As the chaos of the battle unfolded, a figure emerged from the shadows, sending a chill down Zina's spine. It was her mother, Mariam, whom she had believed to be dead, standing on the side of Hakim, her eyes cold and filled with malice.
Zina's heart sank as she realized the truth - her mother had not only survived but had chosen to ally herself with their enemy. The betrayal cut deep, a dagger to her already wounded heart.
Mariam's voice rang out, laced with venom as she addressed Zina. "You thought you could escape your past, my dear daughter. But you were always destined to fall at my hand."
Zina's hands trembled with a mix of shock and disbelief as she struggled to comprehend her mother's betrayal. The woman she had once loved and trusted now stood against her, a shadow of darkness in the midst of chaos.