Outside the courtroom, the tension clung to the air like a lingering storm. Tara stepped into the grey light of late afternoon, her eyes catching a familiar figure standing near the steps.
"Nadia…" she breathed, surprised. "I didn't expect you to show up."
Nadia's gaze was unreadable. Before she could respond, Rose crossed her arms, her tone sharp. "But how did you know Jisa attacked first? You weren't even there. And you didn't come to the hospital, either."
Nadia flinched like the words had struck her. "Wow… so that's where we stand? You think I'd just sit back and do nothing? I was trying to help Tara."
Tara stepped forward, her voice softer, conflicted. "I believe you. But… your words in court—" She hesitated. "They didn't sound like you were on anyone's side."
Nadia's voice dropped to a whisper. "I couldn't say everything. It's complicated. But I was trying to protect you."
Tara's eyes searched hers. For a moment, something unspoken passed between them. "I get it now. Thank you."
Nadia forced a smile, faint and brittle. "You're always welcome."
But Rose was still cold. "Let's just go."
Nadia turned away, her shadow long against the pavement. "You go ahead. I have… something else to take care of."
Tara watched her disappear down the steps. There was something in Nadia's walk, in the way she didn't look back. Not anger. Not pride.
Guilt.
---
Later – On the Way Back
"Let's go to the park," Neel said, nudging Rose with a grin.
Rose narrowed her eyes. "What are we, kids?"
"Or maybe," Arib said, smirking as he looked at Tara, "we turn it into a date?"
Tara blinked, startled. "A… date? Right now?"
"You've been tense all day," Arib said, gently. "Come on, Firegirl. You need a break."
Rose rolled her eyes. "So childish."
"But you love childish," Neel chimed in with a wink.
"Shut up," Rose said, though the corners of her mouth betrayed a smile.
---
At the Park
The night shimmered with carnival lights and music drifting from the speakers. Arib tugged Tara toward a glowing heart-shaped frame set up near a photo booth.
"Come here—let's take a photo."
He set the timer, wrapped an arm around her, and pulled her close.
"Smile like you don't have murder charges on you," he whispered.
Tara smirked. "Only if you stop calling me Firegirl."
Click.
Laughter rippled around them from couples and families. For a moment, everything felt… normal.
"Let's win something," Tara said, her eyes gleaming.
"Challenge accepted."
Arib stepped up to the shooting booth and, with effortless precision, hit every target. The vendor handed over a ridiculously large teddy bear.
"Seriously?" Tara said, raising a brow. "That was hot."
"I have many talents," Arib said, slinging the bear onto her arms. "Shooting. Flirting. Calming down angry goddesses."
They shared cotton candy, walking slowly through the lantern-lit paths, jokes flowing as easily as the sugar melting on their tongues.
"Roller coaster?" Arib pointed.
Tara hesitated. "I'm not really a fan of… falling from the sky."
"Then fall with me," he said, holding out his hand.
She took it.
The ride surged upward. Tara clutched the safety bar, eyes wide. "I hate this I hate this I hate this—"
"Eyes open, Tara!" Arib laughed.
She squeezed his hand. As the drop came, she screamed—then broke into a breathless laugh.
"That was terrifying."
"You sounded like a dying cat."
"You're so dead." She shoved him lightly, grinning.
---
Meanwhile – Horror House
"So, horror house?" Neel asked.
Rose raised a brow. "You chickening out?"
"I'm not scared," he said confidently. "I'm just… emotionally sensitive to jump scares."
"Wow. The flirt runs from ghosts?" she teased.
"Admit it. You want me beside you."
"I don't!" Rose snapped, flustered. "I just think maybe… you'd be lonely if I go alone."
"Mhm. You're shaking."
"Am not!"
"Let's go, Miss Lightning."
Inside, darkness swallowed them whole. Fog curled at their ankles. Distant whispers brushed against their ears like breath on skin.
BANG!
A door slammed. Rose jumped, grabbing Neel's arm.
"WHAT WAS THAT?!" she shrieked.
"Relax," Neel chuckled. "They're actors—"
A robed ghost lunged from the mist.
"NOPE! NOPE! TOO REAL!" Rose screamed.
"This is amazing," Neel said, thrilled.
Then more ghosts charged from the shadows.
"I SAID ENOUGH!!"
A burst of electricity crackled from her hands. A bolt shot forward, blasting a fake wall into splinters. Sparks flew. The power grid shorted. Lights went out.
Somewhere in the dark, an actor whispered nervously, "…uh-oh."
[Chapter – Shadows in the Fog]
Arib's voice crackled through the phone, light-hearted and casual.
"Where are you two? We're waiting."
Moments later, Rose and Neel strolled up, their hair slightly singed, clothes a bit smoky, and expressions halfway between exhilaration and regret. Tara raised an eyebrow, arms crossed.
"So," Neel grinned, throwing his arms out. "Lightning plus haunted house equals chaos. Who knew?"
Tara's eyes narrowed. She didn't say a word, but the glare said everything.
Neel raised both hands in surrender.
