets beneath the palace teemed with people-elven folk in long flowing clocks and armor, witches in vibrant silken scarves that glimmered faintly with spells , Merchants hauled crates of ore and polished gemstones, while creatures unlike any Brice had seen slithered, flew , and strode through the market.

Merchants called from their stalls, trading everything from glowing herbs and enchanted daggers to vials of bottled starlight. Nahira slowed her horse , eyes wide as she took it all in . "This …this isn't what I expected ," she murmured . " It's beautiful."

Nephilim in white robes moved silently through the streets, their golden wings faintly glowing as they headed toward the temple for prayer.

"They're going to pray,"Nahira said , watching them disappear beneath the temple's arch.

"There's so much happening" Brice said.

Saleem glanced back at them , his face calm but wary ." Namotharibia is the heart of Velmoria . All creatures come here to trade. But don't let it deceive you. Beauty here can be a mask."

As they passed beneath the final archway leading to the heart of the palace, Nahira tightened her grip on the reins. The weight of the king's summons hung over them, but even that could not steal the wonder from the sight before them.

At last, they reached the towering palace gates. Guards in dark silver armor stepped aside, leading them into the grand hall.

The chamber stretched endlessly , with black marble floors reflecting the glow of floating crystal lanterns. Massive pillars carved with ancient runes spiraled toward the ceiling, and at the far end ,seated on high obsidian throne , was King Emir .

His sharp eyes narrowed as Saleem and Nahira approached.

King Emir stood at a commanding height of six foot one, his figure lean yet powerful, draped in robes of deep crimson embroidered with golden threads. His brown eyes, often distant, held the weight of countless decisions, and though they reflected the calm demeanor of a seasoned ruler, a closer look revealed a sadness that clung to him like a shadow. His gaze, steady and penetrating, seemed to search the horizons beyond the castle walls, as if hoping to glimpse something long lost.

His hair, dark brown and neatly kept, fell just to his shoulders, the soft waves betraying the time he once had for vanity but now left to the whims of his duties. The faintest touches of silver threaded through at his temples, a reminder of years that felt heavier than the thirty-four he bore. His face, angular and sharp, carried lines not of age but of burdens silently borne.

Emir's posture rarely faltered, regal and proud, but in the moments he thought himself unseen, his shoulders would slacken, and his eyes would dim with remembrance. He often stood at the balcony overlooking Namotharibia, the wind rustling his cloak as he surveyed his kingdom with both pride and an ache he never spoke aloud. Those who served him whispered that the king's heart harbored a secret sorrow—one that no victories nor riches could erase.

Despite his outward composure, Emir's presence carried an air of isolation, as if he existed a step removed from the world around him. The weight of ruling Velmoria pressed upon him, yet he bore it with grace, allowing only the faint trace of sadness to betray the man beneath the crown.

King Emir sat forward on his throne , his knuckles white as they gripped the edges, His face , though proud, was drawn with exhaustion. The torches along the stone walls flickered faintly, but even their light seemed hesitant to stretch too far.

"You've come at a cursed hour,"Emir's voice echoed through the hall, heavy as iron. "The queen….. what lingers of her is but a shadow wearing her skin."

Nahira's brow furrowed . Saleem felt the tension ripple through her, but neither of them spoke.

Emir's gaze drifted past them , distant, as if he saw something neither of them could. "It started small ," he said softly , " a faint shadow beneath her skin . I thought it would pass ." His eyes hardened . " But the darkness is relentless . Now it coils through her veins like black fire. Even the faintest touch of magic"… His voice dropped lower, "and it wakes."

A sudden gust rattled the stained glass above, casting fractured light across the floor like shattered jewels.

"I had no choice." Emir's words felt like stone settling over them. " I sealed her away . Not out of cruelty, but mercy."

Nahira stepped forward , her voice calm but unwavering . "Is locking her away truly the answer, Your Majesty? A cage can't cure darkness".

