Tҽƚԋҽɾҽԃ Cԋασʂ

𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝, 𝐚 𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐞.

 𝐘𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥— 𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐨 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐫 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥. 

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐞, 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡.

⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆ 

Nakatitig si Camie sa salamin, iniisip ang pagpapakulay ng pilak sa kanyang buhok. "How would I look with silver hair?"tanong niya sa kanyang matandang kasambahay, si Agatha. Si Agatha, isa sa mga kasambahay na naunang nagsilbi sa kanyang ina at lola, ay abala sa pag-aalis ng alikabok sa mga larawang nakasabit sa mga dingding.

Tuwang-tuwang sagot ni Agatha,"Ang ganda-ganda mo sa kahit anong hairstyle na piliin mo! Oh, naaalala ko, may mga kaibigan ka na may pilak na buhok. Kukunin ko lang yung lumang album." Ipinakita ni Agatha kay Camie ang ilang lumang litrato ng dalawang bata sa kanyang kaarawan.

Dumagondung ang tibok ng puso ni Camie habang hawak niya ang kanyang telepono, ang realisasyon ay umiikot sa kanyang isipan. Ang kanyang mga mata ay bumalik sa litrato, binabaybay ng kanyang mga daliri ang mga kupas na balangkas ng dalawang batang lalaki na kulay pilak ang buhok. Ang alaala ay patuloy na humihila sa kanya, ang kanyang kawalang-paniwala ay nakikipaglaban sa isang bagay na hindi niya maipaliwanag—isang pwersa, isang hindi matitinag na katiyakan.

"These two boys, Yaya Agatha," Camie murmured, holding the photo closer, "they look exactly like Max and MaKo. But..."Nanginginig ang boses niya habang pinagmasdan ang litrato. "It doesn't make sense. Their hair was black... always black."

Huminto si Agatha sa kalagitnaan ng pag-aalis ng alikabok, ang kanyang kulubot na mga kamay ay nakahawak sa isang feather duster habang tinitigan niya ang larawan sa balikat ni Camie. "Ah, Senyora,ang oras ay gumagawa ng mga nakakatawang bagay sa alaala," sabi niya na may maliit na tawa. "Pero yung mga batang iyon... palagi silang nagtatago sa mga party mo." Malilikot na mga demonyo, silang dalawa. Noon, halos hindi kayo mapaghihiwalay.

Camie shook her head, her thoughts racing. "But why didn't I remember this until now?" she whispered to herself. Her mind was a whirlpool of questions, fragments of her past resurfacing like scattered pieces of a puzzle. The fire. The boy with silver hair. The sensation of being carried through the flames wrapped in a black woolen cloth. Was it... Max all along?

Naninikip ang kanyang lalamunan habang pinipilit niyang patatagin ang kanyang paghinga. Muli niyang pinindot ang pangalan ni Max sa kanyang telepono, ngunit wala pa ring sumasagot. Ang pagkabigo ay umusbong sa kanyang kalooban. Kailangan niya ng mga sagot, at kailangan niya ang mga ito ngayon.

"I have to know," Camie muttered, grabbing her keys off the dresser with a determined glint in her eyes. "Yaya Agatha, I'll be back."

Ang matandang ginang ay nagkunot ng noo, may pag-aalala sa kanyang mukha. "Senyora Camie,okay ka lang ba? Namumutla ka na."

Sandaling sumulyap si Camie sa kanya, ang sulok ng kanyang bibig ay kumikibot sa isang mahina at mapait na ngiti. "I'll be fine, Yaya. I just... need to see someone."

Sliding into the driver's seat of her car, Camie sent one last message to Max: "I need to know the truth. Please. Cliffside Café. Be there." ꧁ঔৣ☬✞𝕮𝖆𝖒𝖊𝖗𝖔𝖓 𝕷𝖎𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖍✞☬ঔৣ꧂

 ⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆

A Breezy Afternoon at the Cliffside Café The sun casts a golden shimmer across the waves as Camie leans back in her chair, her black lace shawl fluttering in the breeze. Umupo si Max sa tapat niya, nakapulupot ang mga daliri niya sa iced tea, ang kanyang ekspresyon ay neutral ngunit ang kanyang isipan ay mabilis na nag-iisip. She always had a way of unsettling him, her confidence sharp and disarming.

