High above the sky, Assey directed the black vulture to scan the forest below, its terrifying face searching for Jhuni.
Beside him, the woman said coldly,
"Assey, just pray we find that young man. Otherwise, be ready to sacrifice your sister."
Assey's grip tightened around the reins, but he said nothing.
They descended into the eerie forest, where shadows moved like whispers.
"Stay here," Assey ordered as he dismounted. "Follow me at your own risk."
He didn't wait for Aiko's reply and disappeared into the trees with only a torchlight guiding him.
"Mmm, Jhuni," he called out mockingly. "The pleasure of having your love in captive. Oh—and I killed your mother. Come and face me now! I know you can hear me!" he shouted, laughing wickedly.
Up in the tree, Jhuni opened his eyes.
His breath caught at the mention of his mother's death—and Aiko being held captive.
But he wouldn't fall for it. He knew Assey too well. This was a trap. An emotional one.
He clenched his jaw and silently held in his tears, burying the ache. He couldn't break. Not now. If he did, the rest of his loved ones would die too.
From his position, he could see Aiko on the vulture.
He whispered a short prayer for strength.
But just as he opened his eyes, he locked eyes with Assey—already pointing his torchlight directly at him.
Assey let out a dark chuckle.
"Have you forgotten? I trained you to become who you are today. You can escape the world, but not me, Jhuni. Come down and face your death."
Jhuni gritted his teeth—then jumped.
Assey grinned.
"Good boy. Now, hand over the amulet. I'll act like none of this happened. I'll take you back."
But Jhuni's eyes were sharp.
"Since you're so proud of training me, can't you predict what I'd do next?" he said with a sly smirk.
That infuriated Assey.
"Cut the crap and hand it over before it's too late!" he barked. "Know that if you don't, Aiko will die. Don't you love her?!"
He yanked Aiko from the vulture and dragged her in front of him.
"Hand over the amulet, and you can take her."
Jhuni didn't move.
His stillness provoked Assey even more.
Assey sneered and turned to Aiko.
"My dear sister… see? The man you love chooses an amulet over you. Tell me—is he really worth your love and protection?"
Jhuni smirked and spoke. "I seriously don't know how you think, Assey. Aren't you also about to exchange your sister for an amulet?"
Aiko stood silently, eyes fixed on Jhuni.
She refused to say a word. She wouldn't weaken him with her voice.
Then, she closed her eyes.
Suddenly—
"AHHHHHHHH!"
A sharp scream tore through the forest.
Assey dropped to his knees.
He looked down and saw a venomous black scorpion crawling away after piercing his toe.
Thud.
He collapsed.