Chapter 39: Shadow Mist Snake
Angelica, followed closely by Athar, left the perimeter of the camp and began heading deeper into the forest. The density of trees in this part of the forest was far higher than where they had been camping. It was difficult to see more than few feet ahead, not that it was possible in the darkness of the night.
As they walked through the thickening darkness, a cold, creeping unease began to climb up Athar’s spine. He had no idea what Angelica intended, and despite the panic and faint fear he had begun to associate with her, he had no choice but to stick close behind. He did not want to ambushed and killed by a beast even before he got to know what did Angelica wanted.
The forest, as they headed deeper, felt alive with distant growls and the occasional crackle of movement, and Athar kept his senses sharp, alert to every noise, every shadow. Yet, strangely, no beast came near them.
"T... Teacher..." he stammered after a while. They had gone more than a kilometre into the forest.
Angelica did not respond, and Athar followed in tense silence. It was only after they had walked at least another kilometre, by now, and Athar had started to feel really restless. The silence of Angelica mixed with the growls and noise of the beasts were gnawing him from inside.
It was at this moment that the thick wall of trees suddenly parted, revealing a wide clearing. Angelica led Athar to the centre of the clearing. Then she stopped and turned to face him.
"Athar," she said in a soft voice after a long pause. "I brought you here with a proposal. That proposal will be your reward."
"You are free to accept or reject it," she continued. "But trust me, it will benefit you far more than you can comprehend right now."
"What is the proposal, teacher?" Athar asked, his voice tight with tension. His nerves were stretched thin.
"I want you to become my personal disciple," Angelica replied smoothly.
Athar’s eyes widened. Personal disciple? He had never imagined such a thing. But the real question was- why him?