"Here's to fate." as Camie raising her glass. While Max tilting his head "Fate?"

Camie now smirking "Oh, I'm sure of it. I know you're bound to fall for me."

Max freezes mid-sip, choking slightly as Camie's words catch him off guard. He coughs, lowering his glass, and fixes her with a look of disbelief.

Max clearing his throat "Confident much?"

Camie shrugs "Confidence has nothing to do with it. Some things in life are inevitable. Besides..." she leans forward, her gaze unwavering "I don't believe in wasting time."

Kumibot ang mga labi ni Max na para bang sasagot na siya, ngunit bago niya magawa, biglang tumayo si Camie mula sa kanyang upuan. Tinitigan niya ang gilid ng bangin, ang kanyang ekspresyon ay nagbago mula sa mapaglaro patungo sa seryoso. Ang hangin sa paligid nila ay nagbabago, nagiging mas mabigat sa isang bagay na hindi nasasabi.

Camie softly said "It's strange, Max. I've felt like I've known you forever... even before we met."

Max's brows knit together as he follows her to the edge, sensing something in her voice he can't quite name.

 "Camie... don't do anything reckless." maingat na babala ni Max kay Camie.Humarap siya sa kanya, may luhang tumulo sa pisngi niya.

"Do you believe in destiny? Because I think... you've been part of mine. Ever since the fire." Bulong ni Camie.

Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ni Max. The fire. It's a nameless ghost from his past—smoke, screams, chaos. Her words hit him like lightning.

Huminga ng malalim si Camie "The silver-haired boy who pulled me from the flames... who saved me that day... He gave me something to hold onto, even when the rest of the world let me go."

Nanginginig ang kanyang boses habang humahakbang patungo sa gilid, ang kanyang mga paa ay delikadong nakatayo sa bingit.

"And if I can't find him again, maybe... maybe I shouldn't be here at all." Napabuntong hininga si Camie.

Naramdaman ni Max na parang nanlalamig ang kanyang dugo habang siya'y sumugod pasulong, sumisigaw ng kanyang pangalan. "Camie, wait!" 

Habang tumatalon siya sa bangin, hindi nag-atubili si Max. Sinundan niya ito nang walang dalawang isip, ang hangin ay humahampas sa kanilang paligid habang sila ay nahuhulog. Ang karagatan ay umaatungal sa kanilang paligid, ang magulong agos nito ay humihila sa kanila sa ilalim na parang isang madilim, buhay na nilalang. Sa ilang sandali, ang tanging naririnig ni Max ay ang ingay ng tubig ang magulong pagpinting ng sarili niyang puso.

Habang nilalabanan ni Max ang walang humpay na paghatak ng tubig, ang kanyang itim na buhok ay nagsisimulang kumupas—nalulusaw sa dagat na parang tinta na natapon sa pergamino. Ang kanyang mga braso at binti ay sumasakit sa pagsisikap habang siya'y lumalaban sa malakas na agos, ang kanyang mga mata'y nakatuon nang walang pag-aalinlangan kay Camie. Ang katawan nito ay tila marupok, halos nawawala ng laban sa napakalakas na puwersa ng mga alon, ngunit siya ay nagpatuloy, determinado na hindi hayaang makuha siya ng mga agos.

When they break the surface together, gasping for air, Camie clings to him, her fingers trembling. Her shawl has been torn away by the waves, leaving her vulnerable, exposed. Her eyes search his face, and for the first time, she sees him—not as the guarded, reserved Max she thought she knew, but as the boy who had saved her all those years ago.

Camie whispering through gasps "It's you..."

Max pulls her close, his voice steady despite the chaos around them.

"It's always been me, Camie. And I'll never let you go again." Max surrendered.

Lumambot ang tingin ni Camie, ang mga luha ay humalo sa alat ng dagat sa kanyang mukha. "But why didn't you tell me? Why did you hide it?"

