Kazaf: The upside down

The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden hues over the Elara Sect's courtyard. A hush had fallen over the sect, as though the very air was holding its breath in anticipation. Today was the day Asma would make her choice—a decision that would not only shape her future but also determine the course of two men's lives.

Kazaf or Idris.

She stood alone beneath a cherry blossom tree, her thoughts in turmoil. She had always known this moment would come, but facing it now made her heart ache.

Idris, the man her family and sect elders favored—noble, powerful, and deeply devoted to her. He had been there since her childhood, always by her side, always waiting. She should have loved him.

But she didn't.

Kazaf… he was different. Unpredictable, reckless, and completely unconcerned with the traditions that had shaped her life. He infuriated her, challenged her, and yet—he was the one who had captured her heart.

Her fingers clenched the silk of her robe. She owed Idris something, didn't she? For all the years he had loved her without question, for the way he had tried to prove himself worthy.

But was guilt enough to bind her to him?

A voice interrupted her thoughts. "Asma."

She turned to see Idris approaching, his expression unreadable. His normally confident stance was stiff, his eyes betraying a flicker of doubt.

"You've made your choice, haven't you?" he asked, his voice quiet.

Asma swallowed hard. She had spent sleepless nights preparing for this, yet the words caught in her throat.

"You don't have to say it," Idris continued, offering a sad smile. "I can see it in your eyes."

Her breath hitched. "Idris, I—"

He held up a hand. "It's alright. I always knew… deep down, I always knew it wouldn't be me." He chuckled bitterly, looking up at the sky. "I fought against fate, against myself. I thought if I was strong enough, patient enough, you would eventually love me the way I love you."

Her chest ached. She had never wanted to hurt him.

"You deserve someone who chooses you without hesitation," she whispered.

Idris exhaled, his shoulders slumping. "Then I guess it's time I stop chasing a shadow." He straightened, forcing a small, resigned smile. "I won't stay here, Asma. There's nothing left for me in the Elara Sect."

A sharp pang of guilt stabbed through her. "You're leaving?"

He nodded. "I'll return home. My family has been calling me back for a long time. Maybe it's time I answer them."

She stepped forward, hesitant. "Idris, I—"

"Don't," he interrupted gently. "Just… be happy, Asma. That's all I ever wanted for you."

With that, he turned and walked away.

Asma watched his figure retreat, feeling the weight of her decision settle over her. It was over.

She had chosen Kazaf.

---

Kazaf's Meeting with His Maternal Grandfather, Suleiman

Elsewhere in the Elara Sect, Kazaf stood beside his mother, Alaca, in a grand chamber, the scent of incense thick in the air. The walls were adorned with ancient scrolls, the flickering light of lanterns casting long shadows.

Across from them sat Suleiman, the head of the prestigious Kassim family.

Kazaf had known this moment was coming, yet facing the man who had once shunned his mother felt surreal.

The old man studied him with piercing eyes, his gaze unreadable. "So… you're my grandson."

Kazaf met his gaze unflinchingly. "I am."

Suleiman's lips pressed into a thin line. "You look like her, but I see your father in you as well."

A tense silence stretched between them.

Alaca was the first to break it. "We need your help, Father," she said, her voice calm but firm. "Kazaf's father is alive, but imprisoned by Jalwa's forces. We need to plan his rescue."

The elder sighed, rubbing his temple. "You return after all these years, after defying our family, and you ask for help?"

Kazaf's jaw tightened, but before he could speak, Alaca placed a hand on his arm. "I never expected forgiveness," she said. "But I cannot let my son fight this battle alone. Whether you help or not, we will do what we must."

The room was thick with unspoken tension.

Finally, Suleiman exhaled sharply. "Jalwa's grip is stronger than you realize. If you plan to act against him, you will need allies—powerful ones." He met Kazaf's gaze. "Are you prepared for that?"

Kazaf's expression hardened. "I've been fighting my whole life. I'll do whatever it takes."

The elder studied him for a long moment, then nodded. "Very well. We will prepare. But know this, Kazaf—this will not be a simple rescue. This will be war."

Kazaf only smirked. "Then let's start planning."

To be continued…