REVENGE FROM ME

Naeem, on the verge of losing control, caught sight of a pond at the edge of the village. Without a second thought, he rushed toward it. There, by the water, he saw Anisha—laughing and playing with an unfamiliar girl, who looked to be the same age as him.

Relief flooded through him. The realization that Anisha was safe helped him regain his composure. The intense rush of emotion and stress triggered a sudden nosebleed. He quickly wiped the blood away and stood silently, watching the two girls. They played together like sisters, completely immersed in their world of joy.

"Anisha!" Naeem shouted, his voice sharp with concern.

"What are you doing here? And who is she?"

Anisha turned, startled by the sudden call. Realizing how much time had passed, she immediately lowered her head.

"I'm so sorry, Naeem! I lost track of time while playing with this sister. Please don't be angry."

Naeem softened a little, though his voice still held a tremble.

"You know how much I care about you. I was so worried when I couldn't find you at home."

Just then, the other girl stepped forward.

"Please don't be mad at her," she said gently. "I was the one who called her here."

Naeem sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Do you think I was in a happy mood while searching for her? But... it's okay. I'm glad Anisha has someone to play with. It's good she has a friend."

Then he turned to Anisha.

"Next time, just tell me first, alright?"

The three of them walked back toward the house together. As they arrived, Naeem began preparing dinner. But before he could get too far, the girl returned—this time holding a pot in her hands.

The girl stepped forward, holding out the pot with a shy smile.

"This is my gesture of apology," she said softly. "Because of me, you couldn't cook dinner. So I brought some food instead."

Naeem shook his head. "There's no need for that. Really—"

But she insisted, gently pushing the pot into his hands.

Reluctantly accepting, Naeem went into the kitchen and returned with three plates.

The girl looked at the plates and tilted her head.

"Is someone else living with you?" she asked curiously.

Naeem gave a small smile. "The third plate is for you."

They sat together and shared the meal. It was simple, but warm and comforting. During dinner, Naeem finally learned her name.

"Muskan," she said with a smile, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "That's my name."

Night settled over the village, and the stars began to peek through the clouds. After dinner, Naeem offered to walk Muskan home. She accepted, and the two of them quietly made their way through the dimly lit paths.

Back at home, Naeem's mind stirred with new thoughts. A sudden idea sparked to life.

He moved into the shadows of his room and reached deep into the darkness—literally. From within the folds of his own shadow, he pulled out the heart he had stored earlier.

According to his journal, different types of hearts granted different powers—each with unique sensations and elemental forces. He studied the notes briefly… then made his decision.

Without hesitation, he consumed the heart.

A wave of fiery energy surged through him like an inferno unleashed. Heat radiated from his skin, and a blazing aura wrapped around his body. Naeem clenched his fists, breathing heavily as he concentrated on controlling the power.

He could feel it now—fire. Raw and wild. It pulsed through his veins like molten lava, hot enough to burn anything to ash... and yet, strangely, it also carried the potential to heal.

He had done it.

Naeem had awakened the Power of Fire—and now, he understood the difference between shadow and flame. One concealed and controlled. The other consumed and cleansed.

With trembling hands and a steady heart, he began to test the boundaries of his new strength.

The path ahead was no longer dark.

It was lit by fire.