Title – The Forgotten Island and the Truth
As soon as they heard the spirit's screech echoing through the cave, they realized it was enraged. They were no longer safe. Zahira turned to the others and said, "We have to run. Now."
But Elyas was weak. He hadn't recovered enough to sprint like Zahira and Sajiya. Still, there was no other choice—they had to flee. Zahira led the way through the dark, winding cave that seemed to stretch endlessly ahead.
The deeper they went, the quieter the spirit's presence felt. It was as if something in the cave masked their aura, making it harder for the spirit to track them. Finally, they reached what seemed like the end of the cave. A natural staircase led them upwards toward light.
They emerged into a breathtaking hidden sanctuary.
It was a secret island, unlike anything they had seen. Towering trees bore orange-like fruits, apples, and bananas. A fresh water lake sparkled nearby, encircling the lush land. The air was pure, and birds chirped melodiously. It felt untouched by man.
They looked around in awe, trying to understand where they had ended up. Zahira checked her phone, only to find there was no signal. "We can't contact anyone," she said, sighing.
"At least we won't die of thirst or hunger," Elyas added weakly.
Unbeknownst to them, the spirit was still furious. Though it could no longer sense Zahira's exact presence, it hovered near the outer cave, unable to enter the protected space. It growled in frustration, unable to reach them.
As night fell, the trio settled down under a tree. They were exhausted—mentally and physically. Just as they began to drift off to sleep, a group of men appeared from the woods, wearing long robes and crosses around their necks. They looked like priests.
Zahira and the others were already asleep, unaware of the newcomers' presence. The priests quietly approached and noticed the silver lockets around Zahira and Sajiya's necks.
One of the elders paused. "These lockets… they were once given by Malik. The guardian."
They exchanged glances, then carefully lifted the sleeping trio and carried them to a nearby ancient church built of white stone, hidden deep in the island.
The next morning, Zahira awoke to the soft rustle of curtains and the scent of burning incense. She blinked and sat up on a warm, soft bed. The wooden room was lit by morning light streaming through stained-glass windows.
She stepped outside and found Elyas standing in the hallway.
"What the hell, man?" Elyas said, rubbing his head. "We escaped one church, and now we've woken up in another?"
Zahira managed a weak smile.
Just then, a priest approached, his expression calm yet serious. Zahira quickly asked, "Father, how did we get here? We were on an island—was it you who brought us here?"
The priest nodded. "Yes, we found you last night. This place is sacred. You were protected."
Before she could ask more, Sajiya stepped forward. There was pain and guilt in her eyes. "Father… Malik was my father. Do you know him?"
The priest looked at her deeply, but didn't answer her question. Instead, he said firmly, "There's no time for questions. You are not safe yet."
Zahira interrupted, "Father, can we send the spirit back? Can we return it to where it came from?"
The priest hesitated for a moment before saying, "Yes. The one who called it from the dark realm has the power to send it back. But we don't know who brought it here."
Elyas looked shocked. "Wait... someone called it? You mean, it's not from our world?"
The priest gave a slow nod. "The spirit you encountered is not ordinary. It belongs to the dark realm, where beings serve the king of jinns—Ifrit. Someone opened the portal between worlds. Now the spirit walks among us."
Sajiya's face turned pale. Her voice trembled. "I… I think I know how it came."
Everyone turned to her.
She looked down, ashamed. "I used a ritual from my father's hidden book. I wanted to protect Elyas's life. I was desperate… I read the incantation and performed the ritual, hoping to make a deal with Ifrit. But when I opened my eyes, no one was there. I thought it didn't work. But now... I think the spirit came because of me."
Silence fell in the room. Zahira's eyes widened in shock.
The priest's face hardened, but his voice remained calm. "Child, dark rituals are not games. Every word spoken is heard. Ifrit is the most cunning and dangerous among the jinns. He never gives without taking."
Zahira stepped forward and put her hand on Sajiya's shoulder. "You didn't mean for this. But now, we have to fix it. Together."
The priest added, "The spirit is here for a purpose. It may not just want blood—it may want a soul. Possibly yours, or Elyas's."
Sajiya clenched her fists. "Then we'll find a way to stop it."
The priest looked at them all solemnly. "There may still be a way—but it requires great sacrifice. You must return to the place the portal was opened. Only there can the gate be sealed."
Elyas asked, "But how do we reach that place again?"and first we have to move from here
The priest walked over to a large bookshelf and pulled out a hidden drawer. Inside lay an ancient map—one that had Malik's initials etched in the corner.
He handed it to Zahira.
"Follow this," he said. "It will take you back to where it all began."
Zahira looked at the map, she knows the place that was the town where rayan live their and all this started her heart pounding. She didn't know what awaited them—but she knew one thing: they were not alone anymore. They had each other.
And this fight… was far from over.
To be continued...