Emir's eyes darkened , his gaze snapping to her with the force of a drawn sword. The torches flared , shadows slashing across his face.

"You dare question me?" he cut her off, his voice cold and sharp. "An outsider beneath my roof, meddling in affairs beyond you?"His eyes flicked to Saleem before dropping to Brice, lingering like something foul had crossed his sight.

Emir's gaze locked onto Brice like one might eye a stain that refused to fade.

"And dragging that wretched tagalong with you ,"he sneered. " A scrap of nothing with no trace of magic in his veins… just the stale blood of ordinary men. Powerless... Useless."

Brice stood beside Nahira, shaking with terror, his hands clenched tightly at his sides. Nahira held his hand tight as a way of comforting him.

His glare lingered on Brice for a moment longer , as if daring him to speak . When no words came , he slowly shifted his attention back to Nahira.

"And you," he said , his tone sharper now, "you are not a savior. "His eyes burned into hers. " You're playing with forces far greater than you can comprehend . A child with fire in her hands, thinking she can wield it like a blade".

The faint flicker of torchlight danced across his face , but there was no warmth in his gaze ." This isn't your fight . Not yet."

Emir's eyes narrowed , the faintest smirk tugging at his lips . He let out a slow , bitter chuckle that echoed through the chamber like a ghost of something long dead.

"Well , isn't this a sight?" he said , his voice dripping with mockery . " The lost little girl standing guard over the very filth that ruined her life." His gaze flicked to Brice , eyes cold and calculating. "Tell me , Nahira , do you hold his hand at night? Whisper reassurances to the same breed of vermin that slaughtered your parents and dragged you off like a trophy to a world where you don't belong?"

He leaned forward slightly , his tone soft but razor-sharp . "I wonder … does he remind you of them? The ones who tore through your village , who left your mother screaming in the dirt while your father bled out beneath their boots?"

Nahira's fists clenched at her sides , but Emir only smiled wider, like a wolf savoring the last twitch of prey.

"Funny isn't it ?" he continued , voice curling with cruel amusement. "How quick you are to forget. I suppose when you grow up among rats, you start thinking you're one of them."

Brice's quiet sobs filled the room, trembling and small. Emir glanced at him once , then looked away as if he weren't worth noticing.

"Control your pet, child," Emir said coldly . "It'd be a shame If he drowned the floor in tears."

He leaned back on his throne , eyes narrowing.

"Don't mistake my patience for mercy. You're both here because I allow it. Keep him close ." Emir's voice dropped lower, cutting .

"No one else will".

Emir gave a hollow chuckle , his gaze cold.

"Good thing your parents aren't here to witness this disgrace."

Brice bolted from the hall, tears streaming , with Nahira close behind.

Emir watched them leave, then turned to Saleem . " Now ," he said , " let's return the focus to my wife , Neythera."

Nahira hurried after Brice , her voice gentle yet firm. "Don't let the king's words wound you," she urged. "He's just a bitter old curmudgeon."

As Brice and Nahira exited the hall, Saleem remained , his expression taut with restrained displeasure. The king's harsh words toward the siblings had unsettled him, but he knew better than to voice his dissent . Emir's authority was absolute, and the room bristled with guards loyal to the crown.

Challenging the King now could lead to dire consequences for them all. Taking a steady breath, Saleem composed himself , ready to proceed with the matter at hand –Queen Neythera's worsening condition.

King Emir rose from his throne , his robes sweeping the marble floor as he fixed his gaze on Saleem. "Come,"he said , his voice low but firm . "I want to show you where the queen is locked".

Nahira led seven-year-old Brice through the bustling city, hoping to lift his spirits after the king's harsh words. "Don't let his cruelty affect you ," she said softly, " He,s just a bitter old man." Brice looked up , eyes glistening . "Why does he hate us?" Nahira sighed . "Some hearts are filled with bitterness, they,ve forgotten kindness.

She was lost in thought, pondering how to shield Brice from that world's harshness.

