The assassin trudged through the valley, the boy slung over his shoulder, bound in chains of steel. His breath was steady, his pace quick.

  "This is truly strange," he muttered. "I never imagined I'd meet a vampire... let alone a child. The hideout is near. I need to move faster."

  Meanwhile, on the other side of the valley...

  Jabir raced through the dunes, heart pounding.

  "Damn it... where are you, Jawaher? We need to hurry. That boy won't last long against an entire gang..."

  Suddenly, a chilling howl echoed through the air.

  WOOOOOOHHH

  Jabir spun around, surrounded by a snarling pack of wolves. Their eyes glowed in the moonlight, their teeth bared.

  "Looks like the valley's beasts have awakened..." he muttered. "Just my luck."

  One wolf lunged.

  THWACK! — an arrow pierced its side mid-air.

  The pack scattered, howling in fear.

  Jabir turned toward the source of the shot.

  A woman stood atop a dune, emerald eyes gleaming, bow in hand.

  "Ah...hey...looking for something? hahaha....ahm Who are you? Isn't it rude to draw your weapon on me? " Jabir called.

  She didn't lower her weapon. "You're the rude one. I should be asking what you're doing in our territory."

  "ahm...I'm Jabir, a humble handsome merchant. My caravan was ambushed. I've lost my people... and someone important was taken."

  She narrowed her eyes. "Ambushed? By whom? The Assassins?"

  "Yes. You know them?"

  "They've poisoned this land. But this valley isn't cursed—it's been cursed by them."

  She stepped closer, arrow still drawn. "How do I know you're not one of them?"

  Jabir raised his hands. "Do I look like one? I need to move. They've taken someone from my caravan. I won't let them kill him."

  She lowered her bow. "Forget him. He's as good as dead."

  Jabir's voice rose. "I won't accept that! I've crossed the Great Desert fifty times. I won't fail now—not when a child's life is at stake!"

  Her eyes flickered. "A child? so that's why my grandmother sent me here...."

  She gripped her bow tighter. "I'm Sylvance, of the Luminous Tree Tribe. Commander and protector of my people."

  Jabir nodded. "I'm Jabir, merchant of the Golden Lines. It's an honor."

  Sylvance studied him. "Then we share a goal. The Assassins have taken members of my tribe. I intend to free them."

  "Then let's move. They've set a trap for my caravan. We need to hurry."

  "Do you know where they are?"

  "I'm searching..."

  Sylvance closed her eyes, then pointed west.

  "They're that way."

  Jabir blinked. "First a vampire... now a forest spirit? what is going here?"

  Sylvance smirked. "You call us monsters. But we're the guardians of this valley, stupid merchant."

  Jabir hesitated. "But West? That leads into the heart of the Valley of Wonders. Jawaher's sense of direction is flawless. Why would she go there?"

  Sylvance's voice was grim. "Either they were captured... or deceived."

  The Trap at the Well

  Elsewhere, Jawaher's instincts screamed.

  "This path is wrong, Lajm. I'm sure of it."

  Lajm smiled. "I know, girl. But there's a well nearby. We can rest and drink."

  Jawaher frowned. "We don't have time to rest. My commander is waiting."

  Lajm shrugged. "Fine. Just water, then we move. But I told you—I saw your leader die. Why cling to hope?"

  Jawaher's voice was firm. "There are signs between us. If he were dead... I'd know."

  Lajm's eyes narrowed. "Hmm. So be it. There's the well. Tell your men to drink. They look exhausted."

  Jawaher nodded reluctantly. "Alright..."

  The caravan lowered their weapons and gathered around the well.

  Then—

  "Men are approaching," Jawaher whispered.

  One of her guards leaned in. "They're Assassins."

  "What?!"

  Lajm lunged. "Sleep well, foolish girl! in dusty dreams!"

  Jawaher dodged the strike, barely.

  "You! I knew something was wrong!"

  Lajm grinned. "Too late. Look around."

  Jawaher turned.

  They were surrounded.

  Assassins closed in from every direction.

  "Damn you!"

  She drew her bow. "Men! Defend yourselves!"