"Message received. Lips sealed."
Rose laughed, still catching her breath.
"But come on! I fried a plastic demon. Totally worth the fine."
Neel turned to Arib, already dialing a plan in his head.
"Tomorrow, same place? Double date?"
Rose scoffed.
"Date? You?"
Neel blinked. "Why?"
"Shut up." Rose smirked. "Let me drive."
Arib's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen—Father.
He picked up. A short pause.
"Okay," he said calmly, then looked at the others.
"I have to go. My father wants to talk."
Tara nodded.
"Sure. Go."
"Drop me here," he added as they approached a crossing. Without another word, Arib stepped out and walked away.
The remaining three headed back toward the academy. But as they approached the gates, they noticed something strange—a crowd. Students clustered together, whispering, murmuring, some pale, others panicked. Two guards ran past them in a blur.
"Something's cooking," Rose muttered.
Neel reached out, stopping a girl sprinting toward the crowd.
"Hey, what happened?"
The girl's eyes were wide.
"A girl… she's dead. Some students said they saw a creature near the school. They think it killed her."
She didn't wait for a reply, vanishing into the mass of bodies.
They pushed forward, the crowd parting just enough for them to see the horror.
The body lay in the center like a shattered doll—her chest ripped open, the wound jagged and raw, soaked with blood. Bone and muscle torn, her heart missing, her lifeless eyes wide in frozen terror. It looked less like a murder and more like a ritual.
Tara turned away, her stomach lurching. Neel instinctively pulled Rose into him, shielding her view.
A loud buzz from the speakers silenced the whispers. Mr. Cyrus stood with a microphone in hand, his face unusually grave.
"Students, return to your classrooms immediately. If you do not have class, go to your hostel rooms. A creature has been seen near the jungle surrounding the school. We cannot guarantee your safety unless you follow instructions. Stay alert, stay inside."
The crowd dispersed in waves, voices low, footsteps quick. Fear hung in the air like smoke.
Neel turned to the girls.
"You two—go. Stay in your room. I'll inform Arib about this."
Rose raised an eyebrow.
"First time seeing you act serious."
Neel gave a half-smile.
"I've always been serious about you. You just didn't notice."
Tara let out a small laugh.
"Flirting again," Rose sighed. "When you meet the creature, try not to flirt with it."
"No promises," Neel winked. "Now go."
Tara and Rose walked back together, the campus oddly quiet despite the chaos. Street lamps buzzed above them, casting long shadows on the fog-draped path.
"What do you think?" Rose asked, her voice low. "Do creatures like that really exist?"
Tara's gaze was sharp.
"Let's say they do. But why here? Why now?" She paused, thoughtful.
"After what happened to me… I don't believe in coincidence anymore."
"So, they came here for a reason," Rose muttered. "But what could it be?"
They reached their room. As they stepped inside, a familiar voice piped up from the corner.
"Keep talking," said Zoya, reclining on the lower bunk with a book in hand. "Don't treat me like an outsider."
Tara blinked, then smiled.
"Good. Because you're not."
Rose leaned forward, her voice low. "You saw the body?"
Zoya nodded eagerly. "Yes. Let's go to the jungle and see it."
Tara narrowed her eyes. "You think this is funny?"
Zoya tilted her head, her smile uneasy. "Why would I be afraid? We have you and your fire. You can kill anyone with a single strike, right?"
Tara stiffened. "What?"
"I just meant—" Zoya chuckled nervously, stepping back. "I heard about your fire. That's why I said it as a joke. Don't take it seriously."
Tara didn't respond. Her eyes remained on Zoya, unblinking.
Across the room, Rose sat on Tara's bed, hugging her knees.
"I need to talk to Principal Z," Tara muttered. "But I can't find the right time."
Rose stood, brushing off her skirt. "Let's go now."
Tara blinked. "Now? Everyone's tense. That creature—"
"So what?" Rose said, already walking to the door. "Let's go."
---
Scene: Dining Hall – Rayan's Residence
Mr. Rayan sipped his tea, eyes watching his son across the table. "I heard you're dating that girl."
Arib looked up sharply. "She has a name."
Mr. Rayan's face darkened. "Don't forget—I was fired because of her."
"I saw everything," Arib replied coldly. "Don't lie."
Rayan sighed, pushing his plate aside. "I called you today to talk about your mother."
Arib scoffed. "Another lie?"
"I have proof."
Arib stared. "Okay. Then tell me. Who killed her?"
Mr. Rayan leaned forward, voice quiet. "Principal Z."
Arib's fork dropped. "What?"
"He's the one. Tara's father."
Arib shook his head, stunned. "He's her father?"
"That shocks you?" Rayan gave a dry laugh. "He has powers—he can travel between universes. When he first gained that ability, he became obsessed. Your mother was his friend. She helped him. And during one of those journeys... she died."
"Why?" Arib asked through clenched teeth.
"I don't know the motive. I tried to ask him, but he refused to answer. He's cold. Heartless. He even left his own daughter in another world. I didn't tell you earlier because I feared he'd do the same to you. I couldn't protect her... but I tried to protect you."