Suddenly, Brice's voice broke through. "Look, it's the Nephilim prayer place!" he exclaimed, pointing ahead. Nahira followed his gaze , feeling an inexplicable pull toward the sacred site. She adjusted her veil , ensured it properly concealed her hair , before proceeding.

As king Emir led Saleem through the cold stone corridors of the palace, the air thickened with something unseen-heavy, suffocating . The further they walked, the colder it became , as if the torches lining the walls dared not burn too bright.

They passed by a large iron door, bound in chains that glowed faintly with blue sigils. Saleem's steps slowed. He didn't need to ask. He knew-this was where she was kept.

A sudden sharp pain bloomed behind his eyes , spreading like fire across his skull. Saleem stumbled , pressing his hand against the wall to steady himself. His heart pounded violently , drowning out the sound of Emir's boots.

Then he heard it –whisper .It slithered through the cracks beneath the door, curling around his ears like smoke. "yabtaeid" . The voice was low, guttural.The word echoed over and over , growing louder until it was all he could hear.

The whisper kept slithering through the air, cold and thin like a blade of ice.

"Yabtaeid….."

Saleem froze . His heart seemed to stop mid-beat .

It was Silasian.

The language of his people.

Suddenly, a memory seeped into Saleem's mind slowly, like the first rays of sun bleeding over the dunes . He could still feel the warmth of Silasias , a city that lived and breathed with the rhythm of the desert.

Silasias was a land carved from stone and sunlight, where the buildings rose like sculpted cliffs, etched with intricate calligraphy that whispered forgotten prayers when the wind passed over them. Streets wove like veins through the heart of the city , and each one told it's own story –markets bustling with traders calling out the day's offerings , silk canopies rippling above, and children darting between stalls with baskets too large for their small hands.

The air always carried the faint scent of burning resin, mingled with spices sweet and bitter. The women walked gracefully , their long robes shimmering with delicate embroidery that caught the light, leaving behind trails of fragrant smoke from perfumes that lingered long after they passed.

Men sat in the shade of the stone arches, sipping dark , steaming liquid from small cups , it's rich , spiced aroma curling through the air. In their hands, they held smooth, dark fruits , their sweetness balanced by the faintest hint of earth. A board lay between them , carved with ancient patterns , where polished stones clicked softly against one another as they played –a quiet dance of strategy beneath the afternoon sun.

The men wore flowing robes of cream and amber, with gold-stitched cloacks and headscarves held by ornament bands.

Saleem remembered standing at the edge of the market , watching a boy his age hold up a bundle of saffron strands to an elder wrapped in a pale linen. Laughter filled the air, soft yet rich , like music played beneath shaded awnings. Even the sky above Silasias seemed softer, painted in hues of gold and deep amber.

But beneath the beauty lay something older-something that hummed quietly in the stones of the city, in the carved crescents above doorways and the talismans tied to market stalls. Silasias was protected , not just by it's people , but by the magic they carried.

The Silasians carried a rare gift –the ability to heal by drawing the darkness from others, freeing them from curses and pain . But their magic extended further, capable of bending light and shadow, though mastering such skills took years of discipline . Saleem, however, could only absorb darkness; the rest of his abilities lay untouched, unpractised , and fragile.

Saleem hadn't known what fear felt like until that night.

He could still see it- the moment the skies darkened far too early, and the soft glow of Silasias' lanterns flickered nervously.

His mother's hands had gripped his shoulders tightly, her veil slipping slightly to reveal the fear she never allowed herself to show.

"Saleem, run as fast as you can."

Her voice was calm, but her eyes betrayed her. Behind her, shadows twisted unnaturally, crawling across the edges of the market like ink spilling into water. It was beginning to terrify him.

"I don't want to leave you," he said.

"Listen to me baba Jaan .You're time is not yet finished". Her hands cupped his face, forcing him to meet her gaze. "This place is your Qadar. But not tonight."

