Kai and Nahlia stepped out of the house, both smiling, though Kai's appeared more self-conscious. He wasn't sure how to talk to such a strikingly beautiful girl—she felt almost unreal.
"So… I heard you're studying to become a medical scholar?" he ventured after a moment.
"Yes," she replied, "it's something my brother wants me to do."
Kai gave her a questioning look. "Do you want to do it, though?"
Nahlia hesitated, then offered a slightly embarrassed smile. "I don't mind. I love my brother, so if it makes him happy, I'm willing."
"But are you really okay with that?" Kai pressed. "No offence—if you want to do it, by all means, do it. But… may I ask something?"
"Sure," she said, tilting her head curiously.
"Why pursue his dream if it's not your own?"
Nahlia answered without hesitation. "Because he's sacrificed a lot for me. He's almost never home because he's always working, and I know he does it for my sake. He's the most important person in my life. Once you meet him, you'll understand. He's… amazing."
Kai nodded. "I can appreciate that."
She looked at him, puzzled. "How so?"
He exhaled a small laugh. "Believe it or not, my family isn't super affectionate. We care about each other, but we're not the 'loving hugs and kisses' type."
"But you seem close," Nahlia said, clearly unconvinced. "From what I've heard, you take care of your siblings and basically your whole family."
Kai shrugged. "Only because that's how our family dynamic works. We do care for each other, but in a less traditional way. My parents show it by reading my stories, my siblings ask me for help when they need it, and I—well, I just work hard for them. It's not that we don't love each other; we just aren't big on open displays of affection."
She nodded, though she still seemed a bit confused. "I see. But how does that relate to my situation?"
"I mean, I understand doing things for family because you love them," Kai explained. "Even if it's not your personal dream, you're willing to pursue it if it helps someone you care about."
Nahlia laughed softly. "I guess that's true."
Kai let the conversation pause for a beat. "Anyway, tell me more about you. Simple stuff—favorite color?"
Her brow creased in thought. "I've never really thought about it. So… none in particular."
He nodded. "Okay, how about food? Any favorite dish?"
"Chocolate," she said immediately, her eyes lighting up.
Kai chuckled. "That was quick. You must really like chocolate."
"I love chocolate," she admitted with a grin. "I could probably eat it all day."
"I'm fond of the kind with nuts in it," Kai said. "That extra crunch is nice."
Nahlia shook her head in mock seriousness. "I'm not picky. As long as it's chocolate, I'll eat it."
Kai smiled. "Got it. Chocolate is your one true weakness. What about regular food?"
She shrugged, looking slightly embarrassed. "I don't eat much. I get distracted, and I also prefer to keep a certain weight."
He gave a brief, subtle glance at her figure. "You look great. And honestly, I wouldn't care about a girl's weight. If you ever got a bit heavier, I'd just convince you to work out with me." He grinned to show he was joking.
Nahlia laughed quietly. "Don't worry, it's a personal preference, not something I do for others."
They chatted casually until they arrived at a small restaurant.
"This place is my favourite," Kai said, pushing open the door.
Nahlia paused, recognizing the décor. "Oh, I've been here before."
He nodded. "It's pretty popular." As they approached the front, he asked for a table for two.
Despite its popularity, the restaurant was nearly empty, largely because the village wasn't very big and most people ate at home. Once seated, Kai scanned the menu, then noticed Nahlia glancing around.
"Not going to order?" he asked.
She gave him a small smile. "Like I said—I'm not usually that hungry."
Kai hesitated. "We can leave if you're not in the mood for a meal. I don't want you to feel forced."
She shook her head. "No, it's fine. I just don't eat much, remember?"
A waiter appeared, pen poised. "What can I get for you?"
"I'll have the steak and fries, two bowls of chocolate ice cream, a chocolate milkshake, and a water," Kai said.
Nahlia's eyes widened. "Kai, that's too much—"
He shrugged. "Can't back out now. We'll see how much we can eat." He turned to the waiter. "That'll be all, thank you."
