chapter 5 The plan

I can see by Frank's expression that he is brave but it doesn't mean he is not scared, but then his scared face twisted into a faint smile.

"Good" he said. "We have alot of work to do, Malakai's powers are growing stronger but the day. And we need to act quickly if we're going to stop him. "

I know that he had his reasons to get revenge on Malakai and it's personal but this confidence that we can doing only the both of us it will get us killed.

Frank begins to outline a plan to escape the dungeon and gather allies inside, spies. To fight against Malakai.i listen intently , and my mind is racing wth the possibilities.

As Frank finishes speaking I hear sound of footsteps echoing outside the cell.

"Guards," Frank whispers. My eyes flicking towards where the sound is coming from. But then the sounds moves away like they are no longer coming our way.

I evaluate Franke plan and I get to understand that it won't work, I am sure Malakai has eyes everywhere as feared as he is no one will go against him or even think of fighting him in a battle.

I have to come up with a better plan because this one will lend us in trouble and I will have to get Frank on my side.

For a while I wracked my brain till something came to mind.

The only way to escape is to become closer to Malakai, make him think I am helping him with his sinister plans and gain his trust. This will require I out my feeling if hatred towards him aside, at least for the time being.

I know that getting close to him is a calculated risk. If he discovers my true intentions, he'll stop at nothing to punish me .

I pull on an act for few days resisting so be may not suspect the sudden change of bahavior.

After all the reports of me resisting to work with him, he finally makes his way to the cell.

I am also worn out from all the torture, I don't think my body can handle it anymore. And when he sees how I am he will not suspect my change in behaviour at all. Frank also went along with my plan when I explained to him that his plan will lead us to our graves.

"I was laying on the floor from exhaustion and not eating right I was just weak , when I saw him coming I sit up.

"Meera , Meera. Are you still adamant on refusing to work with me, even if you see that you won't make till the end of the week if you keep going on like this?" He moves closer and lowers to my level.

My heart racing with anticipation and fear.

"I am willing to work with you now , I don't want to die. I will do anything you want just get me out here please,"I plead for my life.

"You've decided to offer your submission to me," he laughs. "Disappointing, I thought you might hold up for a little longer I guess I must have overestimated you."I nodd back in agreement he then continues talking.

" You're willing to submit to my plan "he says." His voice dripping with malice. "What makes you think I'll except your surrender?"

I take a deep breath, trying to sound convincing. "I realized now now that resistance is futile. Your power is too great, and I'm willing to acknowledge that I want to be part of your new world order, to help you shape the future.

The only reason Malakai didn't kill Meera was because he knew that she had to give up her power willingly to get his plan to move forward. His intent was never to kill her but to make her think she is indispensable.

Malakai's face twists into cruel smile.

"Ah, the sweet taste of surrender," he says.

I must admit , I'm intrigued by your willingness to submit,very well I'll eccept your offer...for now. "But be warned , if I sense even a hint of betrayal, you'll suffer a fate worse than death. Do you understand?"

I nod in agreement, fear visible on my face.

His smile grows wider, and he chuckles to himself. "Excellent,"he says. "I can see your eager to prove yourself. Very well , I'll give you a chance to demonstrate your loyalty."

Malakai snaps his fingers, and a hooded figure steps forward, holding a small ornate box. " Solve this puzzle inside this box," he says. " If you succeed, I'll consider you a trusted ally. But if you fail ...let's just say you won't be leaving this place alive."

The hooded figure hands me the box, and I take it. Feeling a sense of trepidation. I lift the lid, and inside I see a puzzle made of intricate mechanism and cryptic symbols.

I look at the puzzle, studying it carefully before attempting to solve it.

I notice that the symbols on the puzzle Seem to be arranged in a specific pattern.

There must be a hidden code or message embedded in the symbols.

I then notice small, almost imperceptible mark on the edge of one of the gears. It looks like a tiny arrow, Ponting to a specific symbol on the puzzle. This might be a clue to solving this puzzle.

I move the gears to the direction of the arrow , a smal compartment oepns , revealing a hidden message.

The message reads: The key to solving the puzzle lies in the alignment of the celestial bodies, I wonder what it could mean.

I look back at the symbols and notice that they seem to be arranged in a partten that resembles the alignment of the stars in the night sky. I then wonder of there is a connection between symbols and the celestial bodies.

I try to align the symbols hoping it will unlock the puzzle.as I make the final adjustments I hear a clicking sound, and the puzzle emits a soft hum. The symbols on the puzzle start to glow, and I sense that I am on the right track.

Suddenly a hidden door in the puzzle opens revealing a small key to unlocking the next stage of the puzzle.

Malakai's voice echoes in my mind, his tone dripping with anticipation, "Well done, he says. "You've passed the first test, But the real challenge it is only just beginning.