Tarik continued his journey, still feeling the warmth that lingered after his trial in the forest. Each of his steps resonated in the quiet expanse of the plain stretching before him. There were no trees here, only endless grass swaying in the wind, whispering secrets as it moved.
Ahead, a figure came into view. It was not the stranger he had left behind. The figure standing at the edge of the hill seemed familiar, yet at the same time, entirely foreign.
“Tarik,” the voice called out, echoing across the field.
It was a woman. Her flowing garments rippled in the wind, and her eyes held both determination and gentleness. This was Ayna—one of those Tarik was destined to meet on his path.
“Who are you?” he asked, stopping a few steps away.
“I am the one who sees beyond the horizon,” she replied, her voice calm yet full of strength. “And I know that your path intersects with mine. We have more in common than you realize.”
Ayna extended her hand toward Tarik, and without hesitation, he accepted the gesture. Her touch was unexpectedly warm, as though an invisible bond already existed between them.
“What are you doing here?” he asked.
“I’ve been waiting for you,” she answered simply.
Ayna turned toward the horizon, pointing to distant mountains shrouded in mist.
“The answer lies there,” she said. “But before we move forward, you must understand that the choice you made in the forest was only the beginning. Every step ahead will test your resolve anew. You must decide: are you ready to go further?”
Tarik paused to reflect. Her words reminded him of all he had endured and what still lay ahead. But he knew there was no turning back.
“I’m ready,” he said, meeting her gaze directly.
Ayna nodded, a faint smile gracing her lips.
“Then let us go. Time is short, and the road is long.”
They set off together, and with each step, the plain came alive with new sounds: the rustling of grass, the distant songs of unseen birds, and the hum of life itself. Yet somewhere deep within their path awaited the next trial—one that would not only change them but also alter the essence of eternity they were sworn to protect.