Sade stood frozen, staring at the two paths.
One bathed in soft golden light.
The other shrouded in shadows, twisting and writhing like a living thing.
Her heart raced.
Her mind screamed.
And yet… a small voice inside her whispered:
"You must choose."
Tunde stepped closer.
"Whatever path you take, I'll follow. I promise."
Sade shook her head.
"No, Tunde… you shouldn't. You don't belong here in the light. Or the dark. Not like me."
Tunde's eyes softened.
"You said you trust me. Let me help you."
Sade's gaze drifted to the lighted path.
It was beautiful. Peaceful. Safe.
The whispers of spirits sounded like lullabies.
Warmth wrapped around her like a blanket.
She could almost hear her mother calling her name softly from the other side.
"I could return," she thought.
"Go back to life. My family. My friends. My world."
But a shiver ran down her spine.
She could feel the shadow lurking behind the light.
Quiet. Waiting. Patient.
And she realized… returning might not end the danger.
The shadowed path twisted like a serpent, dark and intimidating.
Fear clutched at her chest.
She could feel cold hands brushing her soul, testing her courage.
But she also felt a strange pull—like it was calling her true self.
Like it held answers about who she really was.
Sade turned to Tunde.
"I… I feel drawn to it. To know the truth about me. To know why I was chosen."
Tunde's face tightened with worry.
"You can survive it… but it will change you forever."
Sade swallowed hard.
Her heartbeat echoed in her ears.
She took a step toward the shadowed path.
A whisper followed her:
"Ayè-Ọrun… step into your destiny…"
Her body tensed.
Her spirit felt the weight of both worlds on her shoulders.
Tunde reached for her hand, steady and warm.
"You are not alone," he said.
"And whatever happens… I will be by your side."
Sade nodded slowly.
Her fear wrestled with courage.
And then, she stepped forward.
The shadowed path swallowed her in darkness.
The golden light behind her faded.
The whisper of the shadow grew louder.
Closer.
Hungry.
Tunde followed without hesitation.
Together, they disappeared into the unknown.
The trees around them moaned as the realm shifted.
Eyes blinked open in the darkness.
Shapes moved between the shadows, observing the girl who dared to walk the path of truth.
And from the mist came a soft voice.
The same one that haunted Sade's dreams:
"The journey has begun… and the devourer watches."
Sade shivered.
But something inside her burned brighter than the fear.
She was ready.
To face the shadow.
To face herself.
And to find out who she truly is.