  A brutal battle erupted.

  The Assassins had the numbers.

  Jawaher fought fiercely, her arrows swift and deadly.

  "I won't... let anyone... break our golden line! we have past pirates and seas! old man like you won't do thing!

  She clashed blades with Lajm, her breath ragged.

  Lajm snarled. "I wanted to make you a slave. But you've killed thirteen of my men! already You witch! thats makes you more valuable!"

  Her fighters fell one by one exhausted, wounded and weary.

  Jawaher stood alone, bloodied, panting.

  "hah...Jabir... where are you?"

  She looked down at his weapon.

  And held her ground.

  This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  The Blood Bargain

  The assassin, Fuad, arrived at the gang's hideout, dragging the chained boy behind him. The moment they entered, all eyes turned toward the child.

  One of the gang "Tariq" smirked. "Ah, as usual, Fuad returns without his men. What was it this time? A lion swallowed them whole? Or did a green-eyed girl shoot them down one by one? like before?.

  Laughter echoed through the fortress.

  Fuad growled. "This isn't a joke. I've brought something more valuable than Jabir himself."

  Footsteps echoed.

  Whispers rippled through the gang.

  "The commander is here..."

  Silence fell.

  The gang leader stepped into the light, his presence heavy.

  "Fuad... I've heard you lost your men. Again. And failed to capture Jabir."

  Fuad bowed quickly. "I'm sorry, Commander. But I've brought you a treasure..."

  The Commander's eyes narrowed. "A treasure? You brought me... a child?"

  Fuad nodded. "This boy is worth more than Jabir."

  The Commander's voice turned cold. "You've been stung by a scorpion, haven't you? You think this child is worth Jabir's head? Explain."

  Fuad's voice trembled. "He's a vampire or maybe... a rare monster."

  The gang erupted in disbelief.

  "What? Fuad's lost it."

  "Someone check his neck—maybe he was stung."

  "Silence!" the leader barked. "Prove it."

  Fuad stepped forward, pried open the boy's mouth.

  Nothing.

  The fangs were gone.

  "What? No... they were here..."

  He opened the boy's eyes. Bright blue. Unnatural.

  The Commander frowned. "You've truly been stung, Fuad."

  "Wait—look at my neck! He bit me! He bit my men!"

  The Commander examined the wound.

  "Hmph. That could've been any beast in this cursed valley. You fled. Again. Left your men to die."

  The gang murmured in agreement.

  "This is why I never go out with Fuad..."

  The leader turned. "Where's Lajm? Hasn't he returned?"

  Fuad hesitated. "He's ambushing Jabir's caravan now."

  The leader's tone softened. "Lajm... my oldest friend. Smart. Ruthless. You should learn from him."

  Fuad bowed. "I'm sorry..."

  The Commander paused. "Wait. Where's Jabir?"

  Fuad stammered. "He escaped. The boy attacked me—gave Jabir a chance to run."

  The Commander's eyes flared. "Enough lies. Where is Jabir now?"

  "I think... he went to find his caravan."

  The commander's voice turned to rage. "You fool! If he reaches them and clashes with Lajm, Jabir will win! That man knows how to fight. This scar—" he pointed to his chest "—was his gift to me."

  One gang member "Qaws" spoke up. "But Lajm has thirty armed men. Jabir can't win."

  "You idiot! Two months ago, Jabir faced me and twenty-two men. He killed fifteen—including my son, Washaq!"

  The Fortress fell silent.

  "I won't lose another."

  He drew his sword—its blade embedded with a glowing, mysterious gem.

  "Twelve men. With me. We ride to Lajm. We'll crush Jabir's caravan and claim the Valley of Wonders."

  The gang roared in agreement.

  As they prepared to leave, the Commander turned to Fuad.

  "If anything happens to Lajm... I won't forgive you."

  Then he vanished into the night.

  _______

  Jabir and Sylvance approached the place where the storm had scattered them.

  "This is where I dropped my weapon," Jabir said, searching the sand.

  "You won't find it," Sylvance replied.

  "What? I'm sure it's here..."

