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Chapter 3: Unearthed Secrets
The eerie silence of the alley seemed to stretch on, wrapping around the group like a heavy fog. Aarav glanced over at Rohit, who was still engrossed in the inscription. “You really think this book exists? I mean, it sounds like something out of a horror movie.”
“More like a horror story that might just be true,” Rohit replied, his fingers tracing the faded letters as if trying to decipher an ancient code. “These inscriptions usually hold deep meanings—legends passed down through generations.”
Neha rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of intrigue in her expression. “Yeah, and usually legends come with warnings. Remember the ghost stories your grandma used to tell?”
“Sure, but this is different! This is real,” Aarav insisted, glancing around the shadowy alley, his excitement tempered by an undercurrent of apprehension.
“Maybe we should take a picture of the inscription, just in case,” Priya suggested, pulling out her phone. “If we do find the book, we’ll want to know where it all began.”
Rohit nodded eagerly. “Good idea! This could be the key to understanding the village’s history.”
As Priya snapped a few photos, Aarav couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched. He glanced over his shoulder, but the alley remained empty, save for the faint rustle of leaves overhead. “Let’s not linger too long. I don’t want to get stuck in here.”
“Agreed,” Neha said, stepping back and casting a wary glance at the alley’s entrance. “I’m not a fan of creepy places.”
With one last look at the inscription, they made their way back onto the main street, where the cheerful sounds of the village filled the air once more. Aarav exhaled, the weight of the alley lifting as sunlight flooded over them.
“See? Nothing to worry about!” he declared, though his voice lacked its usual conviction.
“Easy for you to say,” Neha muttered, her eyes still flickering nervously. “You weren’t the one standing in the dark, reading ominous warnings.”
“Maybe we should lighten the mood with some food,” Priya suggested, her voice brightening. “I saw a café down the street that had amazing pastries.”
“Now you’re talking!” Rahul exclaimed, rubbing his hands together. “I’m starving! Lead the way, Priya!”
As they walked, laughter bubbled up among them, but the earlier thrill of discovery lingered just beneath the surface. Aarav stole a glance at Rohit, who seemed lost in thought, his eyes flicking between the village’s quaint shops and the distant hills.
“What’s on your mind, Rohit?” Aarav asked, curiosity creeping into his voice.
Rohit shook his head, pulling himself back to the moment. “I just can’t help but wonder about the stories this place holds. There’s something almost… magical about it.”
