"Jamih..." he muttered.
Jawaher turned. "Who is that?"
"He's the leader of the Assassins. If he comes... we'll need more than luck."
The battle was over.
Meanwhile, Jabir, Jawaher, and Sylvance pressed forward through the valley.
"Where are we headed?" Jawaher asked.
"To my village," Sylvance replied. "The birthplace of the Luminous Tree."
Jabir raised an eyebrow. "You told me you live here, but I've never heard of your people."
Sylvance tilted her head. "What do you mean?"
Jabir smiled proudly. "I've crossed this valley fifty times. Never once have I seen your kind or heard of your village."
"We prefer isolation and peace," Sylvance said. "Until the Assassins came and claimed the valley as their own."
Jawaher sighed. "Those Assassins... I'm sick of them."
"They've taken members of my tribe," Sylvance said. "Sold them as slaves."
Jabir's eyes widened. "By the stars... I just remembered—the boy!"
"We have to help him!" he shouted.
Jawaher gasped. "I forgot... wasn't he with you?"
"He was. But we got separated when the gang attacked. He saved my life."
"What do you mean?"
"I'll explain once we're out of this desert."
Sylvance nodded. "We need to reach the village, recover, and prepare for the next strike."
Jawaher hesitated. "We don't want war... we just want the boy. If we can't save him, we'll leave."
Jabir's voice was firm. "We'll save him. And anyone else who needs saving."
Sylvance smiled. "We've arrived."
Jabir's jaw dropped.
A glowing village nestled in a massive oasis, surrounded by luminous trees.
Author Notes: Enjoy!
·
"It's... beautiful."
Sylvance gestured toward a wooden lodge. "You can rest there. There's water and food for everyone."
Jawaher bowed slightly. "Thank you, Sylvance."
"You're welcome. We'll stay here for ten hours. Rest well—we have much to do."
Villagers gathered, whispering.
"Look—it's Sylvance... with outsiders I thought they are like that guy with wooden cart!"
One elder approached. "Welcome to our humble home. Come, I'll show you around. Also..."
He turned to Sylvance. "The elder wants to see you."
Sylvance nodded and entered the heart of the village—a glowing tree that towered above all.
She knocked gently.
"Come in, child," the elder said.
Sylvance stepped inside. "It's good to see you, grandmother."
"And you, my dear. I've heard of your deeds. I'm proud of you."
"What of the captives?"
"In ten hours, I'll lead a caravan to rescue them."
"A caravan?"
"Yes. The Assassins haven't only taken our people. They've taken anyone they can sell."
The elder sighed. "I don't know when they'll learn peace... but I trust you. Tell the villagers to trade with the caravan. We may find things we lack."
Sylvance nodded. "Of course."
"You may go now."
---
Sylvance stepped forward. "We need to move. We won't survive another wave."
Jawaher looked at her. "Who are you? And where are we going?"
"Just follow me."
Jabir raised his voice. "Men! Gather anything useful. We move now!"
The caravan followed Sylvance into the dunes.
---
after a while Jamih and the assassins arrived…
Some of the Assassins had fled. Others lay wounded or dead.
Jamih stood over Lajm's lifeless body, his face carved with fury.
"Fuad..." he growled.
Fuad trembled, unable to speak.
"Look at him. Look what happened because of you."
The gang watched in silence, the air thick with dread.
"Fuad... from this day forward, I suggest you find another place to call home. I've reached my limit with you. And if you don't disappear... I won't guarantee you'll live to see another sunrise."
Fuad took a step back, his breath shallow.
"Don't just stand there!" Jamih barked. "Gather the weapons. Carry Lajm's body. Now!"
Fuad whispered to himself, "What do I do now..."
"Get out of my sight, boy!" Jamih roared. "Or I'll kill you myself!"
Fuad turned and fled into the dunes.
Jamih knelt beside Lajm's body.
"I'm sorry, old friend..."
He searched the sand until he found Lajm's enchanted weapon.
Gripping it tightly, he whispered, "I swear... Fuad won't live another day."
Swinging his sword and slamming it to the sand creating a horrific shockwave.