Nag-alinlangan si Max, nagsalungat ang kanyang ekspresyon. Ang pag-amin ay hindi madali, pero alam niyang panahon na—panahon na para lumitaw ang katotohanan tulad ng kanyang pilak na buhok sa ilalim ng mga alon. "Because I thought I could run from it, Camie. From the guilt. From the memories of those I couldn't save. But I was wrong. Fate brought me to you again, and now I see—it wasn't just chance. It was destiny."

Nanginginig ang mga labi ni Camie, lumulubog ang lalim ng kanyang mga salita."Max, I thought I'd lost you forever. That boy in my memories—he was the reason I kept going. He saved me. You saved me." Nangangatal ang boses nito habang mas mahigpit ang pagkakayakap sa kanya. "And now you're here, saving me again."

Idiniin ni Max ang kanyang noo laban sa kanya, ang kaguluhan ng dagat ay unti-unting nawawala sa likuran habang niyayakap niya ito. "I'll always be here for you. You're the reason I kept searching, kept hoping that I could find forgiveness—not just from the world, but from myself. You're my second chance, Camie."

Ang mga alon ay patuloy na umiikot sa paligid nila, ngunit isang katahimikan ang bumabalot sa dalawa, na para bang kinikilala ng bagyo ang ugnayang kanilang pinagsasaluhan. Tinulungan siya ni Max patungo sa mabatong dalampasigan, ang kanyang pagkakahawak ay matatag at mapagprotekta. Habang bumagsak sila sa buhangin, hingal na hingal, tumingin si Camie sa kanya, ang kanyang ekspresyon ay hindi mabasa ngunit puno ng buhay.

"Max," tahimik na sabi Camie, panay ang boses sa kabila ng nanginginig na mga kamay. "Do you think we'll ever be free of the past?"

Ang pilak na buhok ni Max ay kumikislap sa ilalim ng papalubog na sikat ng araw habang nakatingin siya sa kanya, ang kanyang mga mata ay puno ng determinasyon. "The past will always be a part of us, Camie. But together, we can make sure it doesn't define us. We can move forward—one step at a time."

Ngumiti si Camie nang bahagya, ang unang palatandaan ng pag-asa na sumisikat sa kanyang kalungkutan. "As long as it's with you, I think I can."

Tumango si Max, humigpit ang pagkakahawak niya sa kamay nito. "Then let's take that step together."

As the sun sinks below the horizon, casting the world in shades of twilight, Max and Camie sit side by side on the shore, the waves lapping gently at their feet. Their journey is far from over, but in this moment, they find solace in each other—their connection forged through fire and water, unbreakable and undeniable.

 ⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆ 

The Horizon - LIA 

The auditorium hummed with excitement as the school principal announced, "This Friday evening, a rare meteor shower will light up the skies! All students are required to attend the event at La Aurora's Grand Observatory." Nagulat ang mga tao sa paligid, sinundan ng biglang pagsabog ng usapan. Pumintig ang puso ni Camie. Ito ay hindi lamang anumang anunsyo-ito ay ang pangako ng mahika. Ang mismong pag-iisip ng mga bulalakaw na tumatawid sa makinis na kalawakan ng kosmos ay nagpasikip sa kanyang dibdib sa pagkamangha. Kinagat niya ang kanyang labi upang pigilan ang ngiti, ang kanyang mga daliri ay walang ingat na nilalaro ang mga gilid ng kanyang kuwaderno.

The announcement of the meteor shower sparks a mix of excitement, curiosity, and romantic intrigue among the students.

• The Romantics: Many students see this as the perfect opportunity for a magical date night. Whispered plans for stargazing under blankets and shared hot chocolates spread quickly. Couples beam with excitement, while others hope to confess feelings under the celestial spectacle.

• The Dreamers: Students with a love for the cosmos are overjoyed, talking animatedly about meteors, the mysteries of the universe, and how this event aligns with their bucket lists. For them, this is a dream come true.

• The Skeptics: There's always that one group murmuring, "Do we really all have to go?" They roll their eyes but secretly pack snacks and join in the anticipation because, deep down, even they can't resist the allure of shooting stars.

