The keeper of time

Chapter 34: Shadows and Truths

The forest was alive with a symphony of sounds as the group set up camp. The golden rays of the setting sun painted everything in hues of amber and crimson, a fleeting moment of beauty in the chaos of their journey. Anaya sat near the fire, rubbing her temples as the events of the day weighed heavily on her. Aryan's teasing words and the strange artifact found earlier still echoed in her mind.

But something was off.

The absence of Riya hung like an unspoken shadow over the group. She had been their compass in the earlier days of their journey, her sharp wit and decisive nature often steering them out of trouble. Yet, since they ventured deeper into the forest, Riya had become increasingly distant.

It wasn't just her physical absence in conversations—it was as though she had intentionally removed herself from their mission.

Anaya's Thoughts

Anaya stared at the artifact they had discovered, her fingers tracing its intricate design. Her thoughts drifted to Riya, and a pang of guilt surged through her. She hadn't meant to sideline her friend, but the intensity of their situation and Aryan's arrival had shifted the group dynamics in ways she hadn't anticipated.

Riya had always been a mystery—a brilliant, enigmatic presence. But lately, her enigmatic nature had turned into silence. Anaya couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Riya's retreat than she let on.

"Lost in thought again?" Aryan's voice interrupted her.

She looked up to find him leaning against a tree, his arms crossed. The faint smirk on his lips told her he had been watching her for a while.

"Not everyone has the luxury of doing nothing," she shot back, her tone dry.

He chuckled, pushing off the tree to sit beside her. "You wound me, Professor. I've been busy—thinking."

Anaya raised an eyebrow, a sarcastic smile playing on her lips. "Oh, thinking? That must've been exhausting for you."

Aryan laughed, the sound warm and unguarded. "You're getting better at this banter thing. I might be a bad influence."

A Strange Conversation

The banter subsided as Aryan's gaze grew more serious. He leaned closer, his voice low. "I've noticed something... Riya. She hasn't been herself, has she?"

Anaya hesitated. "No, she hasn't. She's been avoiding us, avoiding me."

Aryan nodded, his brow furrowed. "Do you think she's hiding something?"

Before Anaya could answer, Arjun joined them, his presence immediately shifting the mood. He glanced at Aryan with barely concealed irritation. "If you two are done flirting, we need to talk."

Aryan grinned, completely unfazed. "Jealousy doesn't suit you, Arjun."

Arjun ignored him, turning to Anaya. "Riya's behavior isn't normal. I've been keeping an eye on her, and she's been sneaking off during the night. I don't know where, but it's not random."

Anaya felt her chest tighten. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I wasn't sure what to think," Arjun admitted. "But now, with everything happening, I can't ignore it anymore."

Aryan tilted his head, his expression thoughtful. "If she's sneaking off, it means she's either keeping something from us—or someone."

Riya's Absence

As the group debated, Riya was miles away, her steps deliberate as she navigated the forest alone. Her thoughts were a storm, her heart heavy with secrets she couldn't share.

She had joined this mission for reasons far beyond what Anaya or the others understood. The weight of her choices pressed down on her, threatening to break her resolve. The scroll they had found earlier confirmed her worst fears—the power they were searching for was far more dangerous than anyone realized.

But she couldn't bring herself to warn them. Not yet.

Back at Camp

The fire crackled, casting long shadows across the group as the night deepened. Aryan pulled out a small notebook, flipping through its pages.

"What's that?" Anaya asked, leaning closer.

"Just some thoughts," he replied.

"Let me see."

Aryan hesitated, then handed her the notebook. As she read, her heart skipped a beat:

"In her eyes, storms and serenity collide.
A paradox of strength and vulnerability.
She doesn't know it yet, but she's the light in my darkness."

Anaya looked up, her cheeks flushed. "Did you—did you write this?"

Aryan shrugged, his expression uncharacteristically serious. "I have my moments."

Before Anaya could respond, Arjun interrupted, his tone sharp. "We don't have time for poetry. We need to figure out what Riya's up to."

Aryan rolled his eyes, leaning back. "Always the serious one, aren't you, Arjun?"

Arjun ignored him, addressing Anaya instead. "You're closest to her. If anyone can get through to Riya, it's you."

Anaya nodded, though her mind was still reeling from Aryan's words.

The Next Morning

As the sun rose, the group prepared to move deeper into the forest. Anaya couldn't shake the feeling that everything was about to change. Riya's absence, the mysterious artifact, Aryan's unexpected vulnerability—it all felt connected, though she couldn't yet see how.

Aryan walked beside her as they set out, his teasing smile back in place. "So, about that poem..."

"Don't push your luck," she warned, though her tone lacked any real bite.

He chuckled, his voice low and warm. "You're not the only one with secrets, Anaya."

She glanced at him, her heart skipping a beat. For once, she wasn't sure if he was joking.