33. Breathtaking.

PS: This is a bonus chapter!!

Happy Holiday lovely readers ｡◕‿◕｡

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Malik gritted his teeth, tightening his hold on the horse's reins. Uncertain about what lay ahead, he knew that securing their safety was paramount before seeking answers.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he reassured Salam, "We will find a solution if things go bad."

After dismounting, they secured their horses to a tree. "Be good, Midnight," Malik murmured as he patted his steed, causing Salam to shake his head.

"Midnight, ahh, still sounds funny to me."

"Trust me, it's much more appealing than the name Scorpion. How can a horse be named after a scorpion? You should think of a better name."

"Scorpion is fitting, a true warrior like myself," Salam affectionately patted his brown horse.

Both of them shared a hearty laugh at their own banter. Malik suggested, "You should meet me for a better name, I have quite the collection." Salam laughed and playfully shook his head.

After ensuring the horses were securely fastened without any opportunity to escape, they continued on foot deeper into the woods.

The chorus of crickets filled the air, while the rustling grass beneath their feet added an eerie sound to the night. Despite their search, there was still no sign of black smoke or any other indication of danger, leaving them perplexed.

Salam broke the silence, suggesting, "We should split up. We've been walking aimlessly without finding anything. Let's cover more ground by going in different directions."

Malik nodded in agreement, saying, "Sure, it's worth a try."

They had taken different routes, agreeing to signal each other by blowing a small horn made from a bamboo stick if one of them found anything that might help. 

Malik's grip tightened on the sword at his waist as he surveyed the unfamiliar surroundings, his bare chest rising and falling steadily.

After walking for a while, a distant sound caught his attention, causing him to pause and strain to discern its source. Gradually, the familiar sound of running water reached his ears—a stream.

Initially considering turning back, as a stream seemed a likely find, Malik hesitated. Pushing aside thoughts of uncertainty, he cautiously advanced, moving through large leafs that blocked his way, he gently parted it. 

As the final obstacle was cleared, a breathtaking scene unfolded before him—an open field surrounding a serene stream.

To his left, a majestic mountain rose, while a gentle waterfall cascaded nearby. However, it was the tranquil water before him that mesmerized him the most, exuding an almost magical allure.

He continued to walk, taking in the serene view. As he paused, he noticed someone seated on a rock, her back turned towards him, her hair beautifully voluminous and afro-textured, and her leg playing in the water.

She turned slowly, perhaps having heard his approaching footsteps. In that fleeting moment, everything around him seemed to crumble.

It was Safiya - the person he couldn't stop thinking about, the one who held his soul and whom he couldn't bear to be without. She was the only one who had dared to question his motives, and the only one who had managed to touch his numb heart.