• The Social Butterflies: Excited for the gathering as much as the event itself, these students plan to turn the meteor shower into a social fiesta—snapping photos, sharing stories, and soaking in the collective excitement.

• The Quiet Observers: Some students prefer to savor the moment quietly, journaling their thoughts or soaking up the night's serenity. For them, this event is an escape from the noise of everyday life.

Nearby, Max stole a glance at Camie. The way her eyes sparkled, even in fluorescent lighting, made him feel like he'd already seen a shooting star.

 ⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆ 

As the days crept toward Friday, Max sent a text: "Skip the crowd. Meet me somewhere better?" ִֶָ. ..𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ🦇་༘࿐ 𝓜𝓪𝔁𝓲𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓲𝓪𝓷 𝓥𝓵𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓼𝓵𝓪𝓿 ‧₊˚🖇️✩ ₊˚🎧⊹

Tumunog ang telepono ni Camie nang matapos niyang i-pack ang kanyang telescope kit para sa observatory trip. Ang misteryosong mensahe mula kay Max ay nagpabilis ng kanyang pulso. Halos hindi gumagalaw ang kanyang mga daliri habang sumagot, "Where?"꧁ঔৣ☬✞𝕮𝖆𝖒𝖊𝖗𝖔𝖓 𝕷𝖎𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖍✞☬ঔৣ꧂

Dumating ang Biyernes ng gabi na nakabalot sa liwanag ng buwan at ang bahagyang pangako ng stardust.Naglakbay ang sasakyan ni Camie patungo sa mga coordinate na ipinadala ni Max. Stepping out, her breath hitched. Before her was an ancient graveyard, serene and silent, bathed in silver light. Under the gaze of a weathered stone angel, Max had laid out a checkered blanket adorned with flickering lanterns. Beside it stood a telescope, standing tall like a sentinel of the stars. A chill breeze carried the earthy scent of moss and roses.

"You came," Max said softly, his voice barely audible over the whisper of the wind. His hands fumbled with a thermos of hot cocoa. "Thought the sky deserved its own stage."

"You didn't have to go all out like this, you know. A graveyard picnic under shooting stars? It's like something out of a dream." Camie smiled sheepishly.

Max smirking "Well, dreams need a little effort to come true. Besides, I know you like the unexpected. And...I thought you deserved something unforgettable."

Camie playfully nudging him "Flatterer. I must admit, though—you've outdone La Aurora's grand observatory. This feels... special."

"That's because you make it special. I could've set this up anywhere, Camie, and it'd still be perfect as long as you're here." ani ni Max.

Huminto sila, nakatingin sa itaas habang ang mga bulalakaw ay tumatawid sa kalangitan.

"It's like the universe is putting on a show just for us." Kinikilig na sabi ni Camie.

Lumingon si Max sa kanya,"Maybe it is. Or maybe it's just giving me an excuse to spend more time with you. Either way, I'm not complaining."

"You really have a way with words, don't you?" Ngayon ay namumula na si Camie.

Nakangiting sabi ni Max "It's easy when you're the inspiration."

Tumawa ng mahina si Camie, ang kamay nito ay humahaplos sa kamay niya habang papalapit siya.

"You're trouble, Max. But I guess I don't mind a little trouble in my life."

Taos-pusong bumababa ang boses ni Max, "Good, because I don't plan on going anywhere. This—this moment? I want a million more like it. With you."

Bumuka ang mga labi ni Camie upang magsalita, ngunit ang mga salita ay natunaw. Sa halip, humakbang siya palapit, ang nakabukang mga pakpak ng anghel ay tila nagbigay ng basbas sa sandaling iyon. Hinanap ng mga mata ni Max ang mga mata niya, hindi masabi ang mga tanong na namamagitan sa kanila.

And then, as the heavens began their fiery dance, Camie leaned in, pressing her lips to his. The world blurred—no angels, no meteors, just the two of them tethered in a gravity all their own. Max's hands cupped her face, grounding her even as the universe seemed to explode above them.

When they finally pulled back, breathless and dazed, Camie giggled. "I don't think La Aurora could top this."

