(Chapter - 39)

  [A Discovered Path]

  Mehaki is mesmerized by the view of the Wind Forest, sunlight filtering through the vibrant greenery. Her eyes soften and a smile forms on her face. Karu and Asroy are amazed.

  Asroy : Whoa, I never knew we had a hidden path like this in our garden.

  Tori : I discovered it a long time ago. Tushar and I used to sneak through this path and set traps to catch small animals when we were kids.

  Tushar : Yup. It's been so long since I came here.

  Mehaki : *The Wind Forest looks more beautiful in daylight. Feels enchanting!*

  Karu : It actually makes going in and out of the Wind Forest much easier. You should've told us about it sooner, Tori.

  Tori : It was supposed to be our secret. But I felt like telling you guys today, haha!

  Tushar : We stopped coming here anyway.

  Tori : I still do.

  Tushar : Ha!? You traitor!

  They laugh carefreely and on their way ahead. Mehaki suddenly notices something familiar — the trees and bushes at the edge, and the view from inside the forest make her feel like she has seen it before.

  Mehaki : Hey, wait… If I’m not mistaken… This place is directly opposite my house.

  Karu : Your house?

  Asroy : How can you be so sure?

  Mehaki : The view from this place feels familiar. I came here before a few times, both with one of my friends and alone.

  Tori : *And with me, too.*

  Tori faintly smiles. Mehaki walks closer to the edge and moves the bushes aside, revealing her home across the street. Her lips curl into a confident smile, and the four of them burst into excitement.

  Mehaki : See! I told you.

  Tushar : Whoaa!

  Tori : We found a shortcut!

  Mehaki : Yes!

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  Tushar : Woohoo! The fastest way to visit Inufa now!

  Asroy : This is perfect!

  Tori : I can't believe it. We just discovered a hidden path from Miraz Monjil straight to Mehaki’s house!

  Karu : Technically, you're the one who found it out, Tori.

  Tori : Haha! It's no big deal.

  Mehaki suddenly grabs Tori’s hands in excitement, her eyes sparkling with joy.

  Mehaki : I'm so glad, Tori. You did a great job! Really.

  Tori’s cheeks flush faintly as their eyes meet. His heart skips a beat.

  Tori : Ah… Thank you, Mehaki.

  Seeing this, Karu hides his teasing smile with his hand. Asroy and Tushar stiffen, then quickly but gently pull Mehaki away from Tori. Karu and Tori stare at them in confusion.

  Tushar : Um– Inufa! Don't you feel like throwing a party?

  Mehaki : Huh? No, that would be too much.

  Tushar : Oh, then let's go back!

  Asroy : No, wait. Since we came here, why don't we walk around a bit? You seemed to like it here.

  Tori : …?

  Mehaki : Hmm… Not a bad idea. Let's do it then.

  Karu : What's wrong with you two?

  Asroy : Nothing.

  Tushar : Yeah, nothing.

  Mehaki walks ahead of them, wandering around the forest. The four follow after her. A calm feeling settles over them as they chat.

  Karu : We shouldn’t go too far. Let's stay close to our area.

  Tushar : Oh, c'mon! Nobody gets lost in the Wind Forest if they know it's the ‘Wind Forest’.

  Karu : I said, we shouldn’t.

  Tushar : Ugh, fine.

  Asroy : Hey, Inufa.

  Mehaki : Yeah?

  Asroy comes to Mehaki and walks beside her.

  Asroy : I’m sorry… if I hurt you while I was under Obhoy’s hypnosis. You know… I can't remember any of it at all, but I'm still worried about you.

  Mehaki : It's okay, Asroy. It's true that I was scared, and I felt so helpless. But now that I know it wasn’t your doing, I feel relieved. I'm just happy that I can trust the real you.

  Asroy’s gaze softens at Mehaki as warmth spreads through his chest.

  Asroy : Inufa… There's something I—Ah!

  Suddenly he freezes as he feels a sting in his head. He squeezes his eyes shut, clutching his head as a sharp pain shoots through it. Mehaki grows worried, and the other three rush over.

  Mehaki : Asroy?

  Asroy : Ugh! Why is this… Happening? Uh–

  Tori : Asroy, you okay?

  Karu : Hey, what happened?

  Asroy hears Obhoy’s voice echoing in his mind — “Bring me the blessed girl once you’ve found her.” He drops to his knees and everyone becomes concerned.

  Tushar : Bro! Is it a headache?

  Asroy : Ugh!

  He opens his eyes, now glowing red with a faint orange hue. Tushar and Karu notice it and stare in shock.

  Tushar : His-… His eyes!

  Tori : !

  Karu : Obhoy's hypnosis has taken effect!

  Mehaki : What?

  Tushar : But why!? It's daytime!

  Karu : Tori! Take Mehaki away from here. Just run somewhere far until we deal with Asroy!

  Tushar and Karu hold Asroy as he keeps his head lowered in pain. Without hesitation, Tori grabs Mehaki’s hand and pulls her into a run. For a few seconds, Mehaki glances back at Karu, Tushar, and Asroy, her eyes filled with concern. Then they run away. Suddenly, a figure made of fire materializes before Asroy — Obhoy, making Karu and Tushar tense. But they don’t waver. Asroy looks unfazed.

  Tushar : *Is that Obhoy?*

  Karu : *Why is Obhoy here!?*

  Obhoy : Asroy…

  Obhoy smiles wickedly. Karu and Tushar narrow their eyes at him. Meanwhile, Mehaki and Tori run off to a point where they can't be seen anymore. They stop to catch their breath. Tori glances around.

  Tori : Did we come too far?

  Mehaki : Where is this place?

  Though it’s daytime, the towering trees are so dense that it makes the forest feel like late afternoon. The bushes and grass are wet, as if it had rained a few hours ago. Tori sees the bushes then looks up and scans the tall, sturdy trees.

  Tori : These are… Rain trees.

  Mehaki : Rain trees?

  Tori : Yes. This place is probably called… Badoliresh.

  At the same time, Obhoy floats in front of Asroy, Karu and Tushar, quietly observing them and talking only to Asroy.

  Obhoy : Ha... Brother Asroy. What are you even doing? Don't you know why I came here right now? I know you’ve found the blessed girl… Tell me where she is.

  Tushar and Karu immediately look at Asroy, their grip tightens around him.

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