The cracked path before them split in two — not in direction, but in essence. To the left: a silent forest drenched in white fog, called Al-Qist, the Path of Truth, where only the honest could survive. To the right: a scorched black bridge glowing under red skies, known as Al-Tamarrud, the Path of Rebellion, walked by those who dared to challenge divine order.
Rayyan looked at Nael. Lunir stepped forward. "If we split now, the world may split with us."
1. Choosing the Path
They agreed to take Al-Qist, the Path of Truth, but Zafir stayed silent the whole way. Rayyan's white flame began to flicker with uncertainty — was this truth their truth, or someone else's design?
As they walked deeper, visions came.
2. The Trial of Memory
In the middle of the forest, they encountered a tree with glass leaves — the Shajarat al-Dhakira (Tree of Memory). Touching it brought out memories they had buried:
Rayyan saw his birth — a comet striking the skies, his mother whispering, "He will burn but not destroy."
Nael saw himself holding a crown of white flame and refusing it, watching it melt into golden ash.
Lunir remembered an oath she once made to a woman with a veil of shadow.
Zafir refused to touch the tree. Instead, he asked: "What if this truth was never ours to begin with?"
3. The Heaven's Eye
At the heart of Al-Qist, they found the Eye of Samawaat, a floating white orb said to show your soul to the Creator.
Each stood before it.
Rayyan's reflection showed both a child and a warrior. Nael's reflection… was missing. Instead, the orb cracked.
Lightning split the skies. A voice echoed: "The Rebellious One walks among the Truthful."
Zafir drew his blade. "They've seen it."
Rayyan looked at Nael, heart trembling. "Brother… what aren't you telling me?"
Nael stepped back.
4. The Angel of Balance
Descending from light, an angel appeared — not with wings, but with eyes of endless galaxies.
"I am Sana'il, Guardian of the Flame Line. One of you holds a heart capable of Heaven… or Hell."
The angel gave them a choice:
1. Continue toward the Flame of Barjak, breaking the heavenly restriction.
2. Return to Eldreth, where their world awaited with a rising fire.
"You cannot walk both," Sana'il warned. "Truth demands sacrifice."
They had until dawn to decide.
That night, Rayyan and Nael sat beneath the stars, not as warriors, but as brothers.
Nael whispered: "If I ever become like him… end me."
Rayyan didn't answer. He only held the flame in his hand, trembling.
5. End of Chapter Scene:
Before sunrise, a voice cried out — not angelic, not human. Lunir rushed through the fog.
A boy in gold lay on the road. A broken symbol of the Eye of Reflection on his chest. Zafir read the message carved into his back: "You chose truth. Now bear its cost."
The forest behind them closed. The road ahead turned to fire.