"I can't afford losing more men"
The Broken Blade
Outside, Jabir marveled at the architecture.
"These homes... built inside the trees. Incredible."
Jawaher tugged his sleeve. "Jabir, we've wasted two hours. Stop staring. Let's rest."
___
Far from the battle, Fuad collapsed to his knees.
Tears fell into the sand.
"I failed... again. I couldn't do anything right."
I miss you, father... Your friend doesn’t treat me the way you did. After forcing me to be here, I can’t help but think about how good I had it in the city. I never wanted to be a thief in the first place.
Yet he teaches how to fight... even this Dagger. He gave it to me... saying it gift from you....
Whispers echoed around him.
Mocking. Twisting.
Fuad clenched his fists.
"No... I won't fall for your tricks, cursed valley."
He wiped his tears and stood.
"I'll go back. I'll take the boy. At least he's worth something. Jamih doesn't want him... but I do."
He turned toward the hideout.
Determined.
---
The Escape and the Awakening
Night had fallen.
The boy sat chained inside a rusted cage, his breath shallow, his thoughts racing.
This is my chance...
"Uncle... can you get me out of here?" he called softly.
Rami chuckled. "Sorry, kid. Can't help you."
"I'm really hungry," the boy said. "Is there any food?"
Rami laughed loudly. "Of course! You're still a growing boy. You need food to become strong—like me!"
The boy rolled his eyes. I'm going to die of boredom... He reminds me of Uncle Jabir. Alright. This is it.
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Rami opened the cage. "Here, take this."
The boy grabbed his arm—and shoved him inside the cage.
"What are you doing, you little brat?!"
"I think I'm... escaping?"
Rami grunted. "Fine. The keys are in the hallway."
The boy blinked. "Thanks... for the food."
"No problem. Now get lost, idiot."
The boy ran, found the keys, and unlocked his wrists and ankles.
But just as he turned the corner—
Four Assassins spotted him.
Fayez: "Well, well, well... Look who slipped out. Need help getting back in?" They drew their blades.
The boy froze.
A strange sensation surged through him.
"Give up," one said. "We'll return you to your cage without a scratch."
The boy's eyes shifted—glowing sky blue.
His fangs emerged.
Fayez staggered back.
"By the stars... Fuad was telling the truth! He's not human!"
The boy lunged, tearing into one of them before fleeing into the night.
Fayez shouted, "He’s killed one of us! He’s a vampire! Get him!"
The boy ran, heart pounding.
What's happening to me? Since when do I have fangs... and eyes like this?
He could see everything.
The desert was lit like morning.
I can see... everything.
He sprinted across the dunes.
Am I a monster? A vampire? What am I? am I supposed to be here?
His body pulsed with power.
And the blood... it wasn’t bad at all; it felt like it had been mine from the beginning.
Whispers echoed around him.
Mocking. Tempting.
"This valley... it really is a wonder."
He stumbled.
Collapsed.
---
Elsewhere, Jamih marched with his men.
"We're heading back to base."
Tariq asked, "Aren't we going to hunt Jabir?"
Jamih smirked. "Oh, we will. But Jabir wants that boy. He'll come to us. No need to chase him."
He smiled coldly.
"Let's go home."
In the glowing village, Jabir stood before his caravan.
"Anyone who wishes to come with me—come. I won't force anyone. You've fought enough."
The men stood.
"What are you saying?! You think we'll leave you?"
"Let's go!"
Jabir turned to Jawaher. "Stay here. Care for the wounded. They need you."
"But—"
"I'll be back soon. With the boy."
Sylvance stepped forward, armored and ready.
"Let's move."
Jabir nodded. "You're prepared. Good. Let's go."
Jawaher called out, "Sylvance..."
Sylvance turned.
"Take care of Jabir. He's a bit of an idiot."
"I already know," Sylvance smirked. "I've got him."
Jabir: I can hear you both!
Jabir addressed the caravan. "We'll approach the hideout quietly. Sylvance and I will sneak in. If we're discovered, I'll launch the firestone. That's your signal."
"Hooh!" the men shouted.
Sylvance raised an eyebrow. "Do you know where their base is, or should I take the lead again?"
