THE HUNT FOR CLUE

"So," Leyla said, hands on her hips. "Where do we start the search?"

Naru leaned against the wall, lazily grinning. "Ah, princess, your patience is truly admirable."

"What does that mean?"

"It means we've already found the first clue."

Leyla blinked. "Excuse me?"

Naru pushed off the wall and stepped toward her. "Do you remember the manuscript we found last night?"

Leyla rolled her eyes. "The one in a language I don't understand? Yes, of course, it was very informative."

"Well, the translation is here."

"Who translated it?"

"I did."

Leyla raised an eyebrow. "I wouldn't say you're the type to sit and translate ancient texts."

Naru theatrically placed a hand over his chest. "Leyla, princess, your lack of trust wounds me!"

"Give me the translation."

Naru pulled out a piece of parchment and handed it to her. Leyla quickly scanned the text.

"In the underground ruins of the temple lies the first clue. Only those with the blood of destiny can find it."

Leyla slowly raised her gaze. "Underground ruins? Blood of destiny?"

Naru smiled contentedly. "I see you understand."

"No, I don't understand. What is the blood of destiny?"

"You."

Leyla swallowed hard. "Why is it always me?"

"Because you're special."

"Because you tricked me into marriage!"

"That too."

Leyla sighed. "Alright, lead me to these ruins."

Entering the Unknown

The ruins were dark, eerie, and smelled of dampness.

Leyla stood in front of enormous stone doors, staring at the ancient symbols.

"Okay, what now?"

Naru stepped forward and pointed at a circular symbol. "Put your hand here."

"Why?"

"Because you're the key."

Leyla lifted her hand but stopped. "Wait... this won't hurt, right?"

Naru just gave her a mysterious smile.

Leyla squeezed her eyes shut and pressed her hand against the stone.

And then, chaos ensued.

The ground trembled, the walls groaned, and the doors began to open.

"Okay, this is a bad sign!"

"No, no, it's all going according to plan."

At that moment, something moved in the shadows.

Leyla slowly turned her head. "Tell me I imagined that."

Naru looked into the darkness beyond the doors. "Ah... well, maybe we're not alone."

The Enemy in the Dark

From the shadows leaped something large, furry, and very hostile.

"Okay, this is definitely not part of the plan!" Leyla shouted, backing away.

"Relax, princess, it's just the guardian."

"THE GUARDIAN?! That's a giant monster with teeth bigger than my body!"

The creature bared its teeth and snarled.

Leyla spun around to Naru. "Give me a weapon!"

Naru leaned against the wall. "Weapon? I think you're better at running away."

"Oh, thanks for the support!"

The creature lunged at her.

Leyla screamed and instinctively threw herself to the side, narrowly avoiding the massive claws.

"Naru!"

Naru blinked. "Alright, alright…"

He waved his hand, and a strong wave of energy shoved the creature backward.

Leyla was breathing heavily. "You could've done that earlier?!"

"But you didn't ask for help."

"I HATE YOU."

"I love you too, princess."

The creature got back up.

Leyla sighed. "Okay, now what?"

"Now we run."

"Finally, a smart idea!"

She grabbed his hand, and they sprinted down the corridor, the walls crumbling behind them.

The First Clue Found

At the last moment, they squeezed through a narrow passage and slammed the door shut behind them.

Leyla knelt, trying to catch her breath.

"NEVER... AGAIN..."

Naru knelt beside her. "Oh, princess, but this was just the beginning."

Leyla looked up. "You're torturing me on purpose."

Naru winked and pulled a small, shiny stone from his pocket.

"But look – we found the first clue."

Leyla stared at the stone.

"So much drama for a pebble?!"

"Oh, not just any pebble. This is the key to the next location."

Leyla took a deep breath.

She knew this wasn't going to be easy.