Max smirked, brushing a thumb along her cheek. "Lucky for me, the stars aren't my only wish tonight."

Habol ang hininga ni Camie habang papalapit siya kay Max, ang nanginginig niyang mga daliri ay sinusubaybayan ang matalim na linya ng kanyang panga na tila inuukit ang sandaling ito sa alaala. Ang mundo sa kanilang paligid ay natunaw sa mga anino, naiwan lamang ang marupok, de-kuryenteng katahimikan na pumagitna sa kanila. Ang kanyang boses, na halos hindi pa bulong, ay bumasag sa katahimikan, hilaw at walang bantay.

"Max, you're the only thing keeping me from falling apart."

Ang kanyang pag-amin ay nanatili sa tahimik na hangin, naghahabi ng isang manipis na sinulid sa pagitan nila. Nakadikit ang tingin ni Max sa kanya, isang bagyo ng emosyon ang umiikot sa kanyang madilim na mga mata. Ang bigat ng pagnanasa ay sumasalungat sa takot na magbigay ng labis, masyadong maaga. Sa ilalim ng kaguluhang iyon ay may tahimik na pagpipitagan—isang lalim ng damdaming hindi niya alam na kaya niyang maramdaman.

Ibinuka niya ang kanyang bibig na parang magsasalita, ang mga salita ay parang umaakyat sa ibabaw, ngunit nabigo siya sa kanyang tinig. Sa halip, ang kanyang kamay ay kusang gumalaw upang salubungin ang kanyang kamay, ang kanyang haplos ay isang maselang tali sa gitna ng kaguluhan. Ang kanilang mga daliri ay nagdampi at nagtagal, ang simplisidad nito ay nagbigay ng katatagan sa kanilang dalawa.

"Camie," he murmured, his voice rasping against his hesitation. "You don't know what you're doing to me."

The graveyard seemed to hold its breath, its stillness amplifying their vulnerability. The fractured moonlight cast splintered patterns over the headstones, as if mirroring the jagged pieces of their unspoken truths. Ramdam ni Camie ang bigat ng lahat—ang kagandahan ng sandali, ang kahinaan nito, ang ganap na imposibilidad nito.

Isang mapait na ngiti ang bumakas sa kanyang mga labi habang siya'y lumapit, ang kanyang noo ay bahagyang dumapo sa kanya. Ang init na nagmumula sa kanya ay nagpatigil sa kanyang panginginig, kahit na ang takot na dumadaloy sa kanyang mga ugat ay tumangging lubos na humupa. Ang kanilang mga hininga ay naghalo, isang nag-aalangan na ritmo ang bumubuo sa pagitan nila.

Inilapat niya ang kanyang kamay sa dibdib niya, ang kanyang palad ay dahan-dahang pinipisil, dinidiin ang magulong ritmo ng kanyang puso. Beneath her touch, it beat wildly, a chaotic symphony that echoed the storm inside her. Pumikit siya ng saglit, hinayaan ang sarili na maramdaman ang mga hindi nasabing pag-amin na pumipintig sa pagitan nila.

"Max," she whispered, her voice a thread of steel wrapped in vulnerability, "this feeling—it terrifies me... and it consumes me."

Her words cut through the air, exposing truths that had remained buried beneath their silences. Max's eyes darkened, the shadows in them deepening as he fought the pull of her presence. The walls he'd built around his heart quaked under the weight of her honesty, and he knew he couldn't hold them much longer.

"I've never felt anything like this," he said, his voice a jagged whisper, raw and unfiltered. "It's reckless, it's dangerous... but it's the only thing that feels real. You're the power in my weakness, Camie. Without you, I wouldn't have the strength to stand."

Her hand flexed against his chest, ang kanyang haplos ay nakaangkla sa kanya kahit na pakiramdam niya ay bumigay ang lupa sa ilalim niya. Muli siyang humilig sa kanya, akmang naka-akap,ang kanyang noo ay dumikit nang malumanay sa kanyang sentido sa pagkakataong ito,a shift both intimate and resolute. Their breaths mingled, heavy with everything they couldn't yet bring themselves to say.