"Spare me, I do. They captured me once, but I escaped."
"Then you lead."
"Gladly."
The Return of the Wounded
Fuad stumbled toward the hideout, clutching his neck.
"Damn... it still hurts."
He had lost too much blood.
"That cursed child..."
He reached the edge of the camp.
And saw someone.
A figure in the sand.
He approached.
"It's him... the boy. He escaped..."
Blood stained the boy's mouth.
"Well, you've proven you're a vampire now. I wish I could've seen their faces."
Fuad knelt.
"I don't know what happened to you... but you're coming with me."
He lifted the unconscious boy.
His skin was ice cold.
"What happened to you?"
Fuad removed his coat and wrapped it around the boy.
Then turned toward the distant horizon.
Toward the Kingdom of Aurik.
—-
Jabir's men and the warriors of the Luminous Tree Tribe crept silently across the dunes, led by Sylvance and Jabir himself. Their destination: the heart of the Assassins' lair.
Meanwhile, back at the hideout, Jamih returned to a grim sight—two of his men sprawled across the ground, blood soaking the sand.
Jamih's voice thundered. "What happened here?! Was it an ambush? A betrayal? Someone speak!"
Fayez stepped forward, pale and shaken.
"Commander...? Fuad was right."
Jamih narrowed his eyes. "You mean..."
It was the boy. He attacked us, going straight for their throats. He looked like... a real vampire’s divine monster.
Jamih stared at the rest of his men—silent, terrified.
"Where is he? Did he escape?"
"Yes," the Fayez said. "We let him go. If we hadn't... we'd be dead too."
Jamih exhaled slowly. "You did well. Clean this mess. I don't care about the boy anymore. He's dangerous—even if he's worth a fortune."
Just then, a scout rushed in.
"Commander!"
"What now?"
"Jabir and his men—alongside warriors from the Luminous Tree—are heading straight for us!"
Another scout burst in.
"We spotted wooden cart going nearby and Fuad... he's carrying the boy. He's headed toward the Kingdom of Aurik!"
Jamih's eyes flared.
wooden cart? this is the Clown that wonders the lands and Fouad...
He unsheathed his glowing blade.
"So this is it... Today, our fate will be decided."
"I want five men to hunt down Fuad. Bring me his weapon. If you can retrieve the boy, do it. If not—kill him. Your lives come first."
The men scattered.
"To the rest of you—prepare your weapons and armor. In a few hours, we fight. For the first time... on our own doorstep."
He turned to the scouts.
"Watch them. When they get close—vanish."
The Temple of Oryst
Far across the valley, Fuad staggered through the sands, the boy limp in his arms.
"The bleeding... it won't stop. I need to rest..."
Suddenly, a structure rose before him—a sandstone fortress, ancient and silent.
"What is this? I've never seen anything like it in this valley..."
Laughter echoed.
"Fuad... Fuad..."
A voice called his name.
Fuad's heart raced. "Is this the valley playing tricks again? Or... is someone really inside?"
He was delirious, weak from blood loss.
"I need shelter... just for a moment..."
He entered the temple.
Darkness swallowed him.
He laid the boy down gently.
"You're freezing... I won't let you die. I left everything behind for you..."
He stepped outside, gathered dry branches, and returned.
"Here... I'll light a fire."
The flames flickered to life.
Fuad lit a torch and wandered deeper into the temple.
Bookshelves lined every wall—three floors of ancient texts.
"I can't read... but this place... it must've been important once."
A sound.
Candles burst into flame.
Fuad froze.
"Great,I'm not alone..."
He rushed back to the boy.
"My father always told me... never mess with ancient places..."
The boy stirred.
"This place... it's warm. I was cold..."
Fuad knelt beside him. "You're awake. Your body was ice. Is that normal for a vampire?"
"I don't know... Why am I with you?"
Fuad chuckled. "You escaped. I caught you. Now I'll make use of you."
The boy glanced at scattered papers.
"This place... Temple of Oryst?."
Fuad blinked. "You can read? Who are you, boy? What's your name?"
The boy's voice was faint. "I... don't know. I'm hungry..."
Fuad frowned. "You're strange. Mysterious."