The waiter headed off, leaving Nahlia looking apologetic. "I really won't finish everything," she warned.
"Don't worry," Kai reassured her. "Just try some. Whatever's left, we can take home or toss."
She finally relented with a nod.
"So, do you have any hobbies?" he asked, hoping to learn more about her.
Nahlia thought for a moment. "Not really. Mostly I help my mom and study."
"Nothing else?" Kai prompted.
"Well, I like hanging out with my friends," she admitted. "We have a lot of fun—especially at school."
Kai leaned forward, intrigued. "What do you and your friends do?"
She beamed. "We usually just talk or try on clothes. Class is where we really have fun, though."
"How so?"
Nahlia giggled. "Our teacher is super strict about boys and girls interacting, so whenever we laugh and some boys look at us, she freaks out. The guys like to tease her, so it becomes this whole thing."
Kai couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "Sounds entertaining."
She nodded, launching into a few amusing stories about pranks, punishments, and classroom antics. Kai barely noticed when the waiter brought their food; he pushed a few items her way, insisting she give them a taste. Although she protested, she eventually tried the dishes, and they spent nearly an hour talking and laughing until they finished the meal.
After Kai paid, they headed back into the sunshine. Nahlia continued chatting about her school adventures. He listened, captivated by the way her eyes lit up when she was passionate about something.
They soon arrived at a small hill crowned by a large, solitary tree, with a picturesque lake shimmering in the distance. Sitting down in the grass, Nahlia finally paused to breathe.
"Sorry if I talked your ear off," she said, a bit self-conscious.
Kai shook his head. "I liked it. You should talk like that more often—it's really cute."
She blushed, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
They sat quietly for a moment, just enjoying the view. Then Nahlia spoke again, her voice quieter.
"When my parents first mentioned you, I hated the idea," she admitted. "I always wanted to pick my own husband—someone like my brother, someone handsome, caring, and responsible."
Kai stayed quiet, letting her continue.
"But the more I learned about you, the more I liked you. It reached a point where I couldn't imagine being with anyone else." She turned to him, her cheeks warming. "I know it sounds silly, but—"
He shook his head. "Not silly at all. I'm not anything special, honestly, but I'm flattered."
She laughed softly. "I wouldn't have fallen for you if there were nothing special about you."
Kai felt his face heat up. "Well, you don't have to worry about me backing out. You're beautiful, and I love how enthusiastic you are."
She smiled in return, and they both stood up, brushing grass from their clothes.
"Want me to walk you home?" Kai asked.
"Yes, please."
They ambled through the village, making idle conversation until they reached her house. Once there, she turned to him with a gentle smile.
"Thanks for today. It was a lot of fun."
Kai returned the smile. "I had a great time, too."
He paused, remembering something. "By the way, how do you feel about moving to the city someday? I'll probably have to return soon—I don't actually live here."
She blinked in surprise, then shrugged lightly. "I don't mind, as long as I can finish my studies first. If that's where you need to be, I'll go with you."
Kai felt a wave of relief. "Thank you."
They stood in an amiable silence for a moment before she opened the door.
"See you soon," Kai said, stepping back and giving her a quick wave.
She returned the gesture, and he watched her disappear inside. Turning away, he walked back toward his own home, a contented smile lingering on his face.
"That was… new," Kai thought as he walked back home. His gaze drifted toward the sky, its dull gray hue contrasting against the bright moon hanging in the distance.
"She really loves chocolate, huh?" he murmured to himself, shaking his head. His thoughts wandered as he continued down the quiet street. "I can't be so desperate that I start liking someone after just one date."
As he passed by rows of modest buildings, a puff of smoke caught his eye from the right. Turning his head, he saw a man leaning against a wall, dressed in tattered rags.The man was smoking calmly, his posture slouched but oddly peaceful.
What an unusual sight, Kai thought as he continued walking.
"Hey, wait," the man called out, his voice hoarse.
Kai stopped and turned, his smile from earlier replaced by a calm, neutral expression. "Yeah?"
"You got any money for food? Haven't eaten in a while," the man said, limping toward him.
