Mlakai turned and walked away, expecting Emilia and Asher to follow. They exchanged a nervous glance before trailing after him. The streets were dark and quiet, the only sound the soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet.
As they walked, Emilia's mind whirled with questions. What truth did Malakai want to show her? And what did it have to do with the curse?
They stopped in front of an old, abandoned building. Malakai produced a key and unlocked the door, gesturing for them to enter.
The inside was dimly lit, with cobwebs clinging to the walls. Emilia's skin crawled as she stepped inside. Asher's hand on her back was a comforting presence.
Malakai led them to a room in the back, filled with old boxes and dusty artifacts. He lit a candle, casting flickering shadows on the walls.
"What's going on, Malakai?" Asher asked, his voice firm.
Malakai's eyes gleamed in the candlelight. "I'm showing you the truth, Asher. The truth about your family, about the curse, and about Emilia's role in it."
Emilia's heart skipped a beat. "My role?"
Malakai nodded. "You're the key to breaking the curse, Emilia. But it's not just about breaking it – it's about embracing it."
Asher's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
Malakai's smile was slow and deliberate. "The curse isn't a punishment, Asher. It's a gift. And Emilia's the one who can unlock its true power."
Emilia's mind reeled. A gift? Was Malakai insane?
Asher's voice was low and warning. "Leave her alone, Malakai. We're done here."
Malakai chuckled. "Oh, Asher. You're so blind. Emilia, are you ready to see the truth?"
Emilia hesitated, unsure what to do. But her curiosity got the better of her. "Show me," she said finally.
Malakai's eyes flashed with excitement. "Very well."
He reached out and touched Emilia's forehead. Suddenly, visions flooded her mind – visions of her past, of Asher's family, of the curse...
Emilia saw herself as a child, playing in a garden filled with dark flowers. She saw Asher's ancestors, making a pact with a shadowy figure. She saw the curse spreading, infecting generation after generation.
And she saw herself, standing at the center of it all, with the power to break the curse or unleash its full fury.
The visions faded, leaving Emilia breathless. "What does it mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Malakai's smile was triumphant. "It means you're the one, Emilia. You're the key to unlocking the curse's true power."
Asher's eyes were narrowed. "And what do you get out of it, Malakai?"
Malakai's smile grew wider. "I get to see the curse's true potential. And with Emilia's help, I will."
Emilia's skin crawled. She didn't trust Malakai, not one bit.
Asher's grip on her hand tightened. "We're leaving," he said, pulling her towards the door.
Malakai's laughter echoed behind them, sending shivers down Emilia's spine. "You can't run from the truth, Asher. Emilia's part of the curse now."
Emilia's heart pounded as they stumbled out into the night air. What had she just gotten herself into?
Asher pulled her close, his eyes searching hers. "Are you okay?"
Emilia nodded, trying to process everything she'd seen. "I think so."
Asher's face was grim. "We need to get you safe. Now."
But Emilia knew it was too late. The curse was already inside her, waiting to be unleashed.