[76] The Cursed Manuscript

-Third-Person Perspective-

The room remained silent, save for the faint crackle of fire from the hearth, casting flickering shadows along the stone walls. The woman in front of me stared deep into my eyes, as if searching for something—an answer, a reassurance, or perhaps just a confirmation of reality.

Fatigue was evident on her face—whether from the long journey or the betrayal she had endured, I couldn't tell.

I crossed my arms, letting the silence linger for a moment, waiting for her to compose herself enough to speak.

"So, tell me what happened," I finally said, my voice calm but sharp enough to push her into action.

She took a deep breath before she began.

"It happened a month ago," she murmured, as if the words were heavy to say. "We found a man named Hassan in an ancient valley. Just as you predicted, there was a tribe there…"

I listened carefully as she recounted her journey.