  "I watched you during the storm. You dropped it, yes. But after you left, an old man picked it up. One of the Assassins."

  Jabir cursed. "How am I supposed to fight now?"

  Sylvance smiled. "Don't worry. I'll fight for you until you reclaim it."

  "Thank you, Sylvance. You seem to know how Jawaher was tricked..."

  "She's brave-but na?ve. I'll explain everything once we're done here. Let's move."

  "At this pace, we'll never reach them in time."

  Sylvance grinned. "Who said we're walking?"

  She whistled sharply.

  Jabir blinked. "What now? Are you going to turn into a horse or butterfly?"

  A massive wolf emerged from the shadows.

  Sylvance mounted it effortlessly. "You’re pretty good at jokes, aren’t you, Jabir?"

  Jabir felt a little silly.

  "ahm..Let's go," he said, climbing behind her.

  And together, they raced toward the caravan-toward the battle.

  Jabir: Didn’t you see anyone around here roaming with a cart? He’s an old man with red balls, and it’s kind of funny and entertaining.

  Sylvance grinned and said, “Can we just focus on the rescue?”

  Chains and Venom

  Fuad hurled the boy into a cold, iron cell and slammed the door shut.

  "I'm going to prove myself," he muttered. "I'll help the commander and show him I'm more than a failure."

  He drew his sword—its blade old but loyal a gift from his father.

  "You've never failed me, Mercury. I've failed you... but today, that changes."

  He glanced at the boy.

  "I don't know what you are, child. But I'll uncover the truth—after I finish this mission."

  Fuad turned and marched after the commander.

  ___

  Inside the cell, the boy stirred.

  "Where... am I?"

  He looked down at his wrists and ankles—bound in steel.

  "I'm alone... Did Uncle Jabir leave me here?"

  He closed his eyes, trying to remember.

  Their blood... it wasn't so bad.

  He peered through the tiny window in the cell.

  What will happen to me now?

  Outside, one of the gang members chuckled.

  Rami put his hand on his head. "So, Fuad's little pet woke up. Is this supposed to be a vampire? Please, he's just another victim of a reckless assassin."

  The boy listened quietly.

  Are these the monsters of the Valley of Wonders?

  He called out, voice soft.

  "Uncle... can I have some food?"

  One of the men tossed him a crust of bread.

  "Here. This proves you're no vampire. If you were, you'd be clawing at us for blood. Poor Fuad... what a joke."

  The boy took the bread, eyes calculating.

  He's careless. Next time he feeds me... I'll strike. I just hope I succeed before they discover who I really am.

  The March of Shadows

  The commander strode through the valley, his men behind him.

  "The sun will rise in ninety minutes. If we reach them before dawn, we'll have the element of surprise."

  He spotted Fuad.

  "So... you came. I said twelve men. Not thirteen."

  Fuad didn't flinch. "I don't need your permission to prove myself. I'm coming-whether you like it or not."

  The commander's eyes narrowed. "One more word, and I'll separate your head from your shoulders. Is that how you speak to your leader?"

  Fuad smirked. "Do what you want."

  He didn't notice the blood still trickling from the bite on his neck.

  ---

  Jabir and Sylvance raced across the dunes on the back of the giant wolf.

  "I hear swords clashing," Jabir said. "We must be close."

  "You're wrong," Sylvance replied. "We're near—but not there yet."

  "Then what are those sounds?"

  "They're illusions. The valley plays tricks. It wants to shake your resolve. Don't let it."

  It’s the corrupted magic—once it guided us to safety, but now...after the war...I wish I had been there back then...

  Jabir nodded. "You know this place better than I do. You'll have to tell me its story someday. I know about the third magical war, but corrupted magic? That's new to me. Maybe that explains the child's transformation?"

  I will, after all, it’s my birthplace. I’ve lived here my whole life.

  She pointed ahead. "Look. Your caravan... they're barely holding on. And there—your girl."

  "Jawaher!"

  The Serpent's Call

  Lajm stood tall, facing Jawaher.