He gestured to the shelves. "If you can read, maybe we can take some valuable books to Aurik. I doubt those fools care about history..."
"I'm hungry..."
Fuad reached for his neck.
"You bit me... and the bleeding won't stop. Do you know how to fix it?"
A voice echoed from above.
There are two ways to deal with this kind of bite.
Fuad jumped to his feet.
"Who's there?! Show yourself or I'll kill you! by magical Dagger that is really dangerous and Toxic!"
A woman's voice laughed.
"You'll kill me? Without knowing where I am?"
You seem like a really dangerous assassin...
A pale woman descended the stairs—blonde hair, green eyes.
"I didn't expect to meet a member of the vile Assassins... and a monster yet you called it a vampire?. I haven't seen anyone in two years. And now... you."
"I am the keeper of the Oryst Library. My name is..."
The Keeper of Oryst
"I am the keeper of the Oryst Library. My name is... Ledra
Fuad blinked. "Ledra?"
"Yes?"
"I've never seen a woman in the middle of the Valley of Wonders, let alone in a library buried in the desert."
Ledra smiled. "I agree. But you should be used to surprises by now. You're in the Valley of Wonders."
Fuad nodded slowly. "Fair point..."
Ledra stepped closer, her eyes scanning his wound. "You're still bleeding. I didn't believe the boy was a vampire at first, but there's something... unnatural about him."
Fuad’s face flushed, then quickly turned pale. “How did you know?”
"I've seen wounds like yours. Two days of bleeding... that's not normal. When a mo...I mean vampire bites, he condemns you. You're lucky. If the boy had been more skilled, you wouldn't be standing here."
Fuad swallowed hard. "So what do we do?"
"There are two ways to stop the bleeding," she said.
"The first-and simplest-is to ask the boy to stop it."
Fuad frowned. "What? Why him? How can I trust that?"
Ledra's tone sharpened. "I told you. A vampire's bite is a death sentence. You'll bleed until he wills it to stop. Their power is ancient. Even a child can be lethal."
She shot the boy a quick look. "If I were you, I wouldn’t have brought him here. He could lose control and unravel everything at any moment."
Fuad sighed. "I didn't expect you to be this clever. Looks like I've walked into trouble again..."
He looked at the boy, then muttered, "I'll sell him eventually."
Ledra raised an eyebrow. "Strange... vampires rarely abandon their own, unless something stronger than blood ties is at work. He could be ordinary—or royalty... either way, you can't sell him. It's..."
Fuad shrugged. "I don't care. Just tell me the second way."
Ledra nodded. "The second method... is hidden in the third floor. We'll need to search."
Fuad hesitated. "I... can't read."
"I didn't ask you to read. Just hold the ladder steady. I'll climb."
Fuad looked at her. "Why are you helping me? I don't have money to repay you."
Ledra chuckled. "You're right. Why help a foolish Assassin?"
She paused. "But I heard you speak of the library. You respected it. When I tried to scare you off like any thief... you didn't run. You stayed. I think the library wants to reward you."
Fuad blinked. "Thank you. You really care about these books..."
Ledra smiled. "We haven't found the second method yet. Let's keep searching."
The Standoff
Elsewhere, Jabir and Sylvance stood before the Assassins' hideout.
Sylvance narrowed her eyes. "So this is where the scum hide."
Jabir raised his voice. "Men—prepare yourselves!"
Jamih emerged, flanked by his warriors.
Jamih drew his weapon, its surface gleaming with embedded gems.
"I heard how you defeated Lajm, Jabir," he sneered. "You brought those pathetic forest dwellers—the tribe we buried long ago."
He laughed.
Sylvance stepped forward, furious.
Jabir grabbed her arm. "He's baiting us. Stick to the plan."
She nodded.
Jabir shouted, "Jamih, I’m not looking for trouble. Hand over what we came for, and we’ll be on our way."
Jamih smirked. "Really? What does a rich merchant want from a gang of killers?"
"You know what I mean. Release the captives. Or else..."
"Or else what?"
Sylvance stepped forward. "You're weak, Jamih. Your men are tired. You've lost too many. Choose peace."
Jamih laughed. "You think I'll surrender so easily?"
