Chapter 27: The Unexpected Attack
The peaceful atmosphere of the Dyuka was shattered by the sudden sound of an arrow piercing through the air. I turned to see a sleek, black arrow hurtling towards me, its tip glinting in the sunlight.
Babatunde, the Oriyu, reacted swiftly, his hand flashing out to deflect the arrow. But to my surprise, he didn't deflect it entirely. Instead, he allowed the arrow to graze my cheek, leaving a faint scratch.
Mama Yagu's eyes narrowed, her gaze scanning the surrounding area. "It seems we have an uninvited guest," she said, her voice dripping with a hint of annoyance.
I touched my cheek, feeling a trickle of blood. "Who could have shot that arrow?" I asked, my mind racing with possibilities.
Just then, a figure emerged from the trees, her long, curly hair blowing in the wind. She was a young woman, with piercing brown eyes and a mischievous grin.
"Ah, I see you're the one who's been making waves in the mortal realm," she said, her voice dripping with amusement. "I am Ayanna, daughter of Oya."
Mama Yagu's eyes flashed with warning. "Ayanna, what are you doing here?" she asked, her voice firm.
Ayanna shrugged. "I sensed mortality in him," she said, her gaze fixed on me. "And I couldn't resist the urge to test his fate."
Babatunde's expression was grim. "You shouldn't have done that, Ayanna," he said. "Ade is under our protection."
Ayanna raised an eyebrow. "Protection?" she repeated. "I think he needs more than protection. I think he needs to face his own mortality."
I felt a shiver run down my spine. What did Ayanna mean? And why did she sense mortality in me?
What do you think?