He remembered the way her zalrah caught the wind as she turned, facing the dark horizon with nothing but outstretched arms. Saleem ran, the weight of her words pressing against his chest.

His feet barely touched the ground as he fled down the narrow alleys, passing the glowing lanterns and shuttered windows of the homes he knew by heart. He wanted to stop, wanted to turn back and stand at his mother's side- but the air behind him grew heavier, thick with something that pulled at him like cold hands.

When he finally reached the outer edges of the city , Saleem looked back.

And saw… nothing.

Silasias was gone.

The great towers, the bustling markets, the calls of merchants – everything had disappeared as if the desert had swallowed it whole. The place that had been his home now stretched into empty dunes, untouched and silent beneath the moonlight.

They cloaked it.

His people had hidden Silasias –wrapped it in enchantments so deep that even the wind could not find it again.

Saleem stood at the edge of that emptiness, gasping for breath, unable to comprehend the weight of it. One moment, his city had stood as it always had. The next, it was like it had never existed.

And now ,as he walked past the sealed chamber in Namotharibia , the memory returned like a blade pressing against old scars.

"Yabtaeid".

Saleem's heart stopped .

It was Silasian . The last time he heard it was back home , years ago . The language had been forgotten –erased , like the city itself. No one spoke it now. So who still remembered?

It meant 'Leave'.

His hands clenched at his sides as his breath quickened. The voice carried the weight of the city that no . .longer existed. His city, his people.

And for the first time in years , Saleem felt truly afraid.

"Saleem."

The king's voice broke through the fog of memory. Saleem blinked, realizing his steps had slowed as they passed the place where the queen was locked. The shadows here felt thicker , pressing in like unseen hands.

King Emir called again, his voice sharper this time , cutting through the haze. Saleem blinked and looked at the king.

"You must find a way to draw the darkness from her," Emir said, his eyes narrowing . "If you cannot …. You will not leave this place. Not with the girl. Not with the boy."

The words hung heavy between them, colder than the stones beneath their feet. Saleem met the king's gaze , swallowing the weight of the threat.

Without another word , Emir turned and led him away from the sealed iron door, their footsteps echoing down the corridor as they left the place where the queen was locked.

As Nahira and Brice made their way toward the Nephilim prayer grounds , now called Al-Qadrith , they noticed the Nephilim hastily packing their belongings, preparing to leave.

The usually serene atmosphere had shifted into a flurry of movement. Nahira's eyes widened in surprise, but she pressed on, stepping forward to ask one of the Nephilim standing in a line to depart.

The Nephilim, an imposing figure draped in white robes , turned slowly to meet her gaze. Her expression was unreadable, but her voice was heavy with warning. "Dear child," she said , her tone laced with a chill that seemed to pierce the air, "the darkness is coming . Leave while you can."

They then left in a quiet procession , their white robes flowing as they moved toward the city gates. Nahira and Brice watched them, Nahira felt a heavy weight settle in her chest as they disappeared beyond the gates into the gathering darkness.

Quickly, Nahira grabbed Brice's hand and rushed back toward the palace, her mind set on telling Saleem what she had heard.

Nahira and Brice hurried through the palace halls , their footsteps echoing against the cold stone . They searched room after room until at last , they stepped onto a wide balcony overlooking Namotharibia. Saleem stood at the edge , hands resting on the marble railing, his gaze distant as he watched the sprawling city below, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun.

Nahira stepped forward , her voice low but urgent. "Saleem, the Nephilim are leaving . One of them warned me- she said darkness is coming . This city isn't safe."

Brice shifted uneasily beside her. "I don't think we should stay here any longer,"he added, glancing nervously over his shoulder.

Saleem turned to them, his eyes calm but weary. "Of course it's dangerous. The queen is cursed- darkness lingers here. But the Nephilim …" He let out a soft breath , "they're known to be dramatic. They see shadows where there are none."

Nahira frowned , but Saleem's gaze drifted back to the city. "Until the curse is broken, no place here is safe."