CHAPTER 6: THE MYSTERIOUS WOMAN; AMARIS

This is all your fault!" the man shouted at Zasp, his voice trembling with anger and fear.

Zasp struggled to stay upright, clutching the deep wound on his side. Blood trickled from between his fingers, staining the ground below. He winced in pain but managed to speak, his voice heavy with regret. "I should've listened to you..."

The morning sun was just beginning to rise when Arkin set out early for Mrs. Lina's house. The cool breeze brushed against his face as he walked, his thoughts wandering. When he arrived, he stopped abruptly. A familiar face caught his attention.

He stared intently, his heart skipping a beat as recognition dawned on him.

"Isn't that the woman I saw by the river?" he muttered to himself, his brow furrowing.

Pushing the thought aside, Arkin headed straight to Mr. Roger, who was waiting for him.

"Mr. Roger, what are we working on today?" he asked, eager to begin.

"Help me cut down some trees in the woods," Mr. Roger replied, gesturing toward the tools nearby.

"Alright," Arkin nodded.

"Bring those tools with you," Mr. Roger instructed.

"Yes, sir," Arkin answered obediently, gathering the equipment.

The two made their way to the woods, the sound of leaves crunching beneath their boots as they walked.

Back at Mrs. Lina's house, she and Amaris were busy in the garden. The soft scent of flowers filled the air as they worked.

"Mrs. Lina, where should I place these potted flowers?" Amaris asked, carefully cradling a pot in her hands.

"Just put them over there on the side," Mrs. Lina replied with a warm smile.

As Amaris continued her task, Mrs. Lina glanced over and asked, "How's your father doing?"

"He's doing fine," Amaris replied, her tone casual but polite.

"Hmnn, that's good to hear," Mrs. Lina said with a nod. "I'll leave you here for a bit and prepare something for us to eat."

"Alright," Amaris replied, returning to her work.

In the woods, Mr. Roger suddenly called out, "Arkin! Arkin!"

Arkin turned to him. "Yes, sir?"

"Go grab the axe from the garden," Mr. Roger instructed.

"On it," Arkin replied and hurried back toward the house.

When he reached the garden, he froze. There she was—the woman he'd seen by the river. His curiosity got the better of him, and he blurted out, "Hey, you! What are you doing here?"

The woman turned to him, confusion flickering across her face.

"Me?" she asked, pointing to herself.

"Yeah, you," Arkin said, his tone firm as he waited for her reply.

"This is my aunt's house. What are you doing here?" Amaris asked irritably.

"I work here," Arkin replied.

"You shouldn't be working here. You're a peeping tom," Amaris accused.

"I'm not a peeping tom!" Arkin shouted at Amaris.

A moment later, Mrs. Lina arrived and asked,

"Oh, Arkin, what are you doing here? Do you need something?"

"Yes, ma'am, Mr. Roger asked me to get something," Arkin answered.

"Oh, is that so? Alright, go ahead and get it, then return to him because he's waiting," Mrs. Lina said.

"Yes, ma'am," Arkin replied.

After retrieving the axe, Arkin immediately went to Mr. Roger.

"Amaris, can you bring this to Arkin?" Mrs. Lina asked.

"Yes, Aunt," Amaris replied.

Then, Amaris went to where Arkin was.