Chapter 9

Despite the turmoil of the past few days, Samira had always been there for Alex, a constant source of support and strength. She was one of the few people who knew the real Alex, who saw past the shy, awkward exterior to the person he was inside. If there was anyone who could help him, it was her.

Without wasting another moment, Alex took off in the direction of Samira’s house, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination. He had to tell her the truth—about the amulet, about his family, about everything. And he had to do it before it was too late.

As he ran, the streets of the city seemed to blur around him, the buildings and people fading into the background. All that mattered now was getting to Samira, telling her what had happened, and preparing for the battle that lay ahead.

When he finally reached Samira’s house, Alex pounded on the door, his breath coming in short, panicked gasps. The world seemed to tilt on its axis, the weight of everything that had happened pressing