Kazaf: The upside down

Kazaf drifted between consciousness and darkness, his body heavy with exhaustion. Pain throbbed in his every limb, a testament to the fierce battle he had endured. He could hear faint voices—muffled and distant—like whispers through a veil.

When he finally opened his eyes, he found himself lying on a soft bed in an unfamiliar room. The scent of medicinal herbs filled the air, mingling with the warmth of candlelight. The ceiling above was carved with intricate designs, marking this as one of the Elara Sect's healing chambers.

"You're awake."

Kazaf turned his head slightly, wincing at the pain in his shoulder. Asma sat beside him, her face filled with relief and concern. She looked exhausted, as though she had barely slept.

"You were out for three days," she said softly, her fingers gripping the edge of the blanket. "You nearly died, Kazaf."

He exhaled deeply, trying to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through his ribs, forcing him back down. "I've had worse," he muttered, though even he knew that was a lie.

Asma frowned. "You always say that."

The door creaked open, and Rahim, Samir, and Harun stepped inside, followed closely by Dulla, who carried a tray of food. "Finally, the hero wakes up," Rahim said with a smirk. "Thought we'd have to start calling you 'Sleeping Beauty'."

Kazaf rolled his eyes, but he couldn't hide the small grin tugging at his lips. "How bad is it?"

Dulla set the tray down. "You mean your injuries or the aftermath of the battle?"

"Both."

Harun folded his arms. "You took down Zafir, Jalwa's strongest enforcer. That alone has shaken the entire sect. Some see you as a hero, others…" He glanced at Rahim and Samir. "Well, let's just say not everyone is pleased."

Kazaf sighed. "Let me guess—more enemies?"

Rahim nodded. "A lot of them. Some of the senior disciples don't like that an outsider—especially a halfbreed—was the one to win the battle. They think it should have been someone from the sect."

"Idiots," Samir scoffed. "If it weren't for Kazaf, we'd all be dead."

Dulla grunted. "It doesn't matter what they think. Jalwa's forces have been forced back, at least for now. But we know this isn't the end." His expression darkened. "Jalwa will retaliate."

A heavy silence filled the room.

Kazaf clenched his fists. He had won the battle, but the war was far from over.

Asma suddenly stood up. "You need to rest, Kazaf. You're not strong enough to start worrying about all this yet."

He looked at her, noticing the way her hands trembled slightly. She had fought alongside him. She had seen him nearly die.

A strange warmth filled his chest.

"You stayed here?" he asked quietly.

Asma hesitated before nodding. "I… I wanted to make sure you were okay."

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the tension of war and politics faded. Something unspoken lingered between them, but neither said a word.

Samir suddenly clapped his hands. "Alright, this is getting way too romantic for me. Kazaf, eat your food and rest. You're not going anywhere until you're fully healed."

Kazaf smirked. "Yes, mother."

The group laughed, and for the first time in days, the weight of battle seemed a little lighter.

But deep down, Kazaf knew… the real storm was yet to come.