"I don't need you to stand," Camie murmured, her tears catching the fractured light like shards of glass. "I need you to fall with me."

Max's hands cradled her face, his thumbs brushing away her tears in tender strokes that spoke louder than words. There was a reverence in the way he held her, as though she were something precious and fragile, and the weight of losing her was more than he could bear. Slowly, he leaned in, his lips brushing over her brow—a fleeting gesture of love and surrender.

"If I fall," he said softly, the words carrying both a promise and a plea, "I fall with you."

Overcome by a sudden, overwhelming urge, Camie's hand seized Max's shirt, her desperation eclipsing any sense of restraint. She yanked at the fabric, ready to tear it away, as if steeling herself for what lay beneath. But her movements faltered, freezing mid-motion as her breath caught sharply in her throat.

There it was—a sprawling mark, jagged and alive, stretching from his ribs to his hip. It shimmered in hues of silver and black, like fractured moonlight dancing on a restless sea. This was no ordinary tattoo; it pulsated, alive and breathing, emanating an enigmatic energy that made her stomach churn. It wasn't just ink on skin—it was a declaration, a revelation, a story etched into his very being.

"Camie, wait!" Max's voice cracked, ang kamay niyay mabilis na tinakpan ang marka. Ang kanyang mga mata, na dilat at nagmamakaawa, ay nakatoun sa kanya. "I... I can explain."

Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ni Camie, pero hindi sa galit. Iba ito—isang halo ng gulat at labis na pagnanais na maunawaan. "Max," sabi niya, ang boses ay malumanay, "you don't have to explain. Just tell me the truth. Whatever it is, I'm here."

Nag-alinlangan si Max, umigting ang kanyang panga. "It's... it's a mark of who I am. What I am."Napabuntong-hininga siya, ang bigat ng kanyang mga salita na humihila sa kanya pababa."I'm one of them, Camie. One of the Engkantos."

Her eyes widened, taking in his words, the mark, and the raw emotion on his face. Ang kanyang isipan ay naguluhan, oo, pero hindi siya nagalit. Kung tutuusin, nakaramdam siya ng hindi inaasahang ginhawa. "You've been carrying this, haven't you?"she murmured, stepping closer, her hand hovering near his. "Hiding it from everyone. From me."

Tumango si Max, bumaba ang tingin niya. "I didn't want you to look at me different. I didn't want you to be afraid. I couldn't stand the thought of losing you."

Humigpit ang dibdib ni Camie. Inabot niya ito, hinayaan ang kanyang kamay na dahan-dahang tumakip sa kanya. "I'm not afraid, Max. And I'm not going anywhere."

Tumingala siya, nagulat."You're not... mad? "

She gave a small, shaky laugh, tears glistening in her eyes. "No. How could I be mad? I'm just... I'm just glad you're finally telling me."

Ang marka sa kanyang tagiliran ay muling kumislot, bahagya, at naramdaman niyang may init na nagmumula rito. "This is who you are,"sabi ni Camie, ang boses niya ay puno ng tahimik na pag-unawa. "And I'm glad you trusted me enough to let me see it."

Max exhaled a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding, his shoulders sagging with relief. "Thank you, Camie," he whispered. "You don't know what this means to me."

Their surroundings dissolved into shadows, the graveyard's deathly chill consumed and obliterated by the tempest of their searing emotions. Love, in all its beautiful weakness, had overtaken them both. Though the stars and gravestones stood silent, their hearts bore witness to the quiet chaos unfurling between them.

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The library in Camie's sprawling estate was less a room and more a cathedral of knowledge. Towering shelves of leather-bound tomes embossed with gold filigree stretched toward the vaulted ceilings. The air carried an intoxicating blend of aged paper and fresh roses from Camie's personal garden. Crystal-draped chandeliers scattered light across polished LuxTouch marble floors, while plush velvet chairs and heavy African blackwood tables invited quiet contemplation. It was a realm of opulence, a testament to the Alviar clan's illustrious history.

