Night had fallen.
The valley was no longer visible—only shadows remained.
Amir couldn't see the path anymore.
But he could feel it.
Every step echoed louder than it should.
Too loud.
Too empty.
Too wrong.
He stopped.
Something wasn't right.
The wind had died.
The insects were silent.
Even the distant sounds of life had disappeared.
Only one thing remained—
His breathing.
Slow.
Heavy.
Uncertain.
Amir turned slowly.
Nothing.
Just darkness.
But then—
A flicker.
Two faint lights in the distance.
His eyes narrowed.
They weren't lights.
They were eyes.
Watching.
Unblinking.
Amir's body froze instantly.
Not one.
Not two.
More.
Shapes began to form in the darkness.
Low.
Moving.
Circling.
His heart dropped.
"They're not alone…"
The realization hit him hard.
The lion…
Was never the real danger.
A low growl echoed from behind him.
Closer than before.
Amir didn't turn this time.
He already knew.
They were everywhere.
Surrounding him.
Waiting.
Hunting.
His mind screamed:
"Run!"
But his body remembered.
Running only makes it worse.
His fists tightened.
His breathing steadied.
"This time… I won't panic."
A step echoed in the dark.
Not his.
Something was coming closer.
Slow.
Confident.
Dominant.
The others stopped moving.
As if they were making way.
Amir finally turned.
And what he saw—
Made everything before feel small.
Bigger.
Darker.
Stronger.
The true king had arrived.
And this time…
There would be no second chance.
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