His simple vow cut through the lies and secrets that seemed to ensnare us. He was my constant, the one soul whose love and loyalty remained unshaken amid the turmoil of our lives. With him by my side, I could weather any storm, decipher any mystery, and face whatever darkness threatened to consume us.
“Let’s prepare then,” I said, finding strength in his unwavering presence. “Together.”
We spent the day busying ourselves by gathering the necessary supplies for our upcoming time-travel journey. Meanwhile, we took every opportunity to spend quality time with the children. Rosie, in particular, was bursting with exuberance, bouncing from one corner of the room to the other as she helped pack and prepare for her next adventure.
“Malik will join us, won’t he?” she asked, already envisioning all the wondrous places they would discover together.
“Of course,” I said. “Come, sit now, and let me comb your hair.
Her lower lip stuck out in a pout, but she plopped before me on the carpeted floor. As she endured my attempts to tame her wild hair with an intricately decorated bone comb, she focused on the small wooden doll in her hands. The doll was dressed in a tiny kaftan, complete with delicate embroidery that mimicked the styles worn by the household women. Surrounding her were miniature pieces of furniture—a small bed with a quilted cover, a small table, and a set of polished metal cups and plates. She arranged her playthings carefully, creating a miniature world where her imagination could flourish.
Roman, who had disappeared some time ago to rock Luna for her nap, reappeared, his face soft with the triumph of a small victory.
“I got her to sleep, finally,” he said, leaning over to kiss my head. “The staff has prepared us supper to eat before nightfall.”
“Good,” I replied, pulling the comb through Rosie’s hair with finality. I tied her hair back into a ponytail with a silk ribbon.
“That will never last,” Roman said with a chuckle.
“I know.” I sighed, getting to my feet. “Let’s go eat, Rosie.”
Rosie slipped her small hand into mine, and we approached the dining room together.
The heaviness of the meal sat in my stomach as my mind churned with thoughts and worries about our upcoming time travel. It had been far too long since I had seen my father, and the anticipation was almost overwhelming. But amidst the excitement was a twinge of anxiety about the challenges ahead. We had already overcome so much on our journeys through time. Would we truly be granted safe passage to the 21st century? The uncertainty hung like an oppressive cloud, casting shadows over our plans and hopes for the future.
“I want to spend time with my father before we travel,” Roman said, breaking through the labyrinth of my thoughts.
Rosie perked up. “Can I come with you?”
Roman glanced at me before nodding. “Of course.”
“Enjoy yourselves,” I replied, my voice steadier than I felt. “I need to get the kids’ things ready. Then let’s meet outside in the courtyard at nightfall.”
One of Amir’s guards escorted me up a twisting labyrinth of stairs and hurried me and Luna outside through a secret door. The sudden openness felt strange, almost surreal. A warm breeze teased my kaftan, making it ripple against my legs. The full moon cast its silvery glow over the underground palace, illuminating the courtyard in an ethereal light. I cradled Luna close, her small form both a source of comfort and a reminder of the fragility of the moment. As I approached the courtyard, my footsteps echoed softly on the cool stone walkway.
The shadows shifted unnaturally, forming into three hooded figures. In an instant, they lunged toward us. With one arm wrapped protectively around Luna as her screams pierced the night, I brandished my dagger in the other.
“Shh, darling, mommy’s here,” I whispered, my voice trembling as I parried a blow aimed at my heart.
My blade sang through the air, clashing violently against the steel of my assailants. The movements were sharp, desperate. I noticed a flash of red thread on their belts—different from the black insignia of Amir’s guards.
“Traitors!” I spat, realization dawning as my heart pounded like war drums.
Every strike of my dagger was fueled by an unwavering resolve to protect Luna. Her cries, raw and terrified, were a fierce reminder of what was at stake. The moon bore silent witness as I fought, the deadly dance casting fleeting shadows across the stones.
One by one, the attackers fell, their bodies crumpling at my feet. But there was no time to process the victory. Clutching Luna tightly to my chest, I ran, my lungs burning as I pushed forward toward the safety of the courtyard. The air was thick with the scent of jasmine, mingling with the metallic tang of blood. Luna’s cries echoed, a haunting, desperate melody propelling me forward.
A fourth figure emerged from the darkness, his blade catching the moonlight in a menacing gleam.
“Please, not my baby,” I whispered, sprinting toward the great gong that loomed at the courtyard’s edge. With every ounce of strength, I swung its mallet, unleashing a deafening clang that shattered the night’s stillness and reverberated through the stone walls.
The attacker surged toward me, his blade slicing through the air. Pain erupted in my arm as his weapon found its mark, sending searing agony radiating through my body. I stumbled to the ground, the cobblestones cold and unforgiving beneath me. Desperate, I wrapped myself around Luna, shielding her tiny frame as I braced for the final blow.
The man raised his blade high, his intent unmistakable. Tears blurred my vision as I whispered a silent prayer, holding Luna closer than ever.
Suddenly, a wall of fire erupted behind him. The searing heat illuminated the night, casting long, flickering shadows. The man froze, a crimson stain blooming on his chest. He staggered, his blade slipping from his grasp before he collapsed lifelessly to the ground.
Behind him stood Balthazar, his imposing figure framed by the roaring flames, a look of triumph on his face.
