Chapter 8: A Narrow Escape

Pain exploded through Aina's side as Rahim's clawed fist connected. She was thrown backwards, crashing through a crumbling archway. Her vision blurred, her head ringing.

She tried to stand—but her body refused to move.

Rahim loomed over her, his shadow stretching long under the flickering torchlight. "This is why raw power is meaningless without control," he mused. "And that's why I will always win."

Aina clenched her fists. No. She wouldn't let it end like this.

As Rahim prepared his final strike, a sudden roar echoed through the ruins.

Out of nowhere, a massive tiger leaped into the fray—its striped fur glowing with an otherworldly aura. It tackled Rahim with a force that sent him skidding across the ground.

Aina's eyes widened. "What—"

Tok Rimau appeared beside her, his stance relaxed but his eyes sharp. "That's Pak Belang," he said. "And it looks like he doesn't like Rahim either."

The tiger growled, standing protectively in front of Aina.

Rahim scowled, wiping a streak of blood from his lips. "Tch. Looks like your luck hasn't run out yet, girl." He glanced at his men, then back at Aina. "Enjoy your little victory. We'll meet again soon enough."

With a sharp whistle, Persatuan Gerhana retreated into the night, vanishing like shadows into the forest.

Aina slumped against the stone, exhausted but victorious.

Tok Rimau crouched beside her, his expression unreadable. "You survived. Barely."

Aina managed a weak smile. "I'll take what I can get."

The tiger—Pak Belang—nudged her shoulder, as if acknowledging her strength.

And in that moment, Aina realized—this was only the beginning.