Engraved in Blood

Embers of hope

"Blue—the color of the sky, the ocean, and his eyes. Isn't this color beautiful? Nature itself is a beautiful poem. Sometimes, I think God created us just to admire His creation. Those beautiful clouds, hiding us from the harsh rays of the sun, scattered throughout the clear blue sky, are a dream for every painter—and not gonna lie, they are mine too." I was writing my thoughts in my diary while enjoying the view

."ALIYAH! AALIYAHHH!" I heard someone yelling my name from afar. I recognized the voice but wasn't ready to leave my hiding place; I wished they would just go away.

As time passed, the yelling grew fainter, and the thought of them leaving made me sigh with relief. But suddenly, I felt something sharp pressed against my throat. Was it really who I thought it was?

"Game's up," someone whispered in my ear, but something was off. I sensed hesitation in my attacker's hand; it was shaking—barely noticeable but enough for me to catch it. If they really wanted to kill me, what was keeping them from doing so?

My heart raced as I seized the wrist of my assailant, twisting it violently to disarm them. The knife fell from their grip, and I instinctively tried to catch it in mid-air—and succeeded. Pointing it at them, I was stunned to discover.....

"Layla!? That was you the whole time?" I asked, irritation creeping into my voice as my tone rose slightly.

Layla burst into laughter, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Gotcha! You should have seen your face!" But even as she laughed, a chilling breeze swept through the clearing, rustling the leaves and sending a shiver down my spine. The atmosphere felt heavy with unspoken danger—her prank had stirred something deep within me.

"Why you making that face it was just harmless prank?" Layla asked still laughing like a maniac

"harmless prank with a real dagger?, so normal" I asked with sarcastic tone in my voice, still holding the dagger with which she was just about to murder me. "by the way, how you found me here?" I asked her raising my eyebrow.

"I just felt that you would be here with your little personal diary writing some poetry about nature Or perhaps about him," Layla teased, her grin widening as she leaned closer.

I rolled my eyes, feeling my cheeks warm slightly. "You're impossible."

Layla shrugged, still laughing. "You should've seen the look on your face, though. Priceless!" But even in her laughter, I noticed the faint tension that lingered in the air, a shadow in her gaze as if she were hiding something behind her playful mask.

"Still not funny," I muttered, carefully handing her the dagger back. "And why do you even have this? Did you just decide, 'Hey, let's freak Aaliyah out with an actual weapon'?"

Layla's laughter faded, replaced with a half-hearted grin. "I mean... you have to admit it worked, right?" She paused, eyes scanning the forest around us. "But anyway, I just wanted to find you. You've been disappearing here a lot lately, and I thought I'd bring a little... excitement."

I tucked my diary back into my bag, crossing my arms as I eyed her with suspicion. "What do you mean by 'excitement'? If you think scaring me half to death counts, you're out of your mind."

She winked, dismissing my concern. "A little danger never hurt anyone. But for real, are you okay? You've been quieter than usual."

I hesitated, not sure how to respond. It wasn't like me to be secretive, but lately, things felt heavier, like the weight of everything was finally catching up. "I'm fine, just... thinking about stuff," I mumbled, avoiding her gaze.

Layla's expression softened, and for a moment, the carefree mask slipped away, revealing genuine concern. "Well, whenever you're ready to talk, I'm here. Even if I have to drag you out of hiding."

I couldn't help but smile. "Noted, but maybe next time, leave the dagger at home."

Aaliyah raised an eyebrow. "What's with the sudden drill-sergeant attitude?"

"Have you prepared to go yet?" Layla asked, her tone shifting to something more serious, though her smile remained.

Aaliyah gave her a blank look. "go? where ?" She tilted her head, thinking back. "Wasn't that scheduled for the 7th?"

Layla's mouth fell open, her gaze incredulous. "Aaliyah, today is the 7th. Are you serious right now?"

Aaliyah's expression shifted from confusion to horror. "Oh no. When are we leaving?" she stammered, already mentally listing everything she hadn't packed.

"Tonight," Layla replied casually, a glint of amusement in her eyes as she watched Aaliyah's face. "So, I'd suggest you start packing now. Don't want you panicking at the last minute."

Aaliyah exhaled in relief, though she couldn't help feeling the pressure of a countdown looming. "Alright, alright," she muttered. "At least I have some time."

Layla stepped closer, her grin widening, and lowered her voice conspiratorially. "Oh, and be sure to pack some beautiful clothes this time," she said, her tone teasing. "Because he is coming too."

Aaliyah blinked, her cheeks heating up instantly. "Who...who's coming?" Her voice was barely a whisper, a spark of excitement and nerves flickering in her gaze.

Layla smirked, enjoying Aaliyah's reaction. "You know exactly who I'm talking about.