---
Beside the Pond – Evening
The sun dipped low, casting a warm amber glow across the pond. A gentle breeze stirred the leaves as Tara and Arib sat side by side on a weathered bench, their fingers intertwined.
"Are you feeling sick?" Arib's voice was soft, concerned.
Tara smiled faintly, eyes fixed on the rippling water. "Not anymore."
Relief softened his features. "Okay... that's good."
She hesitated before speaking, voice dropping to a whisper. "I had a dream… a house was burning. Flames everywhere."
Arib tightened his grip around her hand. "Forget those nightmares. From now on, I'll be with you. Always."
Tara's gaze met his, uncertain yet grateful.
He cleared his throat. "So… what happened in the cave?"
Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Jisa attacked me. She tried to kill me."
Arib's breath hitched. "Why would she—"
"She said… my father wants me dead."
Arib frowned. "She could be lying."
Tara shook her head slowly. "People don't lie when they're dying."
A heavy silence fell between them.
"So… what will you do now?"
Her voice was steady. "I'll find him. I need to know why."
Before he could respond, Rose's urgent voice rang out from behind.
"Tara! The police are here! They want to investigate!"
---
Police Station – Interrogation Room
Tara sat stiffly across from Mr. Leo, a senior officer whose sharp eyes seemed to cut right through her.
"What happened there?" he asked, voice calm but piercing.
"Jisa attacked me, sir."
"Wasn't she your friend?"
"That's what I thought."
"Did you ask her why?"
Tara swallowed hard. "She didn't answer."
"How did she die? Her body was burned."
Tara nodded. "Yeah…"
Mr. Leo leaned forward. "You have fire-based powers, don't you?"
Tara's voice rose, defensive. "Are you accusing me?"
"I'm stating facts."
"I acted in self-defense!"
He studied her carefully. "In self-defense, you killed someone?"
"This is wrong! Do you even have proof?"
"We'll let the reports speak. Until then, you cannot leave the country. And when we call, you must come in."
Tara stared at him, disbelief burning in her eyes.
"You may leave now."
---
Outside the Station
Tara stepped outside, scanning the crowd for Arib. She pulled out her phone.
"Arib? Where are you?"
"Go to the hostel and rest. I've got some work," came his voice over the line.
Her heart sank. First day together... and his "work" still came first.
---
Hostel Room – Night
Rose sat beside Tara, concern etched on her face. "How did the investigation go?"
"They think I killed Jisa on purpose. We have to prove it was self-defense."
Rose nodded. "I'll talk to my mom about getting a lawyer."
Tara frowned. "What about the fees?"
Rose smiled gently. "Return it when you can."
Tara glanced toward Nadia, who had been unusually quiet.
"Nadia? Did something happen?"
"Nothing," Nadia said quickly.
Rose leaned in, whispering, "Something's off. She's been tense since the incident."
Tara sighed. "After what Jisa did… it's hard to trust anyone now."
"But you can trust me."
Tara smiled softly.
Rose grinned. "Now tell me—what about your love story?"
Tara blushed, and they laughed together.
---
Police Station – Secret Interrogation Room
Behind a one-way glass, Arib watched silently as Mr. Leo questioned Mr. Rayan.
"Stop wasting our time. What were you doing there?"
"I didn't tell Jisa to kill Tara."
"Kill? Interesting... I didn't say anything about killing."
Mr. Rayan's eyes narrowed. "You're playing games."
"Maybe. But without proof, we can't hold you."
Mr. Rayan stood and left the room. Arib melted back into the shadows.
---
Mr. Rayan's Call
"Is everything okay there?" Mr. Rayan's voice was clipped.
"Yes, sir," Nadia answered quietly.
"What about Tara?"
"She hasn't found anything yet."
"Good. Keep it that way."
---
Arib's Room
"Lover boy! Tell me your story!" Neel teased.
Arib chuckled, scratching his neck. "There's nothing to tell."
"Oh, you're blushing! Don't lie!"
"Shut up. Want me to find a girlfriend for you?"
"Actually… help me. I have someone in mind."
Arib smiled. "Oooh... tell me quickly."
---
Academy Boardroom
The board meeting had ended, and Mr. Rayan was officially dismissed.
"Who reported him?" Tara asked.
"Rose's mom," Rose replied.
Tara frowned. "I don't know what he'll do next..."
"We'll be ready. You should visit Principal Z. Jisa was close to him—he might know something."
Tara nodded. "You're right."
---
Principal Z's Office
Tara hesitated outside the office door. It creaked open, and she stepped inside.
Her eyes immediately landed on a framed family photo.
In it, Principal Z stood beside a woman and a small girl — a girl with the same birthmark she had as a child.
Her breath caught. "This... can't be..."
Her heart thundered in her chest as a cold shiver ran down her spine.
Everything she believed about herself was unraveling.
---
To be continued...