Arib's phone buzzed on the table. He stood.
"Thanks for telling me," he said, picking it up. "But I need to go."
---
Scene: Arib on the Phone
"Hello?" Arib answered.
Neel's voice came in a hushed tone. "Something's cooking here, bro. Come quickly."
"I was just about to. I need to talk to Tara first."
"Okay," Neel said. Then silence.
Arib ended the call and clenched the phone. Principal Z is dangerous. But Tara... she's innocent. I have to protect her.
---
Scene: Academy Hallway
Tara and Rose walked side by side, tension thick in the air.
Tara glanced over. "Do you know his real name?"
Rose shook her head. "No. Everyone just calls him Principal Z."
Tara's phone rang. She picked it up.
"Hey, Arib—"
"Tara," he said, his voice shaking. "Principal Z is your father. My dad told me."
Tara stopped cold. Her steps froze. "I was just going to meet him…"
Rose turned, alarmed. "What happened?"
"He told me to talk to him," Tara said softly, lowering the phone. "He said I deserve to know the truth myself."
Rose stared at her. "And you believe him? Mr. Rayan could be lying."
"But Arib told me."
"He could be using Arib, too."
Tara looked up, fire glinting in her eyes. "No. I need to hear it from him."
---
Scene: Outside Principal Z's Office
"I'll wait here," Rose said, placing a hand on Tara's arm. "If anything happens—shout."
Tara nodded and knocked.
"Yes?" came the voice from inside.
She stepped in.
Principal Z stood behind his desk. "Hi, Tara."
Tara's voice quivered. "Hi… Dad."
His eyes narrowed. "What? Are you mad?"
Tara's hands balled into fists. "I know everything."
Principal Z's tone turned icy. "How dare you call me that? After what you did to me?"
"I should be the one saying that," she whispered. "You tried to kill me."
"I tried... but you killed."
"What?" Her voice broke. "What do you mean?"
His face darkened. "You killed your mother. Your fire—your curse—it destroyed her. It destroyed everything."
Tears welled in Tara's eyes. "Stop it… Dad? I killed Mother—how?"
"It was your fire. As long as you carry it, stay away from me." His voice was cold. "Now get out."
Tara staggered out of the room, shoulders shaking. Rose, waiting just outside, pulled her into a tight hug.
"It's okay," she whispered. "He'll understand one day."
"I hope so," Tara murmured, wiping her tears.
"Come on. Let's eat something tasty."
"I need to meet Arib first."
"You'll go alone? That creature's still out there—"
"I can manage."
---
Scene: Academy Grounds
Tara walked through the misty courtyard. Her thoughts swirled—images of her mother, of fire, of loss.
"Tara!" Arib's voice called.
She turned, eyes damp. He wrapped her in his arms.
"Did he say something?"
Tara whispered, "I killed my mother… I don't deserve to be his daughter."
"No," Arib said firmly. "You were a child. You don't even remember it. How could you blame yourself?"
Tara shook her head. "It was my fire. A curse."
"It's your strength. Maybe her death was an accident."
"It was my accident." She looked at him. "Anyway, what did you want to tell me?"
Arib hesitated, then said, "According to my dad… your father killed my mother."
Tara gasped. "What? Why?"
"He doesn't know. But I need to find out."
"They were friends, right?"
"Yeah. She helped him travel. And she died during one of those trips."
Tara frowned. "Something's hidden here. Why would he do that?"
"You're defending him?"
"I'm not. I just... want the truth."
"So do I."
---
Scene: Forest Path
Suddenly, a terrifying growl echoed. They turned.
A creature emerged—dark brown, eyes glowing blue. Crawling on all fours, its limbs unnervingly human-like.
Tara raised her hand. "Come on…" She tried to summon her fire.
Nothing.
"Arib…" Her voice trembled.
He stood frozen. No weapon. No way to fight.
He held her tight, whispering, "I'm sorry."
Suddenly—slash—a blade gleamed through the mist.
Neel, sword in hand, stood over the creature's corpse.
"You're welcome," he muttered. "Next time, pick up your calls instead of getting all romantic."
He walked away, muttering under his breath.
"Go after him," Tara said softly. "He's angry."
Arib nodded. "Let me walk you to your room first. And forget what your father said. You are not a curse."
"I'll try."
They walked side by side, shadows stretching across the stone path.
Tara, he thought. Even in all this... you're the only one I can think of.
She turned to him. "Are you okay?"
"I will be," he said, smiling faintly. "Because you're with me."
He leaned in, kissed her forehead.
"Now go. Rest."
Tara smiled and kissed his cheek. "Bye…"
---
Next Morning – Tara's Room
Tara sat up, the sun pale through foggy windows. Rose's bed was empty.
Suddenly, Zoya burst in.
"Tara! Wake up! We need to go to the auditorium!"
Outside, sirens blared. Speakers crackled.
"Red alert. All students remain in your rooms..."
Ambulances. Screams. Panic.
Tara's heart pounded. Something terrible has happened…
[To Be Continued]
---