Kai nodded and dug into his pocket, pulling out a few silver coins. "Here, this is all I've got on me right now."
The man's dirt-covered hands eagerly grabbed the coins. "Plenty. Thank you."
Kai caught the stench wafting from the man—an acrid mix of smoke and filth—but kept his face composed out of respect. "Take care."
"You too," the man replied before shoving the coins into his pocket. He returned to his spot against the wall, another cloud of smoke escaping from his chapped lips.
Kai shook his head at the man's misfortune but kept walking, his hands now shoved into his own pockets.
When he finally reached his home, the silence was broken only by faint footsteps from other parts of the house. He sighed, shook his head, and headed upstairs to his now slightly less cluttered room.
As he began changing out of his clothes, something on his desk caught his eye—a letter. Picking it up, he immediately recognized the handwriting.
"So it's Fren," he muttered, cutting the envelope open.
Dear Sir Kai,
I received your letter regarding a Weaver to teach your brother about the Latifa and assist with his awakening.
I've been looking for a new Disciple to join me, so your timing is perfect.
I am not far from your village and should arrive in the morning.
—Fren
The letter was simple and to the point. Kai nodded as he folded the parchment and placed it on his desk. Pulling on a tunic, he stepped out of his room and made his way to Leon's door.
"Yeah?" came Leon's voice when Kai knocked.
"Listen," Kai said through the door. "A Weaver I know will be here tomorrow to help with your Latifa awakening. Be prepared."
There was a pause, then a burst of energy from within the room. A moment later, the door swung open to reveal Leon's excited face, his dark eyes practically sparkling. "Really? A Weaver?"
"Yes," Kai replied casually. "And he mentioned that he's considering taking you as a Disciple. So, stay focused and make a good impression."
Leon's grin widened, and he did a small, triumphant dance. "This is amazing! Thank you so much!"
At that moment, a familiar voice spoke from behind. "You're back?"
Kai turned to see his mother standing in the hallway, beaming at him.
"Yeah," he said with a nod.
"How was it?" she asked, her tone filled with curiosity.
"It was good. We ate and talked for a while," Kai replied, keeping his summary short.
His mother smiled warmly. "I'm glad. But please, Kai, try to make more time for her. She's your fiancée now, and it's important to build that relationship."
"I will," he assured her before turning back to Leon. "By the way, don't show your Nafs to Fren. I've already told him you've achieved Ammara and that you're focusing on your Latifa. If he asks, just say it's not something you're ready to demonstrate."
Leon's brows furrowed. "What if he insists? How do I say no?"
"I included the necessary information in the letter he received," Kai said. "Just stick to that."
Leon nodded reluctantly, still looking unsure but trusting his brother.
Kai smiled at his mother. "I've got some work to do, so I'll see you both in the morning."
With that, he turned and headed back to his room.
Sitting at his desk, Kai's gaze landed on the glass jar containing the black tendrils. They were more active now, writhing and curling like living shadows.
He lifted the jar, unscrewed the lid, and placed his palm over the opening. A faint purple streak emerged from his hand and flowed into the jar.
The black tendrils reacted immediately, twisting and surging toward the purple essence. Kai watched with a frown as the tendrils overwhelmed his Nafs.
"They're destroying it," he murmured. "They're developing faster than I expected."
He released more of his purple energy, concentrating until it formed a small, dense cloud inside the jar. The tendrils continued to fight against it, but as the cloud expanded and thickened, the black threads began to slow.
Minutes later, the purple dissipated, leaving the jar empty.
Kai stared at it, his brows furrowed in thought. "What exactly are you becoming?" he whispered.
The next morning arrived quietly. A knock on the door jolted him awake from his light slumber at the desk.
"Kai! Someone's here to see you," his mother called from the other side.
He groaned, rubbing his eyes as he sat up. The faint glow of the jar, now empty, caught his attention. With a sigh, he pushed himself to his feet and prepared for the arrival of Fren, his thoughts lingering on the mysterious black tendrils.