Nakaupo si Camie sa isang magarbong mesa,maganda ang kanyang tindig sa kabila ng nag-aalab na tensyon sa ilalim ng kanyang kalmadong anyo. The heiress of a formidable clan, she embodied her status in a tailored silk blouse and black diamond earrings. Gayunpaman, sumilay ang pagkadismaya sa kanyang matatalim na galaw habang binuklat niya ang marupok na pahina ng isang sinaunang aklat.

Sa malapit, umupo si Max sa isang leather na armchair, na nagpapakita ng kanyang karaniwang timpla ng walang hirap na alindog at pagiging sopistikado. His tailored suit caught the light in subtle hints of wealth he seldom needed to flaunt. Tinapik niya ang kanyang mga daliri sa sandalan, binigyan niya si Camie ng masamang tingin.

"You know," Max drawled, breaking the quiet, 'this feels like something out of an old movie. Heiress searches for a mystical artifact, guided by her annoyingly handsome companion who provides comic relief."

Camie didn't glance up. "Annoyingly handsome? I'd say annoying is accurate. The rest is debatable."

Max pressed a hand to his chest in mock offense. "You wound me, Harayan. Here I am, sacrificing my day of luxury to keep you company."

'Keep me company?' Tumaas ang isang kilay ni Camie, nakatutok pa rin ang mga mata sa libro."You've done nothing but distract me. If I didn't know better, I'd say you're trying to sabotage this."

Naglakad siya patungo sa mesa nang may kumpiyansa ng isang taong nakakaalam na makakalusot siya sa halos anumang bagay. "Sabotage? That's a strong word. I prefer keeping things interesting."

Inirapan ni Camie si Max at muling tumutok sa libro. Huminto ang kanyang mga daliri sa isang guhit ng isang gayak na punyal na may matutulis na mga gilid kumikislap na parang buhay. Sa ilalim nito, nakasulat sa makapal na titik: Dagger of Shadows: Catalyst of Ritual, Instrument of Power.

"Max," mahinang sabi niya, bakas sa boses niya ang kuryosidad."Come take a look at this."

Walang pag-aalinlangan na humakbang si Max sa likod ng kanyang upuan, bahagyang ipinatong ang kanyang mga kamay sa sandalan habang nakasandal siya. 'Dagger of Shadows,' bulong niya, ang kanyang tono ay hindi seryoso. "Sounds ominous. What does it say?"

Binasa ni Camie nang malakas, ang kanyang tono ay matatag sa kabila ng bigat ng mga salita. "A tool required in ancient summoning rituals. Said to channel the bearer's deepest fears and strongest desires, binding them to the ritual's success—or failure."

Kumunot ang noo ni Max habang unti-unting pumasok sa isip niya ang mga salita nito. 'So, basically, it's a double-edged sword? Great. Just what we need. Another thing that might get us cursed."

Bahagyang napangiti si Camie."Don't worry, Max. I'll make sure you don't bind yourself to something terrible."

Tumawa siya ng bahagya, bumalik ang kanyang magaan na asal. "Very reassuring. But let's be honest—if anyone's going to summon a demon accidentally, it's you. Heiress of a formidable clan, seeker of forbidden knowledge... really fits the profile."

'And yet,'sagot ni Camie, habang tumitingin sa kanya,"I keep you around. What does that say about my judgment?"

Lalong lumawak ang ngiti ni Max, bumaba ang boses niya sa isang mapaglarong bulong. "That you secretly enjoy my company—and you know it."

Hindi sumagot si Camie, ngunit ang ngiting sumilay sa kanyang mga labi ay nagpatunay ng hinala ni Max.

Habang kinukuha ni Max ang isa pang libro mula sa matatayog na istante, sinundan ni Camie ang guhit ng punyal, na tumatakbo ang kanyang isip. Lalong lumalim ang tahimik na ugong ng aklatan habang iniisip niya ang ritwal at ang bigat ng Dagger of Shadows sa kanyang kamay.

"Guess we're headed for another adventure,' sabi ni Max, na bumasag sa katahimikan. "This time, I expect luxury accommodations. None of that roughing-it nonsense."

Tumawa ng mahina si Camie, umiling. "Of course. Wouldn't want the Engkanto to be uncomfortable."

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