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 down on him like a physical force. But he couldn’t stop now—not when he was so close.

After what felt like an eternity, the door opened, and Samira stood there, her eyes wide with shock and concern. “Alex? What happened? You look—”

“I don’t have time to explain,” Alex interrupted, his voice hoarse and urgent. “I need your help, Samira. Something terrible has happened. My grandmother—she’s—”

Samira’s expression changed in an instant, her eyes filling with a mix of fear and sympathy. “Oh my God, Alex, I’m so sorry. What do you need? Whatever it is, I’m here for you.”

Alex felt a wave of gratitude wash over him, but there was no time for relief. “I need you to come with me. There are people—dangerous people—who are after something my family has been protecting for years. They’ve already killed my mother, and now my grandmother. I think they’re coming for me next.”

Samira’s face paled, but she nodded, her resolve firm. “Okay. Let me grab my things. I’ll be right back.”

As Samira disappeared inside, Alex leaned against the doorframe, his mind racing. The grief, the fear, the anger—they were all still there, churning beneath the surface. But now, there was also a sense of purpose, of determination that burned brighter with each passing moment. He had lost so much, but he wouldn’t let those responsible get away with it.

When Samira returned, a backpack slung over her shoulder, she didn’t ask any more questions. She simply nodded, her expression resolute. “Let’s go.”

Together, they left Samira’s house and made their way back to Alex’s. The streets were quiet, the city eerily calm, as if it was holding its breath in anticipation of the storm that was about to come.

When they reached the house, Samira’s breath caught in her throat as she took in the scene—the broken door, the shattered windows, the signs of the struggle that had taken place. But she didn’t hesitate. She followed Alex inside, her eyes scanning the room for any signs of danger.

The sight of Grandma Chen’s body on the floor nearly brought Alex to their knees, but they forced themselves to stay focused. There was no time to grieve, no time to mourn. They had to be strong, for their grandmother, for their mother, and for themselves.

Samira knelt beside Grandma Chen, her expression filled with sorrow. “I’m so sorry, Alex,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “I can’t even imagine…”

“We don’t have time,” Alex said, his voice trembling with barely suppressed rage. “We have to move. They’ll be back. And when they do, I need to be ready.”

Samira looked up at Alex, her eyes filled with determination. “Then let’s get you ready.”