In the early hours of the morning, I rose from my bed. The dream I had seen at night still haunted me; I had seen Alara in danger. The dream was so vivid, it felt as though the threat was right before my eyes. My heart was pounding, and my mind replayed the images again and again.
I hadn't noticed, but Dima was by my side. She seemed worried; when I first woke up, her hand was on my forehead, soft and warm.
"I thought you had a fever. You were sweating," she said gently.
"I'm fine, it was just a nightmare. Could you bring me some water?"
I sat silently for a while, deep in thought, then drank the water Dima brought. I took a deep breath; I had to plan the day carefully—tonight, the mission had to end.
When I went outside, I found Dima boiling water over the fire. She had already noticed her father's absence that morning, quietly tending the flames. No one knew where he had gone, and though I didn't ask, I was sure the man was involved in something. My mind, however, was elsewhere. Dima's eyes glistened with unshed tears, but she remained silent, staring at the boiling pot.
While she was busy, I quietly slipped away to feed my horse. I longed to report back to Karahan, but it was too risky; even being here carried its own dangers. The operation would take place tonight. After tending to my horse, I returned without being seen.
Dima peeked out from inside when she saw me."I thought you had left… yesterday you said you'd go tomorrow."
"Do you want me to leave, Dima?"
Her cheeks flushed red as she nervously shook her head."No… your presence makes me feel safe."
She was a good woman, but I couldn't give her hope. Neither fate nor my mission left any room for love.
"One day, I'll have to go back to my country, Dima. That's inevitable."
Her spirit dimmed. She muttered that breakfast was ready and disappeared into the house. She didn't even join me to eat. Only her son and I ate together. Her father didn't return either. Dima stayed in her room for the rest of the day, while my mind was still stuck on the morning's dream—Alara.
Later, I stood and wandered outside to inspect the surroundings. Suddenly, the old man appeared, carrying a bag.
"The children were worried."
"They always are, but there's no need for concern—I'm here."
He asked about my wound and suggested I recover quickly so I could take care of myself. I nodded, but my mind was already elsewhere. I checked my gear, prepared for the evening, and secured everything.
Before dusk, I fed my horse again, patting his side."Not much longer, boy. Not much longer…"
When evening fell, Dima finally appeared at dinner, though her mood was heavy. She barely touched her food, then went outside to tend the fire. I followed her out.
"What is it that frightens you so much? It isn't me—you've been carrying something else all day."
She turned, her voice trembling."It's not about you. It's my child… They'll take him tonight. My father and he are all I have left."
The words struck me like a bullet. The most critical part of the mission was about to begin. For the plan to work, I had to take Dima's child—by force if necessary. Tears welled in her eyes as she hurried inside.
I couldn't face her directly, so I left her a note instead:
"I cannot undo what's about to happen, but I will do something for you. The flower by the ruins."
I placed the note in the kitchen, then donned my disguise again, pulling the veil over my face.
I stormed into the house."Woman, give me the child!"
"Please, no! He's all I have left, I beg you!"
Her father seized her arm, muttering in Arabic that she must let the boy go, or they'd suffer again. Her eyes were filled with fear as she let go, trembling.
For the mission, it had to be done—the child's safety depended on it.
We headed toward the edge of the city, to El-Tarab's territory. Not long after, Dima cried out behind me:"Kara, don't! Please, don't do this!"
The men around the house grew suspicious and began firing. With the boy shielded behind me, I returned fire, dropping three of them. Dima ran closer, furious."You're putting my son in danger! Nobody asked for your help!"
"You'll have to trust me, Dima. I will get you out of this life!"
More footsteps closed in."Go! They'll take you away if you stay!"
I whispered quickly:"Take the boy to El-Tarab yourself. Say, 'That man tried to kidnap him.' Stay close to your son—I'll handle the rest."
Then I slipped into the forest, tore off the disguise, and returned to my own gear. Attaching a suppressor to my rifle, I climbed high ground and scanned the area through my scope. Too far—800 to 900 meters. I had to get closer.
Moving through the ruins, I ambushed the first patrol, silently killing five men. Their blood stained my hands, but the act filled me with grim resolve.
At the gates, two guards stood watch. Before I could act, cold steel pressed against my head."Turn around! Who are you? A soldier?"
I spun, disarmed him, and fired. Chaos broke loose. I slipped into the shadows, cutting down those who came at me.
Through a window, I saw El-Tarab—on top of a woman, forcing himself upon her.
"Get off her, now!" I roared.
He turned, startled. I tossed the woman a towel. His men rushed in, dragging Dima, her child, and her father. Weapons raised, they hesitated as I seized El-Tarab by the throat, pressing my gun to his temple.
"Shoot me, and your leader dies with me!"
Dima's eyes filled with tears. Her lips trembled, but she almost smiled through the pain.
"Old man," I barked, "collect all their weapons. The first one who steps through that door, shoot him!"
As the weapons clattered to the ground, El-Tarab snarled:"You treacherous dog! I gave you my bloodline, and you spit on it!"
Rage consumed me. I pulled the trigger and shot him in the groin. He collapsed, writhing in agony. His men panicked—I moved swiftly, eliminating them one by one.
There had been 25 soldiers—by the end, none were left standing. Only El-Tarab remained, broken but alive. I intended to keep him breathing, for now.
From outside came sudden gunfire. Dima screamed:"Father!"
Through the doorway, I saw the old man collapse, blood soaking the floor. Dima rushed toward him. The half-naked woman, unnoticed till now, drew a pistol and fired. My gun clattered from my hand. Soldiers dragged Dima against the wall.
El-Tarab rose shakily, but his strength was gone. I hurled a grenade outside, the explosion shaking the walls. Amidst the chaos, I shot the woman.
Then El-Tarab lunged, wrapping his hands around my throat. He hissed, "I know who you are, boy! I've seen your unit's insignia!"
We grappled fiercely. I struck back, shooting his limbs until he collapsed. Binding his hands, I checked on Dima—she was unconscious. Her child, terrified, huddled in the corner.
I called in:"Codename 24. Operation name: The Ruins."
"Copy that, 24. Status?"
"Mission complete. Awaiting orders."
"Is the old man still alive?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then finish him. Return home."
"Understood. Send the cleaners."
Before I could act, one last soldier burst inside. El-Tarab shouted:"Shoot the woman!"
The soldier aimed at Dima and fired. I killed him instantly, but too late. The child had thrown himself in front of his mother.
Blood poured from his tiny body. I rushed forward, but he wasn't breathing. His final look… he died with a smile.
I turned to El-Tarab, fury blinding me."You bastard!"
My vision went red. I smashed the butt of my gun into his skull again and again until his face was nothing but blood. He no longer drew breath.
I lifted Dima into my arms, then set the place ablaze.