Sylvance raised her enchanted weapon.
Raptors circled overhead, screeching.
Qaws whispered, "Jamih... that's a magical weapon. We don't stand a chance..."
Jamih looked up.
"Men! Release the captives!"
Jabir and Sylvance exchanged surprised glances.
Jabir stepped forward. "I didn't expect wisdom from you, Jamih. You chose your men over your pride."
Sylvance counted the freed prisoners. "This is all of them..."
As the tribe crying on happiness seeing Sylvance as she smiled faintly
Jabir scanned the crowd. "Sylvance... do you see the boy?"
"No."
Jabir's voice rose. "Jamih—where is the child?"
Jamih smirked. "The vampire? He fled. Escaped."
Jabir's eyes narrowed. "You're hiding something."
Jamih chuckled. "Everything has value—even sand."
"I'll give you fifty gold coins—now spill what you know."
Jamih nodded. "Take the gold."
He leaned in. "He fled toward Aurik. With a traitor."
"A traitor?"
"The Eyes of the Desert saw him (his mans). He's being taken to the slave market."
Jabir cursed. "Sylvance—we need to move. Now."
"Men—gather your gear. We're heading out!"
---
Jamih watched them go.
"I sold my pride for my men. I lost the battle... but I gained ten gold."
Sylvance turned. "We need to hurry. We must catch him."
Jabir nodded. "I know. Let's go."
The Secret of the Third Floor
Ledra and Fuad climbed to the third floor of the ancient library, searching for a cure to the vampire wound that was slowly draining Fuad's life.
Fuad wiped sweat from his brow. "I've been wondering..."
Ledra didn't look back. "About what?"
"Well... a girl living alone in a massive, abandoned library in the middle of the Valley of Wonders..."
Ledra's voice sharpened. "Don't pry into others' lives. I told you-I'm the keeper of this place."
Fuad raised his hands. "I didn't mean to offend. Just... curious, that's all."
Ledra sighed. "It's a long story. Two years ago, this library was a paradise for seekers of knowledge, secrets, and truth."
Fuad's eyes narrowed. "What happened?"
"I don't know," she said quietly. "Strangers attacked. Not Assassins. Not greedy merchants. Not kings with blackened legacies. They came out of nowhere... and vanished just as fast. They slaughtered everyone. I hid between the shelves to survive."
Fuad's voice softened. "That's... horrifying. I didn't expect your past to be so tragic. I'm sorry."
Ledra nodded. "They weren't ordinary. They stole every book marked with the symbol V. I still don't know why."
Fuad frowned. "They knew what they were looking for."
"After that, the library was abandoned. I've lived here ever since, surviving on desert fruit and water from a nearby oasis."
Suddenly, Fuad staggered, blood dripping from his neck.
"Damn it..."
Ledra turned sharply. "We need to hurry. That boy wants you dead, clearly. What did you do to him?"
She pointed. "That ladder-bring it here. That's the shelf."
Fuad groaned. "Alright..."
He dragged the enormous ladder across the floor.
"This thing's taller than my entire life..."
Ledra smirked. "Not taller than your tongue."
Fuad chuckled. "Fair."
He steadied the ladder as Ledra climbed.
She muttered to herself. "When the strangers came, they burned every book marked with V. But I'm sure I hid one..."
Fuad called up. "Everything alright?"
"I found it!" she shouted.
"Nice!"
But then-
A large, gray-furred rat scurried across the shelf.
Ledra screamed.
She slipped.
"Ahhh!"
Fuad leapt forward, catching her mid-fall.
Ledra opened her eyes. "Fuad... thank you. I owe you one."
Fuad smiled weakly. "Then heal me..."
And collapsed.
Ledra gasped. "No-stay with me!"
She opened the book, flipping through pages.
"Come on... come on..."
Finally-
How to Treat a Magical Bite
Ledra's eyes widened. "Lucky strike!"
She read aloud:
? Right wing of a black bat
? Saffron powder
? A green leaf
? Blood of the vessel responsible for the bite
Ledra stared at Fuad.
"This is... a lot."
She clenched her fists.
You can do this, Ledra. You have to.