The chilly breeze swayed Arisa's dark hair as she closed Thelma's red car's door. Gathering with the others, she walked on the spacious garden that was illuminated with white outdoor lights. Arisa gazed at Aadila, who looked a bit nervous.
When they reached the house, the door creaked open before Thelma could press the button on the light green wall. Two tall figures rushed to them and wrapped their arms around Aadila.
"Aadila, thank goodness," said Kafil, his tone relieved.
"Even though we believed that everything would end well," added Imani, "we couldn't help but worry."
Arisa gazed at the figures hugging the girl by her side; a smile spread across her face. Even though they went through a lot of struggles to save Aadila, Arisa thought that everything was worth it to see this sweet reunion.
Aadila locked her arms around the parents. "I'm sorry for worrying you, uncle, auntie. I'm a terrible niece."
Both Kafil and Imani freed her from their embrace; they looked at her with a timid smile.
"Don't say that." Kafil patted his niece's braided head. "You have been a great guest; always bringing joy to our house and on top of that, you're a girl who's full of responsibilities. Don't blame yourself, my niece."
As Aadila displayed a small smile, Arisa, Thelma and Kazuya approached them. The Malulus didn't waste any time and thanked them. They wrapped their arms around their daughter, whispering words in Swahili. Even though Arisa didn't understand their language, she understood that they were grateful that everything ended well.
Thelma tried patting her parents' back. "I'm okay, mama, baba. Don't fill yourselves with worries."
"No, you're not okay. Look at you." Imani touched Thelma's face, examining her. "Are these deep wounds I'm seeing on your arm?"
Thelma smiled weakly and rubbed her arm. "Yeah. This time the baddies were too tough to handle, but I'm okay."
Arisa could see the panic in the Malulus' expressions.
"So auntie and uncle knew about your identity?" asked Aadila before Imani could protest.
Everyone's gaze fell on Aadila, who stared back at them curiously.
"Yes." Thelma nodded lightly. "Living a double life can be tough. I didn't want them to worry about my sudden secretive behavior, so I thought it was better to tell them the truth right away."
"Aadila knows that you are a Guardian, now?" asked Kafil, blinking his eyes two times.
Thelma shrugged. "I had no choice this time."
"Even if she wouldn't tell me," said Aadila, "I always had a feeling that Thelma and Sagittarius were the same person."
Arisa's brows arched. Several minutes ago, Aadila revealed to them that she always had a theory about Sagittarius' identity. Despite that, Arisa couldn't help but still be surprised. She was amazed by how Aadila could tell Sagittarius' identity through the armor that protected her identity and camouflaged her voice.
"I wonder how you were able to guess her identity right," said Arisa.
Aadila fixed her glasses. "Her easy-going attitude. How she always showed up whenever I was in trouble made me suspect that Sagittarius was actually her."
"Oh," said Thelma playfully, "then that means I'll have to create a new personality to drop any suspicion."
As laughter brightened the atmosphere, Imani approached Arisa and Kazuya. Worry wouldn't abandon her expression as she examined them.
YOU ARE READING
The Challenge of the Masters
Fantasy♈ - Book II of the Astral Guardians Series - ♌ A princess who has the fate of the worlds in her hands. A prince who has to prove himself to his people. And mutual feelings that clash with their hearts. ♐♑♓ Arisa's dream has always been to live in a...
