Chapter 10: The Night Of Shadows
299 Words
The village was quiet under the pale moonlight, but Ayaan knew that silence in a place like this was dangerous.
She and Misky moved cautiously, keeping to the shadows as they weaved through the narrow paths between huts.
The smell of burning firewood and freshly slaughtered goat filled the air—signs of an upcoming feast. The wedding preparations had already begun.
Ayaan’s heart clenched.
They were running out of time.
Finding Safiyo
Misky had arranged a contact—a young girl named Hodan, who worked in the bride’s hut, preparing Safiyo for the wedding.
She was their only hope.
They reached the back of the hut where Hodan was waiting, her small frame trembling in fear.
“Degdeg! Dhakhso u gala!” she whispered.
(Hurry! Get in quickly!)
Ayaan and Misky slipped inside.
And there, sitting on a thin mat, dressed in a deep red diraac, was Safiyo.
Her face was pale, her wrists bruised, her eyes hollow like someone whose soul had already left her body.
Ayaan fell to her knees beside her, grabbing her hands.
“Safiyo! Waa aniga!” she whispered desperately.
(Safiyo! It’s me!)
Safiyo blinked. Tears welled up in her eyes.
“Ayaan? Ma dhab baa?”
(Ayaan? Is it really you?)
Ayaan nodded quickly, squeezing her hands. “Waan kuu imid. Waan kaa badbaadinaynaa.”
(I came for you. We’re going to save you.)
But before Safiyo could speak—
A loud knock came at the door.
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Caught?
“Gabadhu diyaar ma tahay?” a deep voice demanded from outside.
(Is the bride ready?)
Ayaan froze.
Misky grabbed her arm and whispered, “Haddii aan dhaqaaqno, waa la na qabtaa.”
(If we move now, we’ll get caught.)
Safiyo’s breath hitched, terror flashing in her eyes.
They had to think fast.
- Writer
