Chapter 2

"Edolon?! Are you serious?" Ena's eyes widened, worry lacing her voice. She clutched her tray tightly, her knuckles white.

Alif's response was a quiet, determined, "Yes." He stared at his untouched food, his expression devoid of appetite.

"It's dangerous, Alif," Ena insisted, her brow furrowed with concern. "Incredibly dangerous."

"I have to," Alif said, his gaze unwavering, a steely determination etched on his face.

"Then we're coming with you," Ena declared firmly. Fino, who had been quietly eating, stopped mid-chew, looking up in surprise.

"No, you can't," Alif said sharply. "It's a vampire's lair. Too dangerous for you both."

"You need help!" Fino insisted, mouth still full. He swallowed before continuing, "Someone to have your back!"

"It's more dangerous for you," Alif replied, his tone softening slightly but remaining firm. He looked at his friends, a flicker of regret in his eyes. He didn't want them to get hurt.

"We're coming, Alif! We'll bring garlic!" Fino insisted, his eyes shining with misplaced enthusiasm.

Ena elbowed Fino. "Idiot!" she hissed, a low but sharp reprimand.

Alif offered a small, weary smile. "Thanks for worrying, you two, but I need to do this alone."

"Be careful, especially with all the bad guys in Edolon," Ena said softly, her gaze filled with concern.

"Thanks, Ena," Alif replied, genuine warmth in his voice. He met her gaze, a silent thank you passing between them.

"Bring garlic! It fights evil!" Fino chirped, oblivious to the tension.

Ena's forehead creased, but a small smile played on her lips. She looked at Alif. "Sorry about him. He's… well, he's Fino."

Alif smiled, a genuine smile this time, reaching his eyes. "It's okay." He felt a warmth spread through him, a comforting sense of friendship amidst the looming danger. He knew he couldn't take them, but their concern meant the world to him.

After their conversation in the cafeteria, Alif said goodbye to his friends. A heavy bag, filled with supplies for his perilous journey, hung from his shoulder. He walked away from the school silently, his steps determined yet laced with apprehension.

As he neared the forest bordering Edolon, an unsettling quiet enveloped him. No birdsong, no rustling leaves—an unnerving stillness that spoke of danger. He entered the woods, the trees like shadowy sentinels watching his every move.

Deep within the forest, he saw a light, an unnatural glow emanating from what looked like a portal. As he approached, a cold wind whipped against his face. A familiar voice, laced with menace, whispered,

"Alif..."

He spun around, but saw nothing. The light from the portal intensified, and a shadow began to emerge. A shadow he knew… the shadow of his uncle, Calsipher.

"You're here," Calsipher's voice was cold, laced with mockery. "Ready?"

Alif froze. He didn't know what to say. The portal grew larger, Calsipher's shadow looming closer. A deep sense of dread washed over him. What awaited him on the other side? What were Calsipher's plans?

Before he could answer, a shout pierced the silence. He turned to see Ena and Fino running towards him, their faces etched with worry.

"Alif!" Ena screamed. "Don't go!"

But it was too late. Calsipher pulled Alif into the portal, the light blinding him. The last thing he saw were his friends' worried faces… and the dark, mysterious world of Edolon.

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