That morning felt different.
Not because the world had changed.
But because…
Zack had.
He stood in front of the mirror, staring at his own reflection.
For the first time…
he didn't look completely empty.
There was something else in his eyes.
Something unfamiliar.
"…that wasn't just a dream…"
Zack whispered.
He remembered everything.
The burning sky.
The ruined world.
And the dragon.
"You are the last heir…"
Zack shut his eyes tightly.
His heart pounded.
"…I can't ignore this…"
🏙️ MEETING AGAIN
Zack walked along the same street as
yesterday.
But this time…
his steps slowed.
As if he was looking for something.
Or someone.
And without realizing—
he stopped.
At the exact same spot.
His eyes searched.
Seconds passed.
Nothing.
Then—
"Zack?"
That voice.
He turned instantly.
And there she was.
Siti Khadijah
Her smile was the same.
Soft. Calm.
"…you…"
Zack blinked in surprise.
Almost as if…
he had been hoping to see her again.
Siti Khadijah let out a small laugh.
"You look really surprised."
"…no, it's just…"
Zack paused.
He didn't know how to explain it.
She took a small step closer.
"Just…?"
Zack sighed softly.
"…I didn't expect to see you again."
She smiled.
"Why? You didn't want to?"
"…it's not like that."
Zack quickly replied.
She studied his face for a moment.
Then her smile softened.
"Good."
❤️ A CONVERSATION THAT MATTERS
They walked together.
Slowly.
Without a clear destination.
But this time…
Zack didn't feel alone.
"Do you always walk by yourself?" she asked.
"…I'm used to it," Zack replied.
"Don't you get bored?"
Zack gave a small, empty laugh.
"…you stop feeling bored when everything feels empty."
She stopped walking.
And looked at him.
"What do you mean?"
Zack turned slightly.
"…when your life is empty… you don't feel anything anymore."
She was silent for a moment.
Then she spoke—
"…that's not living, Zack."
Zack froze.
"…then what is it?"
She smiled gently.
"A state… not a life."
Zack stared at her
"…you always talk like that?"
She laughed softly.
"No… just today."
🌌 A QUIET MOMENT
They sat on a bench in the park.
The rain had stopped.
A soft breeze passed through.
Silence.
But not the painful kind.
"…why did you talk to me yesterday?"
Zack asked.
She thought for a moment.
"Because you looked like you needed someone."
Zack nodded slowly.
"…and now?"
She looked straight at him.
"…you still do."
Zack didn't respond.
But his heart…
felt different.
"…you're strange."
She laughed.
"You just realized?"
Zack smiled slightly.
A real smile.
⚡ THE DISTURBANCE
Suddenly—
the wind stopped.
Zack's expression changed.
"…do you feel that?"
Siti Khadijah looked around.
"Feel what?"
Zack stood up slowly.
"…something's wrong…"
And then—
the shadow beneath the bench moved.
On its own.
Zack stepped forward.
Instinctively shielding her.
"Zack…?"
"…don't move."
His voice was different.
Lower.
More serious.
The shadow grew.
Darker.
Alive.
And that voice returned—
"You cannot escape…"
Zack clenched his fist.
"…who are you…"
Siti Khadijah grabbed his arm.
"Zack… what's happening…"
"…I don't know…"
🔥 ENDING – FIRST REAL THREAT
The shadow suddenly rose—
forming a dark creature.
Its presence suffocating.
"What… is that?!"
Siti Khadijah stepped back.
Zack stood in front of her.
Protecting her.
Even though he was afraid.
But this time—
he didn't run.
"…if this thing is coming for me…"
Zack took a deep breath.
His eyes darkened slightly.
"…then I'll face it."
The shadows around him began to move.
Responding.
Awakening.
And that voice echoed once more—
"Awaken… heir…"
NEXT CHAPTER 3