The next day arrived.
It was time for everyone to return.
But Aaika already knew—
she had to leave early.
Back in the demon realm, Rambh had arranged something important, and he had specifically called her.
Aaika turned to Arin and said,
"I think we should head back today."
Arin looked at her, confused.
"Suddenly? Why?"
Aaika paused for a moment, then said softly,
"I'm not feeling well… I think I should go back."
Arin didn't question her much.
"Alright," he said simply.
He trusted her.
But when the others heard this, they objected.
"We want to stay longer and explore more," they said.
Aaika didn't insist.
Without wasting more time, she and Arin decided to leave.
As they began walking back, Aaika said,
"You don't have to come with me. I'll manage on my own."
Arin shook his head immediately.
"No."
Aaika looked at him.
"What if you get into trouble?" he continued. "I'm coming with you."
His tone was firm—but caring.
Aaika didn't argue further.
They continued walking together.
But inside her mind—
A storm was quietly building.
Because she wasn't just returning home…
She was going back to something far more dangerous.Aaika turned toward Arin and said coldly,
"This doesn't concern you. I can go on my own."
Before he could respond, she walked away.
Arin stood there for a moment, hurt and confused.
Then, without saying anything, he turned and left—quietly, but with anger in his heart.
Aaika returned to the demon realm.
She went straight to her room without meeting anyone.
When Rambh heard about this, he immediately went to her.
"Why did you come here suddenly without meeting me first?" he asked.
Aaika replied calmly,
"I just wanted to get rid of this human smell first. I don't like it at all."
Rambh let out a breath of relief.
"Good," he said. "For a moment, I thought that human had started affecting you."
Aaika shook her head.
"No, Father. Nothing like that."
Rambh nodded.
"Alright. Come with me."
Aaika followed him.
Wish quietly followed along as well.
Soon, they reached the royal court.
Almost all the preparations were complete.
Aaika looked around and asked,
"What are all these preparations for?"
Rambh turned toward her and said,
"Tomorrow is the night of the Blood Red Full Moon. And fourteen days after that… comes the night of the Dark Moon (Amavasya)."
His voice deepened.
"I have been preparing for that night."
Aaika frowned slightly.
"What is so special about that night?"
Rambh's eyes grew intense.
"That night is our final chance. On that night, we must sacrifice the divine angel. If we fail…"
He paused.
"…we will have to wait another five hundred years."
Aaika's expression changed.
"Five hundred years…?"
Rambh nodded slowly.
"And by then… I may not even be alive."
Hearing this, Aaika stepped forward.
"That won't happen, Father. I won't let anything happen to you."
Rambh looked at her—his expression softening.
Then he said quietly,
"You only have fourteen days now… to bring him here."
Aaika met his eyes.
"Trust me, Father."
Rambh placed his hand on her head.
"You are my last hope."
Then, for a moment, he pulled her into an embrace—filled with what looked like affection…
But carried something much darker beneath it.
Fourteen days.
That was all the time left.
And somewhere far away—
Arin had no idea what was coming for him.