Chapter 6: The Guardian

Rika and Arya hid in a narrow alley, trying to evade the pursuit of the white snake they had just encountered. Cautiously, Arya peeked out from behind the wall to assess the situation. Once he felt it was safe enough, he walked over to Rika, who was sitting against the wall not far from him.

"You held my hand," Rika suddenly said, her head bowed, her hands clutching the wrist Arya had grabbed earlier.

Arya was startled. He tried to explain nervously, "I'm sorry. The situation was really dangerous, and I didn't have time to think. I just wanted us to get out of there safely."

Rika was silent for a moment, then spoke softly, almost in a whisper, "It's the first time…"

"I'm really sorry. Please don't be mad; it was just because—"

"I'm not mad," Rika cut him off abruptly. She lifted her head, looking at Arya with teary eyes. Her tone sounded slightly scolding.

Arya scratched his head in confusion. "Ahhh... sorry, but you look mad," he said, trying to defend himself.

"I'm telling you, I'm not mad," Rika replied, this time with an irritated tone.

Arya looked at Rika's face, which appeared serious. "But your face clearly shows that you're mad," he said, bewildered.

"That's enough! I'm leaving," Rika retorted, her face flushing with embarrassment. She stood up and began to float away slowly, distancing herself from Arya.

"Aaa... please don't leave me alone!" Arya called out pleadingly. But before he could finish his sentence, Rika had already vanished from sight, leaving Arya standing there, confused.

Not far from them, another figure observed from the rooftop. Nagini, dressed in a flowing red gown that billowed in the wind, smiled faintly as she watched them with great interest.

"Aren't they just adorable?" Nagini said in an elegant tone, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. However, her smile slowly faded as she continued in a firmer tone, "But unfortunately, this must come to an end soon."