  "Just give up, girl. I won’t hurt you. The Red Circus will pay a lot for you—maybe even the slave market on Aurik hmmmm."

  "Shut up, you filthy coward. Fight me if you dare."

  Lajm grinned. "Don't underestimate me. I may be old, but I'm still the second-in-command of the great Assassin Syndicate!!."

  He pulled a strange object from his pocket.

  Jawaher frowned. "A horn? Are you going to play music now?"

  Lajm laughed. "Don't be na?ve, I can see Jabir's influence in these bad jokes that make me want to throw up."

  "Sylvance gazed back at Jabir"

  Jabir: What? Fall in love I get this a lot.

  Lajm He blew into the horn.

  Jabir's eyes widened. "What is he doing?"

  Sylvance cursed. "It's a magical weapon. He's starting a summoning ritual!"

  "I don't care if he's summoning demons or dancing—Sylvance, help me!"

  Jawaher looked around.

  Snakes everywhere.

  Jawaher: Ah Great! that was the only thing that I need now. Snakes

  Dozens of them.

  Slithering unnaturally toward the caravan.

  One lunged at her.

  Jabir leapt, pushing her aside.

  The snake bit him.

  "Damn it..."

  "Jabir!" Jawaher cried, tears streaming.

  Lajm sneered. "So, the son of Kaser failed, Fouad—what a disappointment. Now I’ll take care of both of you."

  "Jabir—your weapon!" Jawaher tossed it to him.

  He caught it, eyes blazing deep blue.

  "Well done, Jawaher. That's why you're my right hand."

  The caravan stirred.

  "It's Jabir!"

  Jabir turned to the Assassins.

  "Pathetic. Half your force beaten by a trade caravan?"

  Lajm snarled. "Shut up and watch. You'll rot here with your bad jokes!."

  The snakes multiplied.

  Jabir raised his weapon, pointing at Lajm.

  "The problem isn't your men..."

  He narrowed his eyes.

  "It's you. And that cursed horn."

  The commander of the Assassins approached the battlefield, his eyes scanning the horizon.

  "I can feel it... Lajm has used his enchanted weapon."

  He narrowed his gaze.

  "Lajm never uses that horn unless he senses real danger. Jabir must have reached him. We need to move quickly."

  One of the stronger men "Tariq" in the syndicate stepped forward. "Commander... we're heading into the most dangerous part of the Valley of Wonders."

  The commander nodded. "Then Lajm intends to finish them, no matter the cost. He's not thinking of himself—or his men. That makes sense... he must have sensed Fuad's failure."

  He glanced at Fuad with quiet disdain.

  The Turning Point

  On the battlefield, Jabir, Jawaher, and their caravan clashed with the Assassins in a brutal melee.

  Lajm burst out laughing at the mess, his voice carrying through the valley.

  "Look at you! Falling one by one!"

  But behind him—

  Sylvance's voice rang out.

  "You've laughed enough, old man."

  Lajm turned: hmmmm.

  A massive wolf lunged at him.

  "Damn it... the Desert Dwellers! I thought we wiped you off the map!"

  Sylvance's eyes burned. "You're as arrogant as ever."

  Lajm barely dodged the beast's claws—but not without injury.

  "Ahh—damn you!"

  Sylvance stepped forward, holding a horn similar to Lajm's.

  "What's that?" he growled.

  "You flaunt what isn't yours," she said coldly.

  "What do you mean?"

  "We created these weapons. And we know how to use them."

  She blew into the horn.

  Jabir and Jawaher turned in shock.

  "She has Lajm's weapon?" Jawaher gasped.

  "No," Jabir said. "It's similar—but it's not his."

  Suddenly—

  A swarm of raptors descended from the sky, tearing through the snakes that had surrounded the caravan.

  Lajm cursed. "You wretched girl!"

  He lunged at Sylvance with a dagger.

  But before he could strike—

  Jabir charged like lightning.

  THWACK! — a fatal blow to Lajm's back.

  Lajm staggered, eyes wide.

  "You... all of you... Jamih will avenge me... He'll make you suffer for this..."

  And with that—Lajm fell into the golden sand.